Jeanette Nyden is a highly accomplished attorney, author, and negotiation expert with over 30 years of experience in commercial contracts, procurement, and supply chain management. As the founder of Nyden on Negotiation, she has spent the past two decades coaching and mentoring contract professionals, helping them develop the skills and confidence to negotiate complex, high-value agreements. She is a recognized thought leader in contract negotiations, particularly in utilities, nuclear power, supply chain, and green energy sectors, providing expertise that enables organizations to mitigate risks, optimize supplier performance, and build long-term collaborative partnerships.
Jeanette’s extensive legal background is complemented by her four published books, including The Contract Professional’s Playbook, Getting to We: Negotiating Agreements for Highly Collaborative Relationships, and The Vested Outsourcing Manual. These works have become essential resources for professionals in contract management, procurement, and sales, providing a structured framework for improving negotiation outcomes. Her insights into risk management, deal structuring, and value-driven agreements have earned her a reputation as a pioneer in modern negotiation strategies.
As a licensed attorney in Washington State since 1993, Jeanette has worked with Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, and government agencies to develop fair and effective contracting processes. Her clients include industry leaders such as Microsoft, PG&E, TD Bank, CIBC Bank, T-Mobile, Brookfield Johnson Controls, and CH2MHill, among others. She has advised on multi-million-dollar outsourcing deals, customer-supplier agreements, and procurement contracts, ensuring that all parties benefit from transparent and strategically structured agreements.
Beyond her legal and consulting work, Jeanette is a dedicated educator and speaker, sharing her expertise with professionals and students alike. She has served as an adjunct professor at Seattle University for over 17 years, teaching negotiation courses to undergraduate and graduate students in the business school. She has also facilitated executive education programs at the University of Tennessee’s Center for Executive Education, focusing on collaborative contracting and strategic negotiations. Her ability to distill complex legal concepts into actionable, results-driven strategies makes her a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and training programs.
Jeanette’s approach to negotiation is rooted in practical application, adaptability, and collaboration. She understands that contract professionals—whether in procurement or sales—are being asked to perform legal functions without formal legal training. To bridge this gap, she has developed customized coaching and mentoring programs that empower contract professionals to identify risks, negotiate effectively, and drive long-term business value. Her training programs emphasize proactive contract management, supplier relationship optimization, and strategic alignment to ensure sustainable success in today’s fast-changing business environment.
Her international exposure includes working with U.S.-centric organizations operating globally, giving her a nuanced understanding of cross-border negotiations, compliance considerations, and risk mitigation strategies. She is also conversational in German, further expanding her ability to engage with multinational teams and stakeholders.
Jeanette has served as vice president of the Seattle Girls Choir Board and has been actively involved with Northwest Harvest, Seattle University (2006-2012), and the University of Tennessee’s Center for Executive Education (2008-2012). She is open to board and advisory roles, particularly in utilities, nuclear power, supply chain, and green energy startups, where her strategic mindset, legal expertise, and negotiation skills can help organizations navigate complex contractual landscapes and achieve sustainable growth.
A dynamic and insightful leader, Jeanette thrives on helping organizations and professionals shift from adversarial negotiations to collaborative, results-driven agreements. Her expertise extends to developing pricing models, structuring financial incentives, and ensuring compliance in high-stakes contracts, making her an invaluable asset to companies looking to enhance their contract performance and mitigate legal risks.
Her passion for negotiation extends beyond her professional life. An avid hiker, biker, and opera enthusiast, Jeanette approaches every challenge with a commitment to excellence, adaptability, and strategic foresight. She is an advocate for continuous learning and believes in empowering professionals with the tools they need to succeed in the evolving world of contract management and procurement.
Character:
Jeanette is a principled and forward-thinking leader who values integrity, transparency, and fairness in every negotiation. She is deeply committed to empowering contract professionals and fostering a culture of collaboration in business agreements.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years of legal and contract negotiation experience, Jeanette brings unparalleled expertise in procurement, supply chain management, and risk assessment. Her thought leadership has shaped modern contract strategies and negotiation best practices.
Strategic:
Jeanette’s ability to analyze risk, structure deals, and optimize supplier performance makes her a strategic asset to any organization. Her insights drive cost savings, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation in complex contractual agreements.
Communication:
An engaging speaker, author, and educator, Jeanette translates complex legal and negotiation concepts into actionable, easy-to-understand strategies. Her coaching and training programs have transformed the way professionals approach high-stakes negotiations.
Nyden on Negotiation YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@jnyden/videos
Authored Books:
