The Power of Fair Exchange in High-Stakes Negotiations
Shannon Royden-Turner
CEO Alchemist | Growth & Investment Strategist | Unlocking Capital for Africa’s Future
Negotiating with seasoned investors and corporate entities can feel like stepping into the lion’s den. These are individuals who negotiate for a living, who have honed their skills over countless high-stakes deals. It’s easy to feel outmatched.
But the reality is, they don’t hold all the power. The key to negotiating with confidence lies in understanding fair exchange—both in terms of tangible value and self-worth.
Why Fair Exchange Matters in Negotiation
Negotiation isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about perception. Fair exchange is driven by how you and the other party perceive the offer and its alignment with your individual priorities. When both sides perceive value as equitable, negotiations progress smoothly. When there’s a disconnect, resistance builds.
The Equity Theory in Investment Negotiations
The Equity Theory explains why negotiations can feel combative when perceived value is misaligned. When someone feels they’re being asked to give more than what they receive, they instinctively push back to restore balance. Likewise, if someone receives more than they believe they deserve, they may unconsciously self-correct by offering more in return.
These dynamics play out in every negotiation:
If an investor feels they’re giving too much capital without adequate security, they’ll demand more control.
If a mining CEO feels they’re giving away too much equity for too little investment, they’ll resist the deal.
If the perceived exchange is fair, both parties engage willingly.
Understanding this principle allows you to negotiate without intimidation. Instead of seeing investors as adversaries, you recognize them as partners seeking balance—just like you.
Self-Worth and Negotiation Power
At its core, negotiation isn’t just about the deal—it’s about you.
Your self-worth directly impacts what you allow yourself to be, do, and have in life. If you undervalue your leadership, your company, or your vision, you’ll subconsciously accept deals that don’t serve you. Conversely, when you stand firm in your value, you negotiate from a position of strength.
Investors don’t just bet on projects; they bet on CEOs who exude certainty, resilience, and a clear understanding of value exchange.
How I Help You Level the Playing Field
Many junior mining CEOs struggle to hold their ground in negotiations because they lack the frameworks used by seasoned dealmakers. I help you shift that dynamic by equipping you with:
? Certainty – You’ll command respect, even when negotiating with industry heavyweights.
? Effortless Strategy – I break down negotiation dynamics into simple, repeatable frameworks.
? Rapid Results – You’ll feel a shift in your negotiation presence within weeks.
Fair exchange isn’t just a principle—it’s a power move.
When you understand value, self-worth, and negotiation dynamics, you transform from someone seeking investment to someone investors want to invest in.
Are you ready to step into that power?
DM me the word RESPECT if you would like a FREE 1-2-1 Negotiation Strategy session to shift your presence in your next investor pitch.