The Importance of Clear Goals and Understanding Personal Motivations in Negotiations: Insights from Bret Mullavey

Rolling Through Negotiations Podcast

In this episode, we delve deep into the world of negotiations with Bret Mullavey, a finance expert and chairman of Gridiron Australia. Bret shares his journey from a small town to leading roles in finance and sports administration, highlighting the importance of clear goals and understanding personal motivations in negotiations. We also explore the emotional aspects of decision making, the differences in negotiation styles between cultures, and the transformative power of sports. Whether you're in finance, sports, or just looking to improve your negotiation skills, this episode offers valuable insights into the art of reaching mutual agreements.
Key Points:

• Bret Moulavi's Background: Bret grew up in a small town called Walla Walla in New South Wales. After high school, he began working at a local bank in Albury. His banking career took him from New South Wales to Queensland and eventually to Melbourne. After working for a major bank for ten years, Bret started his own finance broking business, Fintcap.
• Passion for Gridiron: Bret's love for American football began around 2011-2012. He discovered that gridiron was played in Australia in 2017 and joined a club. While he initially tried playing, he eventually got involved in coaching and administration. Brett is now the chairman of Gridiron Australia, working to empower the sport in the country.
• Emotional Side of Negotiation: Bret emphasises the importance of treating negotiations as business transactions and staying as emotionless as possible. He believes that while emotions can cloud judgment, they can also be powerful motivators.
• Differences in Negotiation Styles: Bret observes that Americans tend to be more transparent in negotiations, making their positions clear from the outset. In contrast, Australians might be more reserved. He also notes that while the finance side of his work involves traditional negotiations, his role in gridiron involves negotiating for change and bringing people along on a journey.
• Learning from Failed Negotiations: Bret shares an experience from the American football side where they tried to implement changes that didn't land right. He emphasises the importance of establishing clear goals and understanding everyone's position to navigate such challenges.
• Transition from Research to Buying: The emotional switch people experience when they move from researching properties to actually buying one. Bret acknowledges this shift and emphasises the importance of understanding clients' motivations.

So, grab your headphones, kick back, and let's get real about finance, football, and the emotional side of negotiations. Trust us, you won't want to miss this one!

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76
We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.