Dr Awuese OkuSeptember 23, 2026by Tom Flatau“Delegates left knowing how to speak up, hold their ground and ask for what they need, without over-conceding. I highly recommend Tom for his outstanding delivery of the Black Belt Negotiator programme for the African Development Bank’s Women’s Network. The group were totally engaged and quick to apply what they had learnt.The part that stayed with people was his work on the negotiating paradoxes. Being frank and diplomatic at the same time. Confident in your own position while genuinely open to the other side’s. Firm about what you need while staying warm. Our members had assumed these were choices. Tom showed they are skills that anyone can develop.In environments where women are quietly expected to choose between being liked and being taken seriously, this is liberating. Delegates left knowing how to speak up, hold their ground and ask for what they need, without over-conceding.I highly recommend Tom for his outstanding delivery of the Black Belt Negotiator Programme for the African Development Bank Women’s Network. His expertise, engaging facilitation, and practical approach equipped participants with valuable negotiation skills and tools that will strengthen their confidence and effectiveness in both professional and leadership contexts.”