North Star Conversations | Unlock Your Potential, Performance & Purpose

Originally aired: April 2023
Episode Number: 146
The moments that shape us most are often the ones we barely notice, until they start holding us back.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, multi-award-winning professional therapist, coach, hypnotist, author, and speaker Danny Greeves delves into how a single experience of embarrassment can create lasting patterns of fear, avoidance, and self-doubt. Learn how bringing these hidden patterns into awareness—and actively reshaping them—can change your emotional responses, unlock confidence, and allow you to express yourself more freely in every area of life.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/dannygreeves

Episode Notes
Hostage Negotiator: How To Win Any High-Stakes Conversation, Instantly Gain Trust & Turn Enemies Into Allies! - Scott Walker | EP269
In this episode, I sat down with Scott Walker, a world-leading negotiator and bestselling author, who has led over 300 kidnap-for-ransom negotiations across the globe. We dove deep into the psychology of high-stakes conversations, the power of curiosity, practical tools for emotional regulation, and the art of building trust in even the most critical moments. You'll discover frameworks for navigating business and personal negotiations, learn from gripping real-life stories, and pick up actionable techniques for better communication under pressure.
Don't miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/
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Video Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:01 - Welcoming Scott and Initial Reflections
00:49 - The Stakes of Crisis Negotiation
01:41 - Do Negotiators Always Get What They Want?
03:09 - Scott's Early Career and Inspiration
04:52 - Lessons from Interrogation and Curiosity as a Superpower
06:45 - From Hostage Negotiator to Bestselling Author
08:47 - Negotiation as Everyday Life: Collaboration and Cooperation
10:42 - The Business of Long-Term Relationships
11:42 - Scott's First High-Stakes Negotiation Story
15:12 - Lessons Learned: Emotional Self-Regulation
16:25 - Internal Politics vs. External Crisis
17:01 - Tools for Emotional Regulation in High-Pressure Moments
19:26 - The "Immediate Action Drill" for Difficult Conversations
21:19 - The Power of Buying Time
22:19 - The Role of Trust in Negotiation
23:01 - Framework of Negotiation: Data, Trust, Problem-Solving
24:13 - 93% Success Rate in Hostage Negotiation
25:17 - Building and Demonstrating Trust (for Both Sides)
27:07 - Navigating Loss Aversion and Holding Boundaries
30:31 - Embracing Challenging Conversations for Better Outcomes
31:41 - The Spectrum of Negotiation Approaches
32:00 - Decreasing Increases: The Tactical Approach
33:40 - Reading Underlying Needs: Identity and Saving Face
34:11 - The Importance (and Difficulty) of Level 5 Listening
35:39 - Point of View and Empathy Loops
38:43 - Using "Deliberate Mistakes" to Reveal Truths
39:53 - Where to Learn More: Scott's Books and Courses
40:51 - The Biggest Mistake in High-Stakes Conversation
41:47 - The "Bunch of Fives" Preparation Technique
43:39 - Why Emotional Regulation Wins (Michael Phelps Example)
44:30 - Blind Spots for Business Leaders Under Pressure
45:56 - Articulating Identity and Status in Difficult Talks
46:29 - Trust as a Pillar: How Long Does It Take to Build?
47:02 - The Longest and Shortest Negotiations
48:24 - A Case That Stays with Scott: Lessons in Resilience
49:40 - Influence of Tony Robbins on Scott's Approach
54:15 - Greatest Learnings: State Management and Worthy Opponents
55:17 - Tools for Rapid State Change
57:53 - Micro-Transitions Between High-Pressure Moments
59:37 - Daily Practices for Mindful Transitions
61:21 - The Case Scott Still Thinks About at 2am
69:56 - What You'll Learn from Scott's Books
71:12 - Scott's North Star and Advice to the Next Generation
73:08 - Final Reflections & Call to Action
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Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations
Website - https://www.willpolston.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/
Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston
Check out Red Centre Global's website here: https://www.redcentreglobal.com/
Scott's online course for Negotiation: https://www.negotiation-mastery.com/
About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!

Originally aired: March 2023
Episode Number: 145
Many of the limits we experience aren't external. They're shaped by the identity we've learned to hold onto.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, transformational speaker and best-selling author Kute Blackson explores how ego and conditioning can trap us in patterns that restrict growth, and what shifts when you begin to see life through a deeper lens. Discover how surrendering rigid identities, questioning learned beliefs, and reconnecting with a more authentic self can transform not just how you see life—but how you experience it.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/kuteblackson

Originally aired: November 2022
Episode Number: 144
Resilience isn't just about pushing forward. It's about learning to live with what you've lost, while still finding meaning in what remains.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, South African champion para surfer, competitive swimmer and professional speaker Caleb Swanepoel explores the emotional and physical realities of life after losing a limb—from missing the simple, everyday moments most people take for granted, to navigating the ongoing challenges of pain, adaptation, and recovery. Learn how embracing the highs and lows, and continuing to show up despite limitations, becomes its own form of strength.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/calebswanepoel

Episode Notes
The Life Transformation Coach: Why Most Diets & Fitness Plans Fail, How Limiting Beliefs Sabotage Success & The ONLY Way To Create Lasting Change with your Health and Fitness! - Kirk Miller | EP268
In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Kirk Miller, renowned coach and founder of Built to Last, as he shares his journey from aspiring professional footballer to leading expert in personal transformation. We explore Kirk's pivotal life moments, how overcoming self-doubt and environmental limitations shaped his path, and the essential pillars he uses to help others create lasting change. Discover practical strategies for unlocking your true potential and living a more complete, purpose-driven life.
Don't miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/
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Video Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:01 - Welcoming Kirk Miller
00:08 - Kirk's Dubai/London Hybrid Lifestyle
00:16 - Will's Fitness Journey with Kirk
00:56 - Kirk's Early Life and Football Dreams in Coventry
01:28 - The Path to Joining Coventry & Manchester United Opportunity
03:01 - Pivotal Life Choices at Age 13
05:02 - Being Released by Coventry at Age 20 & Identity Loss
06:43 - Retraining as a Plumber and Struggles with Self-Confidence
07:30 - Entering the Men's Health Cover Competition
08:55 - Childhood Limitations and the Specialist's Prediction
10:00 - The Impact of Authority on Life Scripts
11:15 - The Real Reason for Not Taking Big Opportunities
11:42 - Winning Men's Health & Pursuing Passion
13:16 - Building 'Built to Last': Team, Community, and Life Mission
15:15 - Internal vs. External Confidence and Happiness
16:22 - Kirk's Battle with Emotional Insecurity & Life After Men's Health
18:57 - Creating Lasting Change: Growth Beyond Physical Success
20:00 - Filling the Gap Between Reality & What You Want
21:07 - The Six Pillars of Built to Last
21:51 - Purpose as the Foundation for Growth
22:18 - Structure for All Seasons & Lifestyle Management
23:50 - Physical and Emotional Confidence
25:43 - Emotional Confidence: Self-Belief and Habits
26:43 - Perseverance: Resilience During Tough Times
27:31 - High Performance Environment & Peer Groups
29:58 - Influence of Environment on Identity and Success
31:06 - Internal vs. External Energy; Living in Alignment
32:09 - Will's Personal Fitness Story & Lessons Learned
34:09 - Reducing Friction, Accountability, and Marginal Gains
36:05 - High Community Standards Without Comparisons
37:26 - Personalized Growth and Setting Your Own Standards
38:10 - Adapting to Seasons of Life (Parenthood, Business, etc.)
40:14 - Personalized Food Strategy for Entrepreneurs
42:31 - Managing Progress with Flexibility
44:30 - Comparing Yourself Only to Yourself
45:00 - The Emotional Catch-up After Rapid Change
49:06 - Keeping Promises to Yourself & Long-Term Consistency
51:10 - How to Connect with Kirk Miller
51:51 - The One Question Kirk Wishes More Would Ask
53:20 - Removing Limiting Beliefs for a Complete Life
53:32 - Final Thoughts and Call to Action
54:04 - Closing Remarks
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Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations
Website - https://www.willpolston.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/
Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston
Check out Kirk Millers website here: https://kirkmiller.co.uk/
Follow Kirk on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kirkmiller_/
About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!