Verdier & Co.’s 16th edition of the Executive Breakfast series at The Lansdowne Club in Mayfair featured a roundtable discussion on a central question:
“Is your deal under pressure? How elite operators anticipate risk, resolve disputes, and close negotiations.”
The conversation focused on anticipating risk, resolving disputes, and closing deals, with insights from two highly experienced strategists: Julius Cavendish, who applies a journalist’s lens to human capital and geopolitical risk, and Thomas Eymond-Laritaz, who translates lessons from global diplomacy into the boardroom and moderated by Cedrick Moriggi whose deft moderation set a clear pace and kept the conversation sharply focused.
Together, they explored questions such as: How do you spot hidden risks that put a deal under threat? What is the first move within 24 hours of a major crisis?
Key takeaways (in brief)
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Map information bubbles. Understand who informs the other side and how the situation looks from their perspective before you engage.
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Change the dataset. Introduce credible new facts and angles to help counterparts reassess their position.
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Influence without escalation. Use small, thoughtful signals (setting, signage, touchpoints) to shift perceptions without burning bridges.
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Challenge your own narrative. Test assumptions and avoid groupthink—your internal story can be more dangerous than the other side’s.
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Prepare for the bad day. Scenario planning and rehearsal create a familiar mindset, so you respond calmly under pressure.
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Own the information space. Don’t leave a vacuum; communicate early and clearly so others can’t hijack the narrative.
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Mitigation over perfection. Mistakes are inevitable—what matters is speed, discipline and the ability to learn.
🔗 Want more?
You can revisit the highlights and join the conversation on our LinkedIn post, here.
