Mastering the Art of Negotiation: The Journey of Natalie Reynolds, Negotiation Expert and Business Consultant
Natalie Reynolds is a renowned name in the world of negotiation, strategy, and commercial performance. With over two decades of experience in guiding multinational companies, governments, and organizations toward more effective decision-making, she has cemented her reputation as one of the leading experts in the field. From high-level consulting roles at global corporations to her bestselling book on negotiation strategies, Reynolds’ career is a testament to her exceptional expertise and unwavering commitment to reshaping commercial and negotiation practices worldwide.
Introduction to Natalie Reynolds
Natalie Reynolds is a globally recognized negotiation strategist, business consultant, author, and speaker. Her journey through the world of business consulting has been nothing short of remarkable. Based in the London Area, United Kingdom, she has worked with some of the world’s leading organizations, including JP Morgan Chase, Meta, Rolls Royce, LVMH, Shell, and more. With her expertise in commercial strategy, negotiation, and psychology, Reynolds has been at the forefront of driving positive change within businesses and empowering executives and organizations to navigate complex negotiations and performance challenges.
The Power of Negotiation: Natalie Reynolds’ Approach
Natalie Reynolds is not just a business consultant; she is a pioneer in using negotiation as a tool for strategic advantage. At the core of her philosophy is the understanding that negotiation is more than just an exchange of terms – it is a process that unlocks human behavior and influences the outcome of any conversation, deal, or business relationship.
Reynolds is the author of the bestselling book We Have a Deal: How to Negotiate with Intelligence, Flexibility, and Power. Published in 2016, the book quickly gained traction for its insightful approach to negotiation. In it, Reynolds offers practical strategies, real-life examples, and psychological insights to help readers develop the skills needed to succeed in any negotiation scenario. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding human psychology and adapting to different situations, enabling negotiators to effectively maneuver through high-pressure environments.
Experience and Leadership Roles
Accenture: A Global Consulting Career
One of the most prominent roles in Natalie Reynolds’ career is her position as a Managing Director at Accenture, a leading global professional services company. Since January 2021, she has been overseeing business-critical negotiations across multiple markets, including North America, EALA (Europe, Africa, and the Middle East), and APAC (Asia-Pacific). Her work at Accenture primarily focuses on working with client teams, executives, and C-suite leaders to develop strategic vision, resolve disputes, optimize sales processes, and manage large-scale re-negotiations. Reynolds plays a vital role in advising and coaching senior leaders, helping them navigate complex negotiations and drive performance improvements.
Her strategic influence extends beyond the realm of individual companies. By coordinating cross-functional strategies, managing risk, and developing appropriate messaging, she ensures that negotiations align with the larger corporate vision. Her global expertise is demonstrated in the numerous industries she has supported, including financial services, resources, products, and government.
Founder and CEO of advantageSPRING
Before her role at Accenture, Natalie Reynolds was the CEO of advantageSPRING, a global negotiation training and advisory firm. Founded in 2013, advantageSPRING provided negotiation capability and advisory services to clients across EMEA, the US, and Asia. Reynolds worked with high-profile organizations across industries, providing training for sales, procurement, legal, and operations teams. She also developed leadership development programs and strategies to drive commercial enablement and transformation for her clients.
Under her leadership, advantageSPRING became a go-to consultancy for businesses seeking to improve their negotiation practices and commercial capabilities. Reynolds’ experience in this role further solidified her as a thought leader in the negotiation space, and the firm’s success laid the foundation for her later work in more high-level consulting roles.
Education and Academic Involvement
Natalie Reynolds’ academic background in law and strategic leadership provided the foundation for her consulting career. She completed her LLB in Law from the University of Birmingham, a prestigious university in the UK. Reynolds further honed her skills by undertaking the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) at BPP Law School, where she earned the grade of Very Competent.
Reynolds’ academic credentials are not limited to her formal education. She has contributed extensively to the academic field as an Honorary Visiting Professor of Negotiation at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass Business School). As part of her tenure from 2017 to 2024, she lectured on negotiation and commercial capability, delivering masterclasses, lectures, and seminars to MBA and MSc students. Reynolds’ academic role allowed her to share her extensive knowledge of negotiation with the next generation of leaders, helping to shape future decision-makers and negotiators.
The Make Your Ask Project: Empowering Women in Negotiation
One of the most significant contributions Natalie Reynolds has made to the field of negotiation is the founding of Make Your Ask, a UN-supported initiative designed to empower women and bring them to the negotiation table. Launched in 2018, the project provides free online negotiation training to women through charity partners and nonprofit organizations. By offering resources and education in negotiation, Make Your Ask aims to equip women with the confidence and skills they need to negotiate more effectively in various contexts – from salary negotiations to business deals.
Reynolds’ efforts to support women in business and negotiation were recognized globally, and the project was profiled at the United Nations General Assembly in 2019. By empowering women to participate in high-stakes negotiations, Make Your Ask helps create more equitable opportunities and fosters diversity in commercial decision-making.
Media Appearances and Thought Leadership
Reynolds’ expertise extends beyond her work as a business consultant and author. She has made significant media appearances and contributed to various platforms where she shares her insights on negotiation, commercial strategy, and diversity in business. As a keynote speaker, she has delivered talks at prestigious conferences and corporate events around the world, helping organizations rethink their negotiation strategies and prepare for critical conversations.
Her expertise has also been featured in major publications and platforms, including Forbes, BBC Radio 4, and other industry journals. Reynolds continues to make appearances and share her knowledge, contributing to the global conversation around negotiation, business strategy, and leadership.
Legacy and Influence
Natalie Reynolds has left an indelible mark on the world of negotiation. Whether as an author, consultant, academic, or speaker, she has influenced how businesses, governments, and individuals approach negotiation. Her work empowers organizations to improve performance, resolve conflicts, and develop strategies that align with their long-term goals. Through her Make Your Ask initiative, she is creating a lasting impact by helping women step into positions of power and influence within the business world.
As a thought leader and innovator in the field of negotiation, Reynolds’ contributions will continue to shape the way we think about and approach negotiation in the future. Her book, masterclasses, and consulting work provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to enhance their negotiation skills and succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.
Conclusion
Natalie Reynolds’ career is a testament to the power of negotiation and the influence it can have on business strategy, leadership, and performance. Through her work with global corporations, her bestselling book, and her dedication to empowering women, she has become a respected authority in the field. With a unique blend of negotiation expertise, business strategy, and psychology, Natalie Reynolds continues to shape the future of negotiation and commercial performance on a global scale.
