#49 – The Art of the Meeting: How to Run Meetings That Actually Get Results

Are your business meetings stalled, off-track, or simply not delivering results? Say goodbye to all that in 2026. In the last 2025 episode of S4N, Gene draws astonishing parallels between the missteps of world leaders in 1914 and the mistakes we still see in today's boardrooms, team huddles, and high-stakes negotiations. Using colorful stories from the infamous Sarajevo assassination and the global domino effect that ensued, you'll be confronted with the real-world consequences of unclear communication, rigid thinking, and poor meeting leadership. Gene decodes how a lack of message discipline and an over-reliance on tradition cost millions – and why these same pitfalls undermine modern businesses every day. You'll learn: Why "this is how we've always done it" is the most dangerous phrase in business How holding back – or over-sharing – key information can make or break your next big deal The irreplaceable value of face-to-face encounters, even in a remote-first, digital world Tactics to pinpoint who actually makes decisions in the room (and how to get them to move) How to transform meetings from time-wasters into innovation engines Packed with examples, this episode arms you with tools for assertive leadership, adaptive negotiation, and meeting management that will resonate with CEOs, sales strategists, and project leaders navigating today's hybrid workplace. If you're ready to break the cycle of fruitless meetings and lead your team with clarity – and impact – don't miss these negotiation strategies forged in the crucible of world history. Listen in and reimagine how you prep, how you show up, and how you bring others to the table – so your meetings never miss the moment that matters most. Remember: negotiation is life. Mentioned in this episode:  Germany and the Next War by Friedrich von Bernhardi The Great Illusion by Norman Angell The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman