Story-Driven Negotiation

Every Negotiation is a STORY
The Question: Are you writing it—or just reacting to it?

Once upon a time, great negotiators built thriving businesses and relationships. That hasn’t changed. What has changed? The game is faster, the stakes are higher, and “no” is thrown around like confetti. The old-school, hardball tactics don’t cut it anymore—but neither does rolling over.

So, how do you flip the script and start winning negotiations with ease?By thinking like a storyteller.

This isn’t your typical negotiation training. We’re pulling back the curtain on the hidden power dynamics, narrative tricks, and strategic questions that can change everything. You’ll step inside classic fairy tales—but not as bedtime stories. As real-time negotiation challenges where you’ll learn to spot weaknesses, shift perspectives, and rewrite outcomes.

By the end of this electrifying, two-hour experience, you’ll know how to:

Turn pushback into opportunity using story-driven persuasion
Uncover hidden leverage (because power is often an illusion)
Play the negotiation game smarter—not harder

This isn’t theory. This is high-impact, fast-paced, and ridiculously effective.

Step into the story. Take control of the plot. Win the deal.

Next cohort is on June 26 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm ET. Click here to register.

Format

One Live Workshop (Virtual, 2-Hours)

Duration

One Session

Audience

Account Director / Manager· Media Director / Media Planner· Business Development Director / Manager

Pricing

$299 per participant for Non-Members

$239 per person for 4As Members

"The Academy of Digital Media has been an invaluable partner in elevating our sales and management training over the last decade. Their tailored approach to learning and development and digital media expertise bridges both media agencies and publishers, enhancing our strategic approach to client engagement across platforms and brands, and enabling us to stay competitive in a dynamic market.

By integrating practical insights with industry trends, The Academy of Digital Media empowers agencies and publishers alike to unlock new revenue opportunities and build stronger client relationships. For any organization looking to strengthen its talent and drive results, you can rely on the Academy to bring strategic insight and practical guidance and to make a meaningful difference."

Macy Fecto

Chief People Officer, Access Intelligence

"Since completing the training, we have seen significant performance improvements in the skills and capabilities of our team. They are now doing a deeper analysis of situations, being more strategic, and asking better questions. Our team is better equipped to address internal and external issues and communicate more effectively with clients, driving higher levels of customer satisfaction.

I cannot recommend this training program enough. The customization and focus on our specific needs made all the difference. If you want to improve your team's communication or negotiation skills, I highly recommend working with the Academy of Digital Media."

Louise Peddell

VP, Human Resources, Undertone

"There was no doubt about who to turn to for my team. The Academy of Digital Media knows how to translate complex principles into simple, digestible concepts and empowering actions. Their virtual instructor-led training was completely impactful. It's a recipe for engagement, productivity, content dissemination, and sharing.

It is easy to sing their praises as we benefited from a savvy and impactful approach to training. I wholeheartedly recommend the Academy of Digital Media for any team learning."

Joanna Harp

President, Dance Media

Session Outline

Our curriculum—presented in one two-hour session—unfolds our “Negotiation as Storytelling” framework, with session topics that include:

The Adversarial Starting Point—The Role of Conflict in Your Negotiation Story

The Relationship Starting Point—The Characters in Your Negotiation Story

Negotiation Scenarios—The Role of the Unknown in Your Negotiation Story

The Negotiation Realities—Unconventional Plot Twists in Negotiation Stories

Next cohort is on June 26th

1:00- 3:00 pm ET

Click here to register

If you would like to host an agency-exclusive cohort, click here to connect with us!

Meet the Facilitators

Leslie Laredo

Leslie Laredo founded the Laredo Group in 1996 and the Academy of Digital Media in 2015. Her mission is to address the critical knowledge and skill gaps media, marketing, publishing, and ad tech professionals need for the ongoing digital transformation of advertising. Leslie is recognized as a preeminent facilitator for her top-rated customized programs and hundreds of leading industry presentations around the globe. Having facilitated over 130,000 training days, Leslie is a sought-after strategic advisor, leveraging her vast network to foster professional connections, and is also Co-Founder of Business Therapy, a Leadership Development consultancy.

Deborah Burns

Deborah Burns Brand storyteller, business strategist, award-winning author of AUTHORIZE IT! Think Like a Writer to Win, and Co-Founder of Business Therapy, a Leadership Development consultancy. A former Chief Innovation Officer and Group Publisher for global media brands, her work shifts perspective and optimizes potential.

Story-Driven Negotiation