American Negotiation Institute & CASBO Forge Strategic Alliance to Address Critical Education Challenges

Renowned Negotiation Expert Kwame Christian's Keynote Sparks Game-Changing Partnership Focused on Empowering Education Leaders

COLUMBUS, OHIO —  The American Negotiation Institute (ANI) announced today that its founder and CEO, Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A., delivered a transformative keynote address at the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) annual conference, catalyzing a strategic partnership to develop specialized negotiation training for education leaders facing unprecedented challenges.

The collaboration comes at a critical juncture for California's education system, which is navigating declining enrollment, anticipated state budget deficits, aggressive labor campaigns across 32 districts, and a 25-30% labor shortage contributing to widespread burnout among education professionals.

"In today's complex educational landscape, effective negotiation skills aren't just beneficial—they're essential," said Kwame Christian, whose Compassionate Curiosity Framework has been adopted by Fortune 500 companies and government agencies worldwide. "CASBO's members are the heartbeat of education operations, and empowering them with confidence in conflict will transform how they navigate these extraordinary challenges."

Christian's keynote, which presented negotiation as an approachable everyday skill rather than a specialized talent, resonated deeply with CASBO's 1,500 attendees who oversee business operations for California's $130 billion K-12 education system.

Addressing Education's Perfect Storm

CASBO, representing approximately 35,000 members in K-12 education business operations, approached ANI for specialized training amid what CEO Tatia Davenport describes as "a perfect storm" of challenges facing California's education system. Members are confronting multiple critical issues simultaneously and education leaders need practical tools to navigate these difficult conversations confidently.

Davenport, who brings over 14 years of experience with CASBO and a background in International Business Administration, has been instrumental in positioning the organization as a foremost authority on school business. Under her leadership, CASBO has expanded its influence through thoughtful professional development initiatives, including a monthly Women in Leadership Roundtable that engages approximately 700 women statewide.

From Keynote to Curriculum

The keynote presentation sparked immediate interest in a deeper partnership, with plans now underway to develop a comprehensive negotiation course tailored specifically for education business professionals.

"What began as a keynote has evolved into an exciting opportunity to create lasting impact," Christian explained. "We're developing a specialized curriculum that addresses the unique challenges education leaders face, with particular emphasis on building confidence for the 63% of CASBO members who are women and often navigate traditionally male-dominated fields."

The forthcoming course will leverage ANI's expertise in negotiation training while incorporating CASBO's deep understanding of education-specific challenges, creating a powerful resource for current and future education leaders.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact

This collaboration represents just the beginning of what both organizations envision as a long-term partnership. Discussions are already underway to potentially extend the program across CASBO's network and partner associations, including superintendents and school board members.

For Christian, whose personal journey from self-described "people pleaser" to negotiation expert informed his approach to the CASBO keynote, the partnership represents an opportunity to expand ANI's impact in a sector where effective negotiation skills can transform communities.

"We believe the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations," Christian concluded. "By equipping education leaders with these essential skills, we're helping them navigate today's challenges while building a stronger foundation for tomorrow's students."

For more information about ANI and its programs, visit negotiateanything.com 

About the American Negotiation Institute

The American Negotiation Institute (ANI) is one of the world's leading negotiation and conflict resolution consulting and training organizations. Founded by Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A., ANI has trained more negotiators than any other organization in history through its groundbreaking content, including the #1 negotiation podcast "Negotiate Anything" with over 10 million downloads. ANI serves clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies with its revolutionary Compassionate Curiosity Framework.

About CASBO

Founded in 1928, the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) is the foremost authority on school business, serving more than 30,000 members across California. CASBO supports the entire infrastructure of K-12 education business operations, including finance, facilities, human resources, transportation, nutrition services, and technology. Through education, advocacy, and professional networking, CASBO empowers its members to effectively support California's 6.1 million TK-12 students.

Media Contact:
Ashley Wilson
Director of Internal Operations and Strategic Communication
awilson@americannegotiationinstitute.com