The Determined Society with Shawn French

• Kwame Christian’s Guide to Negotiation, Courage & Hard Conversations

  In this episode of The Determined Society, Shawn French sits down with Kwame Christian, a bestselling author, attorney, corporate negotiation consultant, TEDx speaker, and host of Negotiate Anything, the #1 negotiation podcast in the world.Kwame breaks down the real meaning of determination: making an agreement with yourself and keeping the promise, even when fear, conflict, or discomfort stand in the way.But this conversation goes far beyond traditional negotiation. It dives into the psychology of people-pleasing, childhood conditioning, internal self-talk, emotional regulation, boundaries, and what keeps so many of us from speaking up for ourselves.Kwame shares the origin of his compassionate curiosity framework, a simple but transformative method for navigating conflict without anger, defensiveness, or emotional shutdown. Key Takeaways-Determination is keeping the promises you make to yourself, even when it’s hard.-Most people fear tough conversations because of childhood conditioning or people-pleasing habits.-Conflict becomes easier when you use Compassionate Curiosity: regulate emotions, ask better questions, and approach the problem together.-You can win an argument and lose the relationship. Focus on connection, not domination.-Discipline grows when you celebrate the pride of honoring your commitments.-Mastery comes from deliberate practice. Focus on the process, not the outcome. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGAKwame Christianhttps://www.instagram.com/kwamenegotiates/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• The Story Behind SXSW: Reinvention, Leadership & the Power of Connection

  In this inspiring episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Greg Rosenbaum, SVP of Programming at South by Southwest and a 15-year veteran behind one of the most influential festivals in the world.From dyslexia to leadership, Greg shares the personal and professional journey that shaped him, and how SXSW has become a global model for community, creativity, and connection across music, film, TV, technology, comedy, and education.Greg reveals how adversity forced SXSW to reinvent itself after losing its long-standing convention center home, and why focusing on community over convenience transformed everything.He also opens up about mentorship, parenting, discipline, creativity, and the mindset required to build a festival that helps thousands of artists, innovators, and storytellers share their work with the world. Key Takeaways-Reinvention happens when adversity demands creativity, community must guide every major decision.-Dyslexia shaped Greg’s determination, discipline, and belief in incremental progress.-SXSW thrives because it bridges industries, music, film, innovation, comedy, and education under one roof.-The festival’s 40th year challenged the team to reimagine everything, leading to a more immersive, city-wide experience.-Networking is the real “cheat code”, authentic connection accelerates growth faster than any strategy.-Discipline in fitness and routine fuels creativity, clarity, and leadership.-Presence is the foundation of great parenting, partnership, and professional impact. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGAGreg Rosenbaumhttps://www.instagram.com/sxsw/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• The Woman Who Refused to Break: Guerdy Abraira on Healing, Identity & Strength

  In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Guerdy Abraira, world-renowned event designer, Real Housewives of Miami star, cancer survivor, and now author of her powerful memoir 'From Trauma to Trophies'.Joined by her husband Russell, the two open up about identity, childhood trauma, cultural reinvention, marriage, betrayal, fame, survival, and the inner work required to reclaim your voice.Guerdy shares intimate details about immigrating from Haiti to Paris to the United States, being separated from her family at just nine years old, building self-worth through service, navigating reality TV conflict, creating the Let Me Theory, and fighting, and beating, breast cancer with ferocity and grace.Together, she and Russell reveal the truth behind healing, partnership, intention, forgiveness, and what it really means to win at life. Key Takeaways-Reinvention is a lifelong journey — from Haiti to Paris to Miami, every chapter shaped Guerdy’s confidence.-Childhood trauma creates patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and over-performing, until you decide to break them.-Cancer forces surrender: losing control, facing mortality, and rebuilding identity from the inside out.-The Let Me Theory empowers you to reclaim autonomy, set boundaries, and choose peace on your own terms.-A strong marriage is built on intention, patience, presence, and seeing every version of each other with love.-Being “too much” is a superpower, your energy, joy, and authenticity are your gifts, not liabilities.-Self-worth is not material, it’s who you become, not what you own. Guerdy's trophies are her growth, her family, and her freedom. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGAGuerdy and Russell Abrairahttps://www.instagram.com/guerdydesign/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• Inside the $630M Bentley Residences: How Gil Dezer Is Changing Luxury Real Estate

  In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with visionary developer Gil Dezer, the mind behind Dezer Development and the groundbreaking Bentley Residences in Sunny Isles, Florida.From an unprecedented 36-hour mat foundation pour to $630 million construction loans and engineering innovations the world has never seen, Gil breaks down exactly what it takes to build one of the most luxurious residential towers on earthGil reveals the unseen world of mega-development: 40-foot excavations, 2,300 concrete trucks, faceted diamond glass walls, in-unit car elevators, private balconies with swimming pools, saunas in every home, and the relentless problem-solving required to turn an idea into a skyline-defining reality. Key Takeaways-Engineering greatness requires obsession — every inch of Bentley Residences is intentionally designed.-Massive construction projects succeed through coordination, problem-solving, and relentless attention to detail.-A 36-hour continuous mat pour involves 2,300 trucks, 40-foot excavations, and year-long preparation.-Innovation demands risk: faceted diamond glass, car elevators, balcony pools, and hurricane-tested engineering.-Real estate is a delayed-gratification industry — planning, permitting, and execution take years of discipline.-An educated buyer understands value: more space, better engineering, and elevated living experience. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGAGil Dezerhttps://www.instagram.com/dezerdev/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• The Luttrell Brothers: Brotherhood, Battle Scars & Becoming Unbreakable

  In this powerful episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Marcus and Morgan Luttrell, Navy SEAL legends, brothers, warriors, and survivors whose stories have shaped a generation.From helicopter crashes and TBI recovery to the invisible battles that happen long after war ends, the Luttrell's open up about pain, resilience, identity, fatherhood, marriage, and the hard road back to civilian life.They reveal what most people never see: the withdrawal from war, the deep loss of tribe, the spiritual journey of healing, and how psychedelic-assisted therapy changed everything. Through raw honesty and unmatched brotherhood, Marcus and Morgan share what it truly means to suffer with purpose, raise strong families, and refuse to quit, no matter what life demands.Key Takeaways-True resilience comes from facing hardship head-on, not running from it.-Brotherhood, tribe, and shared suffering shape identity long after the battlefield.-Psychedelic-assisted therapy can help veterans reclaim clarity, connection, and emotional balance.-Discipline begins with the smallest daily choices — even one push-up or one cold shower.-Suffering creates appreciation; comfort creates complacency.-The greatest battles often happen at home — in marriage, fatherhood, and identity. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Marcus Luttrellhttps://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/Morgan Luttrellhttps://www.instagram.com/repluttrelltx/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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