Built on Real Conversations, Not Quick Fixes
Back in 2018, we started marlenexivo because we kept seeing the same problem. Businesses would sign contracts they didn't fully understand, leave money on the table during deals, or avoid difficult conversations altogether. We thought there had to be a better way to prepare people for the financial discussions that actually matter.
How We Got Here
It started with a simple observation. Most business owners know their industry inside out, but when it comes to negotiating terms or structuring deals, they feel out of their depth. And honestly? That makes sense. Nobody teaches you how to handle a tense conversation about payment terms or equity splits.
We spent years working with companies across Australia—from startups trying to raise their first round to established businesses renegotiating supplier contracts. What we learned is that negotiation isn't about tricks or manipulation. It's about clarity, preparation, and understanding what the other side actually needs.
These days, our programs focus on building that foundation. We teach people to read financial statements with confidence, structure proposals that hold up under scrutiny, and navigate conversations that used to keep them up at night. The goal isn't to turn everyone into aggressive dealmakers—it's to help people advocate for themselves effectively.
What Makes Our Approach Different
We've tested a lot of methods over the years. Here's what actually works when you're trying to get better at business negotiations.
Practice With Real Scenarios
You don't learn to swim by reading about water. Our training uses actual case studies from Australian businesses—contract disputes, partnership disagreements, funding negotiations. Participants work through these situations in small groups, making decisions under pressure and seeing where their assumptions break down.
- Hands-on case analysis from real business contexts
- Peer feedback sessions with experienced facilitators
- Scenario variations based on your specific industry
- Follow-up support for applying techniques in live deals
Financial Literacy That Actually Matters
Most financial training either oversimplifies or drowns you in jargon. We focus on the specific numbers that come up during negotiations—understanding term sheets, reading balance sheets quickly, spotting red flags in proposed deals, and structuring payment terms that protect your interests.
- Term sheet breakdowns with real examples
- Cash flow analysis relevant to deal structuring
- Valuation basics for equity conversations
- Risk assessment frameworks you can actually use
Communication Skills Beyond Scripts
We don't teach scripts because real conversations don't follow them. Instead, we work on the underlying skills—asking better questions, listening for what's not being said, managing your own stress responses when things get tense, and knowing when to walk away from a deal that doesn't serve you.
- Active listening techniques for complex discussions
- Emotional regulation during high-stakes moments
- Question frameworks that uncover real concerns
- Boundary-setting without burning bridges
Who You'll Work With
Our team came together through a mix of finance backgrounds, business consulting experience, and frankly, a lot of trial and error. We're not interested in the guru approach—just practical knowledge from people who've spent years in rooms where these conversations happen. Everyone here has negotiated deals that worked out and deals that didn't, which turns out to be pretty valuable when you're teaching others.
Callum Thorvaldsen
Lead Negotiation Consultant
Spent twelve years in commercial law before shifting to training. He got tired of watching clients sign agreements they regretted later, so now he teaches people to read contracts properly and ask the right questions before committing. Has worked with over 200 Australian businesses on deal structuring and risk assessment.
Lachlan Stjepanović
Financial Strategy Director
Former CFO at two tech startups that went through acquisition processes. He knows what investors actually look for in financial presentations and which numbers matter most during funding rounds. Now helps business owners prepare for investor meetings and teaches financial modeling that holds up under scrutiny.
Ready to Strengthen Your Negotiation Skills?
Our next intensive program starts in September 2025. We work with small groups to ensure everyone gets direct feedback and time to practice. If you're preparing for a significant business conversation and want to go in with more confidence, let's talk about whether this would be a good fit.
Get in Touch