Harrison-Chevalier has dedicated over 25 years to the art and science of negotiation. His journey from an aspiring legal professional to an internationally recognized negotiation strategist is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. With a career spanning multiple industries, including higher education, luxury electronics, real estate, and finance, Chevalier’s expertise has been shaped by diverse experiences and a deep understanding of human behaviour.
At the heart of his work is the Comprehensive Negotiating Strategies Universal Framework (CNSUF™), a revolutionary approach to negotiation that challenges conventional methodologies. Through his Amazon #1 Best Selling Book, EVOLVE OR BE SLAUGHTERED: 2025, Chevalier aims to share this groundbreaking system with the world, advocating for a new era of negotiation that aligns with the complexities of modern business, technology, and international diplomacy.
Journey into Negotiation Training
From an early age, Derrick was set on a path to law school, dedicating his academic and extracurricular pursuits to achieving this goal. However, fate had different plans. His career took an unexpected turn as he ventured into higher education administration and faculty roles, followed by successful stints in high-end audiovisual electronics sales, real estate, and mortgage brokerage.
The pivotal moment in his journey came when he met Dr. Chester Karrass, a global pioneer in negotiation training. Under Karrass’s mentorship, Chevalier spent 15 years traveling the world, delivering the Effective Negotiating Seminar to organizations across industries. This experience ignited his passion for negotiation theory, tactics, and strategies, leading him to develop CNSUF™, a proprietary system designed to elevate negotiation effectiveness across sectors.
For the past 14 years, CNSUF™ has been an exclusive offering to Harrison-Chevalier’s clients. However, with the release of EVOLVE OR BE SLAUGHTERED: 2025, Chevalier is making this powerful framework accessible to a broader audience, recognizing the urgent need for evolved negotiation strategies in today’s rapidly changing landscape.
Key Responsibilities at Harrison-Chevalier
As Executive Vice-President, Derrick plays a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of Harrison-Chevalier. His primary responsibility is ensuring that the organization delivers measurable, high-impact results for its clients. Utilizing a proprietary 360-degree “IKSEAR” approach, Chevalier ensures that negotiation strategies are tailored to industry-specific needs and for the unique dynamics of each client’s organization.
His leadership focuses on driving quantifiable improvements, fostering organizational and behavioural evolution, and enhancing clients’ longterm negotiation capabilities. By integrating CNSUF™ into the firm’s consulting practices, Chevalier has consistently helped clients achieve outcomes that exceed expectations, reinforcing Harrison-Chevalier’s reputation as a leader in negotiation consulting.
Leadership Philosophy and Decision-Making Principles
Chevalier’s leadership philosophy includes two core principles. The first is the belief that “Circumstances Do Not Dictate Outcomes.” He argues that individuals facing the same challenges often achieve vastly different results based on their mindset and actions. This perspective underscores the importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in negotiation. The second principle is a fundamental shift in negotiation strategy: “We negotiate people, not circumstances or challenges.” According to Chevalier, circumstances are immutable forces that do not change based on emotions or desires. Instead, outcomes are determined by the decisions, actions, and psychology of the individuals involved in the negotiation. By focusing on influencing thought processes and behaviours, CNSUF™ enables negotiators to drive successful outcomes, regardless of external conditions.
Overcoming Challenges in Negotiation Consulting
One of the greatest challenges Chevalier has faced is gaining acceptance for CNSUF™, a departure from traditional negotiation methods. The innovative nature of CNSUF™ has required significant effort to educate business leaders on its advantages. Sometimes, professionals, accustomed to conventional strategies, initially resist change, preferring familiar methodologies over uncharted territories.
He likens this challenge to the experience of Vincent van Gogh, whose groundbreaking work was initially unrecognized. Similarly, CNSUF™ has faced resistance from industry professionals accustomed to traditional negotiation methodologies. However, Chevalier remains steadfast in his mission, confident that CNSUF™ will be acknowledged as a transformative force in the field. His perseverance is inspired by his belief in the framework’s ability to reshape negotiation dynamics, fostering collaboration, ethical decision-making, and sustainable success.
With each successful implementation, he strengthens the case for CNSUF™, demonstrating its real-world value in high-stakes negotiations. By continuously refining and advocating for the framework, Chevalier is paving the way for a new era in negotiation consulting—one that prioritizes long-term gains, strategic adaptability, and mutual benefit.
Staying Ahead of Industry Trends
In an ever-evolving business landscape, Chevalier emphasizes the importance of relentless action and a commitment to excellence. His approach to staying ahead includes continuous research, firsthand engagement with clients, and refining CNSUF™ to address emerging challenges in negotiation. He understands that industry trends are disrupted by technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and evolving consumer expectations, all of which demand a forward-thinking approach to negotiation strategy.
Chevalier actively studies the intersection of negotiation and behavioural economics, artificial intelligence, and cross-cultural communication. He believes that by integrating insights from these disciplines, negotiators can develop more dynamic, adaptable strategies that enhance outcomes. He also fosters a culture of learning within Harrison- Chevalier, encouraging his team to explore innovative research, engage in peer discussions, and apply innovative concepts to their consulting work. By combining empirical data with real-world negotiation experiences, Chevalier ensures that CNSUF™ remains at the forefront of the industry, equipping businesses with the tools they need to navigate an unpredictable future. His dedication to staying ahead of trends positions him as a thought leader, continuously shaping the evolution of negotiation consulting.
The Impact of CNSUF™ on Negotiation Strategy
For Chevalier, CNSUF™ represents both a professional milestone and a personal calling. He sees it as his life’s work, a tool designed to help organizations navigate uncertainty and achieve superior negotiation outcomes.
The publication of EVOLVE OR BE SLAUGHTERED: 2025 is a significant step in bringing this framework to a global audience, equipping professionals with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st-century negotiation environment.
CNSUF™ is more than a methodology; it is a change in thinking that encourages negotiators to move beyond zero-sum thinking and embrace a more strategic, long-term perspective. By incorporating core principles of psychology, communication, and value-based negotiation, the framework allows businesses to maximize opportunities while mitigating risks.
Chevalier has witnessed firsthand how CNSUF™ transforms organizations, enabling them to build stronger partnerships, navigate crises, and unlock new levels of efficiency and profitability. His goal is to expand the framework’s reach, ensuring that leaders across industries can leverage its principles to achieve sustainable success. Through workshops, executive training, and strategic consulting, he continues to refine and adapt CNSUF™ to meet the demands of a constantly evolving business landscape.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Rather than striving for balance, Chevalier seeks harmony in his professional and personal endeavours. He subscribes to Bruce Lee’s philosophy of adaptability—“Be like water”—embracing life’s fluidity while maintaining focus on his mission. He believes that true fulfilment comes not from rigid compartmentalization but from aligning personal values with professional aspirations.
For Chevalier, negotiation is not just a career but a passion that permeates all aspects of his life. He finds inspiration in everyday interactions, viewing each moment as an opportunity to refine his understanding of human dynamics and decision-making. He prioritizes mindfulness, physical well-being, and intellectual curiosity, recognizing that an integrated approach to life enhances his effectiveness as a leader.
Whether mentoring young professionals, engaging in philanthropy, or spending time with loved ones, he approaches every endeavour with the same dedication and strategic mindset that defines his consulting work. This integrated approach allows him to maintain high performance without sacrificing personal fulfilment, proving that true success is not measured solely by professional milestones but by the richness of one’s experiences and relationships.
