About the Author

Bill Richardson is a two-term governor of New Mexico, former US ambassador to the UN, and former secretary of the Department of Energy. He spent 15 years in Congress and has successfully won the release of hostages, American servicemen, and prisoners in North Korea, Iraq, Cuba, and Sudan.
Kevin Bleyer was an Emmy Award–winning writer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and author of Me the People: One Man's Quest to Rewrite the Constitution of the United States of America.

Reviews

“I've seen Bill Richardson in action, and he has a remarkable instinct for getting deals done. He's also a great storyteller. How to Sweet-Talk a Shark should become a classic.” —Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Google

“As a fellow Governor--and from nearly 40 years in Hollywood--I know how hard negotiating can be. If Bill Richardson offers to share his strategies, don't pass up that deal.” —Arnold Schwartzenegger

“I have known Bill Richardson for over thirty years and he is a superb negotiator because of his Latin roots and his respect for other cultures' languages and customs. Whether in business negotiations or politics it critical to understand these differences. His book is an example of how to negotiate with sensitivity and humor.” —Carlos Slim

“The true value in what Bill Richardson knows about negotiating is that he learned it all in the world's craziest places, up against the world's most unpredictable people. Grab a chair and soak it all in.” —Sean Hannity

“New to the genre and of great interest, a new book How to Sweet-Talk a Shark: Strategies and Stories from a Master Negotiator by former governor of New Mexico and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson.” —NEW YORK LAW JOURNAL

“Few people can even get a sit down with folks like Saddam, Fidel, North Korea, and Chavez, yet Bill Richardson has gotten positive results from all of them. Enjoy the tales and tactics from a great negotiator.” —Chris Matthews

“Governor Richardson is a sensible negotiator who always brings human rights to the forefront of negotiations. I have known him for many years, and throughout our friendship he's been able to assist our path towards reform through diplomacy.” —Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Myanmar parliamentarian

“Bill Richardson describes, in a fascinating way, how to focus not on the hurdles along the path but on the path itself. How to Sweet-Talk a Shark is worth reading from beginning to end.” —Oscar Arias Sanchez, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former president of Costa Rica

“I've known Bill Richardson for a long time. He seems born to navigate the give and take of high stakes negotiations. How to Sweet Talk a Shark tells it like it is.” —Jimmy Carter

“Great book just published.” —Politicalwire

“Now that the federal budget melodrama is in intermission, it would be a good time for leaders on the Hill and in the White House to read Bill Richardson's take on making a deal all sides can live with.” —The Washington Post

“The book is a fun read and it's a great cover.” —THOMAS ROBERTS (MSNBC)

“Must read” —BRIAN KILMEADE (FOX & FRIENDS)

“What's most fascinating in Bill Richardson's book is the environment of familiarity that he always manages to inspire even when negotiating with the cruelest of dictators.” —Felipe Gonzalez, former prime minister of Spain