Mac Lewison is an accomplished instructor, former FBI Special Agent, and seasoned business leader with extensive experience in negotiation and strategic outreach. Currently a part-time instructor at Kansas State University (K-State), Mac teaches a unique course he developed called “Sales Negotiation,” preparing undergraduate students in the College of Business for the intricacies of professional selling careers. With a career that spans national security, high-stakes negotiations, and complex sales management, Mac’s insights offer invaluable lessons in resilience, strategy, and communication.
Mac's diverse professional journey began with a notable career in law enforcement, where he served as a Special Agent in the FBI's Kansas City Division. His primary focus involved national security investigations, including counter-terrorism, cyber crimes, and counterintelligence. Additionally, he was a trained hostage negotiator and instructor, roles that required an exceptional level of composure, empathy, and strategic thinking. These experiences have deeply informed his approach to teaching and advising, especially in the area of negotiations, where understanding human behaviour and communication are paramount.
Before joining the FBI, Mac worked in high-level sales and contract negotiation at AT&T, a Fortune 10 telecommunications company. Here, he led teams that designed and implemented multi-million-dollar network solutions for major corporations, gaining first-hand experience in navigating corporate sales environments and the challenges of technical negotiation. His tenure at AT&T provided him with the foundational skills in executive sales and marketing that he would later bring to his teaching role and other advisory positions.
Beyond his corporate and federal service roles, Mac serves as a Technical Advisor for film and television, lending his expertise in law enforcement and negotiation to ensure accurate portrayals on screen. He is also a committed community member, sitting on the Board of Directors for the No Stone Unturned Foundation, a non-profit supporting therapeutic learning in his local area.
Mac's broad skill set, spanning criminal investigations, crisis negotiation, sales, and strategic outreach, equips him to speak to audiences about the mindset and techniques behind effective negotiation. His practical experience and ability to adapt these principles to diverse environments make him an engaging and insightful speaker for professionals at all levels.
Mac Lewison demystifies the often daunting process of negotiating with executives and industry professionals, empowering attendees to approach these high-stakes discussions with confidence. Drawing from his unique background as an FBI hostage negotiator and sales instructor, Mac shares techniques for setting realistic expectations, honing active listening skills, and mastering the subtleties of tone and communication. His approachable style and deep experience make negotiation feel achievable, providing participants with practical tools to effectively advocate for their own personal and professional interests.
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