Philippe Weiss Discusses Negotiation Lessons from Dolly Parton on WGN Radio’s Noon Business Lunch

Philippe Weiss, president of Seyfarth at Work, was interviewed on WGN Radio Chicago’s Noon Business Lunch on September 1, 2026, where he discussed the negotiation and business lessons professionals can learn from Dolly Parton’s career.

Weiss explained that Parton’s success was driven not only by her talent, but also by her business acumen and ability to strategically leverage how others perceived her. He noted that her humor, authenticity, and carefully cultivated public persona often led negotiating counterparts to underestimate her, causing them to let down their guard.

He advised professionals, particularly those early in their careers, to focus on preparation, remain consistent in how they present themselves, and avoid putting the other party on the defensive, allowing them to feel they have the advantage while gathering valuable information and building stronger negotiating positions.

The full discussion can be heard at the 5:41 mark of the episode, "Noon Business Lunch 9/1/26: Iran war, oil prices, labor market outlook, Dolly Parton’s business lessons."