S1E7: Chris Voss | A Positive Mindset Makes You Smarter

Chris Voss, CEO of The Black Swan Group Ltd., author, and former FBI hostage negotiator, shares how a positive mindset is key to living an ideal life. Chris breaks down how gratitude cultivates a meaningful life and successful career, and he explains that antifragility is impossible without curiosity.

Developing Antifragility

Chris is the real deal. His experience in the FBI taught him that all people can be reached — not because they are weak or bad, but because they are human beings. Chris uses this fundamental truth, in conjunction with the wealth of his knowledge and experience, to help others become expert negotiators. 

Chris shares that his vision for his clients and his company is to help them become antifragile. Referencing Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s book Antifragile, Chris shares that this means to use adversity to your advantage. Implementing EOS® in his life has been part of helping him hone and perfect this skill. 

In order to become antifragile, Chris claims that you must be curious. Curiosity opens your mind, makes you smarter, helps you see patterns quickly, and allows you to pivot when challenges arise. 

[13:34] “How do you not get mad in the moment? Well, it’s impossible to be angry and curious simultaneously… Curiosity makes you antifragile.”

Antifragility requires teamwork. Having a team that shares your core values and runs on a positive mindset can put you back on track if you fall out of balance.

Gratitude Is Essential

Chris prioritizes practicing gratitude. He explains that expressing gratitude multiple times a day is just like brushing our teeth multiple times a day: it is essential for our health.

[20:54] “You’re 31% smarter in a positive frame of mind. That’s no small edge… [I]t’s not emotions that are bad for business — it’s the negative emotions.”

Chris warns against the self-righteousness that can coincide with negativity, and he stresses that it is impossible to live your ideal life unless you’re grateful.

Learn More:

• Chris’s LinkedIn
• Chris’s website

Also Mentioned In This Episode:

• Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
• Start with No by Jim Camp
• Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
• The Happiness Advantage TEDxBloomington by Shawn Achor
• The Gap and The Gain and Who Not How by Dan Sullivan
• The Talent Code and The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
• The Rise of Superman and Stealing Fire by Steven Kotler