About
In an increasingly uncertain world where global cooperation is becoming more fragile, leaders increasingly need to adapt and innovate when faced with negotiation challenges. Traditional strategies — built on hierarchy, information asymmetry and predictable frameworks — are no longer enough. What still makes the difference is something more human: authenticity, self-awareness, psychological insights, flexibility and the ability to think creatively under pressure. This training is a unique combination of neuroscience, philosophy, and relational intelligence. The course combines theoretical insights, self-reflection and the application of practical skills to prepare participants to tackle negotiation challenges with confidence.
Course Format
The course takes place over 4 half-days in a live virtual format
(14:00-16:00 CEST on 1, 2, 8 & 9 October 2026)
The language of instruction is English
Interactive, reflective and practice-based sessions
Designed for managers, leaders and decision-makers
Optional one-week in-person retreat for deeper immersion in spring 2027
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Implement strategies to regulate emotions and strengthen mental resilience
Demonstrate authenticity and flexibility under pressure
Design creative ways to overcome negotiation deadlocks
Shift perspectives and reframe conflict challenges
The course has a strict limit on participants. Preparation and active involvement in all sessions is essential so that all participants can derive the maximum benefit from the course.
Instructors
The course is led by:
Nele Erdmann
Senior Fellow, Institute for Global Negotiation
Nele is an industrial engineer and Holistic Voice Therapist. Nele brings together her many years of experience in international project development with expertise and practical methods in Holistic Voice Therapy and trance work to accompany leaders on their journey toward inner balance, authentic presence, and a confident, trust-inspiring way of relating to others.
Dr. Randall Waechter
Senior Fellow, Institute for Global Negotiation
Randall is a cognitive neuroscientist and social entrepreneur who applies his formal training in brain, behavior, and higher cognitive processing to applied problems of global urgency and significance.
Dr. Jack R. Williams
President, Institute for Global Negotiation
Jack is a lecturer and accredited mediator. He teaches widely on negotiation and conflict resolution for universities, governments and the United Nations. He is experienced in leading mediation and dialogue facilitation processes dealing with sensitive and highly emotional situations from community conflicts to complex international issues.
Admission Requirements
The course is open to the public.
The course is suitable for:
managers and senior leaders
cross-functional decision-makers
leaders working across cultures, interests or power dynamics
teams navigating difficult stakeholder conversations
organizations investing in modern leadership capability
Participants must have:
a strong command of English
at least five years of professional experience
a stable internet connection, webcam and microphone to ensure full participation
Unfortunately, we cannot provide scholarships for this course. Participants (or their employer) must be able to cover the tuition fee.
Reviews
"I found the course immensely helpful – from the premise of the added value, even criticality, of the human element in negotiations in an age of AI, to understanding reactions to stress and conflict. I walk out of the course with a much better understanding, not only of these elements, but of myself and how to manage. Thank you!" Senior expert in humanitarian diplomacy and policy within an international humanitarian organization
"The Holistic Negotiator course gave me a valuable opportunity to step back from day-to-day negotiation practice and reflect more consciously on how I approach complex and high-pressure situations. I particularly appreciated the combination of negotiation theory, neuroscience, practical exercises and personal reflection... I left the course with greater self-awareness, a broader perspective on negotiation and several practical approaches that I can apply in future international negotiations." Founder of an international climate and energy consulting company
"The Holistic Negotiator Course was an amazing experience. I loved the interactive format, learning from and with others, and the theory-based sessions providing valuable insights into what actually happens inside us when facing challenging negotiations, stress and frustration. The course translated this knowledge into practical tools that help navigate difficult situations and build resilience." Doctoral Research Fellow specializing in peace and conflict studies