The $10M Conflict Mistake CEOs Keep Making (And How to Fix It)
Faith Mwaura
When CEOs Can’t Solve Conflicts, They Call Me | Conflict Resolution | Speaker
Picture this:
A CEO is on the verge of closing a $10 million deal a life-changing moment for their company.
But in just one conversation, it all unravels.
?? An investor asks a tough question.
?? The CEO gets defensive and over-explains.
?? The investor senses weakness → starts renegotiating terms.
?? The CEO panics → agrees to a deal 30% worse than what they originally wanted.
?? Millions left on the table.
Why? Because they didn’t know how to handle conflict in high-stakes negotiations.
This happens ALL THE TIME. CEOs underestimate how much conflict influences business outcomes. They don’t prepare for it, so they lose.
But here’s the good news: Conflict is a skill. And today, I’m giving you a masterclass on how to stay in control, protect your interests, and close better deals.
?? The 3 CEO Conflict Tactics to Win High-Stakes Negotiations
These three strategies separate weak negotiators from powerful, respected leaders.
?? 1. The 2-Second Power Move (Pause Before Responding)
Most CEOs make the mistake of reacting emotionally in tough conversations.
But high-level negotiators do something different: They pause.
Why? Because a 2-second silence does three things:
? It prevents you from sounding defensive.
? It makes the other party doubt their position.
? It signals calm, strategic confidence.
?? Next time someone challenges you, try this:
Pause for 2 seconds, take a slow breath, and then respond.
Watch how the entire energy of the conversation shifts.
?? 2. The ‘Flip the Pressure’ Question
The biggest mistake CEOs make? They over-explain.
The moment you justify too much, the other side senses weakness and they push harder.
Instead, flip the pressure back on them.
?? Example: Investor: “Your company’s valuation seems too high. Why should we accept it?” ?? Wrong Response: “Well, we’ve done extensive market research, and our projections show…” (Defensive)
? Power Move: “That’s a great question. What concerns you the most about our valuation?” (Puts the pressure on them)
Why this works:
?? It forces them to reveal their real concern.
?? It keeps you in control of the conversation.
?? It turns the negotiation into a collaborative discussion, not a battle.
?? 3. Know Your Walk-Away Point (Or You’ve Already Lost)
The most powerful person in any negotiation is the one who can walk away.
?? Weak CEOs fear losing the deal. ?? Strong CEOs are willing to walk if the terms don’t serve them.
Here’s a mindset shift that will change how you negotiate forever:
?? If you can’t walk away, you’re negotiating from desperation not power.
?? Before any deal, set your walk-away point.
?? If the terms fall below that, you leave no hesitation.
?? 9 out of 10 times, the other party will call you back with better terms.
What This Means for You (And Why You Need to Master Conflict)
Most CEOs lose deals not because they don’t know business, but because they don’t know conflict.
Every investor meeting, team discussion, or high-stakes negotiation is a test of power and control.
And if you don’t master conflict, you’ll get played.
That’s where I come in.
I teach CEOs how to:
? Handle tough conversations without losing control.
? Negotiate like high-level executives.
? Turn conflict into a tool for business growth.
?? If you want to master these skills in just 3 weeks, DM me ‘CEO Conflict.’
This isn’t theory—this is real-world power.
Let’s make sure you never leave millions on the table again.
When CEOs Can’t Solve Conflicts, They Call Me | Conflict Resolution | Speaker
1 周?? Your Exit Strategy is Your Power Move “The best CEOs enter every negotiation with this mindset: ?? ‘I don’t need this deal. I have options.’ When you’re willing to walk away, you negotiate from a position of power not desperation.”
When CEOs Can’t Solve Conflicts, They Call Me | Conflict Resolution | Speaker
1 周?? CEOs Who Win Deals Use This Underrated Question “‘What would need to happen for this to be a yes?’ ?? It flips the conversation from resistance to collaboration. ?? It forces the other party to define the exact terms for agreement. ?? It uncovers hidden objections BEFORE they kill the deal.”
When CEOs Can’t Solve Conflicts, They Call Me | Conflict Resolution | Speaker
1 周?? The 3-Second Trick to Stop Emotional Reactions “Feeling defensive? Do this before responding: ? Take a slow breath. ? Shift your posture (straighten up). ? Lower your tone. It makes you appear calm, confident, and in control even if you're not.”
When CEOs Can’t Solve Conflicts, They Call Me | Conflict Resolution | Speaker
1 周?? Why ‘YES’ is Your Worst Enemy in a Deal “Smart CEOs never say YES too quickly. Instead, say: ?? ‘That’s interesting. Can you walk me through how you got to that number?’ This forces them to justify their offer and gives you leverage to counter.”
When CEOs Can’t Solve Conflicts, They Call Me | Conflict Resolution | Speaker
1 周?? The ‘Silent Power Move’ CEOs Should Use “Want to instantly shift power in a negotiation? ?? After they make an offer, stay completely silent for 5 seconds. The other side will feel pressured to fill the gap often with a better offer.”