Evolve or Be Slaughtered: Derrick Chevalier on Negotiating People, Not Problems

Evolve or Be Slaughtered: Derrick Chevalier on Negotiating People, Not Problems

27 Oct, 2025
  • Guest: Derrick Chevalier — H-C (h-c.com), Evolve or Be Slaughtered (Amazon #1)
     
  • Core ideas:
    • Negotiate people, not problems; products don’t change—people do
       
    • “Feel good” ≠ “win-win”; feelings aren’t facts
       
    • Persuasion vs influence: persuasion is seen, influence is felt
       
    • Antidote axiom: the antidote to any tactic is that tactic (or its opposite) elevated
       
    • Harmony > balance for life/work integration
       
  • Tactics & frameworks:
    • Identify counterpart intent (not just demeanor)
       
    • When splitting the difference can be smart—and when it’s a trap
       
    • Cooperative empathy: share just enough of your constraints to co-design terms
       
    • Post-deal audit: judge outcomes by ROI over time, not end-of-meeting vibes
       
  • Stories & examples:
    • From hostage talks to aerospace & automotive deals
       
    • Coaching a skeptic who becomes a “gold medallion” client and top negotiator/lawyer
       
    • Miles Davis “wrong chord → resolution” as a model for harmony
       
  • Takeaways:
    • Prepare to discover what you don’t know about the other side
       
    • Don’t avoid “sales”—upgrade your definition and skill set
       
    • Use influence to align behavior, not manipulate
       
  • Resources:
    • Book: Evolve or Be Slaughtered (Amazon)
       
    • Connect with Derrick: IG @derrick_chevalier, FB /anyproblemsolved, LI profile
       

Free 30-min consult link via h-c.com

 

Key Questions

(01:00) How did you get to be where you are today?

(03:43) Who do you serve today?

(05:38) So if I wanted to come work with you, what would be some of the criteria that you would be looking for?

(09:37) So on that note, how do you get in front of your potential client?

(12:34) What are some commonalities, mistakes, misconceptions that people have when they start working with you or when they come to you?

(25:24) Can you talk to us about how negotiation impacts everyday life, whether it's business or personal?

(30:41) Have you heard of Chris Voss?

(42:34)  What is your take on balance in life and work?

(49:34) What is the best advice you have ever received?

(51:21) What's the best advice you've ever given?

(58:23)  We've talked about a few things. Is there something that we haven't touched on yet that you would like to talk about?

(59:39) Where can we learn more about you and what you do and your book?

Derrick Chevalier

www.h-c.com

https://www.amazon.com/EVOLVE-Be-Slaughtered-Negotiation-Negotiating/dp/1965092543

www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-chevalier-6323272

https://www.instagram.com/derrick_chevalier/

https://www.facebook.com/anyproblemsolved

Virginia Purnell

Funnel & Visibility Specialist

Distinct Digital Marketing

(833) 762-5336

virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.com

www.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Image

Virginia Purnell

Virginia lives in Northern Alberta on a small farm with her husband and three children. Virginia is a master funnel builder having been certified as an FG Society Master Marketer, Funnelytics, and ClickFunnels Certified Partner. She uses that knowledge to help businesses with their online presence, visibility, and sales.