Derrick Chevalier
Derrick Chevalier’s life and leadership cannot be captured through ordinary labels. To call him visionary or inspirational, as he often insists, is not for him to decide. Those terms, he believes, are best attributed by others, in hindsight and with perspective. What defines Derrick Chevalier instead is a unique fusion of wanderlust, insatiable curiosity, and a richly textured blend of personal and professional experiences. These pillars do more than shape his worldview; they fuel a lifelong commitment to transformation, both for himself and those around him. As the founder and developer of the Comprehensive Negotiating Strategies Universal Framework (CNSUF™), Derrick has spent more than a decade challenging orthodoxy in the negotiation landscape and forging a legacy that stands apart from the giants of the field.
His body of work isn’t merely theoretical. It is steeped in application, rigor, and results. From corporate boardrooms to underfunded nonprofits, Derrick’s methods have quietly revolutionized outcomes. He likens his innovation in negotiation to the legacy of Van Gogh—unrecognized in its early form but destined for timeless relevance. This comparison, though grand, underscores a deep truth: innovation is often dismissed before it’s understood. Chevalier’s journey is marked not by the pursuit of applause but by the unwavering pursuit of utility, equity, and evolution.
To understand the essence of Derrick Chevalier’s functions, one has to embark on a reflection on the following belief: innovation cannot just be a process of emulation of what has been done before, but it must also be a process of moving beyond. His work, especially represented by the CNSUF™, requires the transformation of leadership thought process, challenging the status quo, and becoming relevant or becoming irrelevant. Innovation has been Chevalier’s driving force in a world that is rapidly changing at the speed of light, not as a force of disruption but as a force that contributes to the construction of a systematic approach to reality, systemic since the focus has been placed on equity and analytics. His story, as he is wont to say, is an ongoing one, but the groundwork he has established openly implies a work in progress for a mogul in the making.
Living by Wanderlust and Curiosity
Derrick Chevalier credits three elements as the pillars of his leadership and life: wanderlust, an insatiable curiosity, and an eclectic set of life experiences. These aren’t abstract traits. They manifest in his interactions, decisions, and the bold steps he has taken in crafting a new language for negotiation. He doesn’t claim to be a visionary; instead, he embodies the qualities that often define one. His openness to learning and adaptive spirit allows him to meet people where they are, adjust his methods to what resonates with them, and inspire a shared journey of growth.
Leading Through Empathy and Adaptability
Chevalier’s leadership style centers around listening deeply and adjusting accordingly. He thrives on understanding what motivates people, using that knowledge to foster evolution. For him, leadership isn’t about dictating direction; it’s about creating resonance. He believes in learning as much as he teaches, giving as much as he receives. This reciprocal philosophy creates a culture of mutual respect and continual progress—an environment where everyone is invited to grow beyond limitations.
Staying Ahead Without Falling Behind
Remaining relevant in an ever-evolving landscape requires more than knowledge; it demands foresight. For Derrick, foresight comes from continuously refining one’s perspective through new experiences. It’s also the core of the CNSUF™, a framework built around six foundational tenets, the first of which is “Predict Responses.” With books such as EVOLVE OR BE SLAUGHTERED, From Fear to Fearless, and Influence Rapport Results, Derrick has not only contributed to the body of negotiation literature but also challenged its very core. While the world hails works like Getting to Yes and Never Split the Difference, Derrick Chevalier critiques them with precision, offering a more holistic, universal framework in return.
Catalyzing Meaningful Change in Negotiation
While others may dominate bestseller lists, Derrick has been meticulously shaping a new paradigm in negotiation. His CNSUF™ model is a radical departure from legacy frameworks. Unlike the seminal works of his mentor, Dr. Chester Karrass or luminaries like Ury, Fisher, and Voss, CNSUF™ seeks to address their limitations. It identifies vulnerabilities in their logic, not to dismiss them, but to improve upon them. In this way, Derrick pays homage to the past while boldly constructing the future. He views this work as akin to Van Gogh’s art—undervalued in its time but destined for future impact. His ultimate goal is to ensure that CNSUF™ does not remain a hidden masterpiece, but one that revolutionizes industries, education, and policy.
Innovation as the Central Mandate
Innovation isn’t an occasional practice for Derrick Chevalier; it’s the core of every strategic decision he makes. Every strategy, every methodology, and every client interaction is grounded in a commitment to evolve. Derrick Chevalier emphasizes that real innovation uses the past as a launching pad, not a blueprint. In an era where AI and other technological revolutions are shaping the future, he urges leaders to move beyond nostalgia and embrace new paradigms. CNSUF™ is built not only on foundational wisdom but also on the courage to break away from it when necessary.
Milestones Marked by Impact, Not Fame
Derrick rarely publicizes the names of the clients or companies he serves. This discretion is not just policy; it’s strategic. The integrity of his frameworks and their effectiveness rely on confidentiality. But some milestones are too meaningful to hide. Among them is the nearly one-million-dollar recovery for a nonprofit from a major corporation—a result of the strategic application of CNSUF™. Equally impactful was his pro bono work that secured nearly a hundred thousand dollars for individuals in need. These achievements weren’t just victories in negotiation; they were exercises in justice.
Resistance to Change: A Universal Hurdle
One of Derrick’s most persistent challenges has been overcoming resistance from entrenched systems and outdated thinking. Change, even when desperately needed, is rarely welcomed. Leaders often resist innovation, clinging to familiar yet ineffective practices. For Derrick Chevalier, this resistance is both an obstacle and a signal. It confirms the disruptive potential of his ideas and the necessity of their widespread adoption. Like many change agents, he recognizes that the most valuable ideas often face the greatest opposition before they are embraced.
Harmony Over Balance in Daily Life
Rather than striving for balance, which he considers elusive and perhaps unattainable, Derrick seeks harmony. Harmony acknowledges that life is rarely perfect, and yet, like music, it can still produce a beautiful symphony of moments. This philosophy is deeply influenced by Bruce Lee’s metaphor of being like water—fluid, adaptable, and harmonious with its container. For Derrick Chevalier, this approach creates resilience in his leadership and allows him to navigate complexity with grace.
Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders
Derrick offers two powerful insights to emerging leaders. First, “Circumstances do not dictate outcomes.” This challenges the victim mindset and inspires a proactive approach. Second, the call to “EVOLVE” in every dimension of life—professionally, personally, emotionally, and intellectually. He warns against the trap of being defined by either success or failure. He insists that growth must be unrelenting since stagnation is the real enemy of a successful business or personal life.
A Vision for the Future of CNSUF™
Looking ahead, Derrick’s goal is as bold as it is meaningful: to see the CNSUF™ framework become a dominant force in shaping how the world negotiates, governs, and relates. He envisions a future where EVOLVE OR BE SLAUGHTERED stands alongside the most respected works in negotiation. More than anything, he hopes to witness the systemic adoption of CNSUF™ across industries and cultures. And when the time comes, to exit gracefully, knowing the seeds he planted have taken root.
A Legacy Built to Endure
Derrick Chevalier is not simply shaping a new framework of negotiation; he is offering a new lens through which to view leadership, decision-making, and human interaction. His journey is one of humility, courage, and an unwavering commitment to elevate the standards by which we engage with one another. Whether one views him as a visionary or not is immaterial. What matters is that his work is here, it is impactful, and it is evolving. And in the end, that evolution may well be the most inspirational legacy of all.
