Negotiation — advisory and interim, including subscription
Lead or support, we’re in the room with you
Unlock brings decades of negotiation experience to your organization — whether we’re leading the process or supporting your team behind the scenes. From prep to close, we bring strategy, data and insights, positioning, and composure to every phase.
Support for the moments that matter most
Every negotiation has its own dynamics. While some are hostile and high-stakes, others just need a seasoned strategist to sharpen the message and provide a broader perspective. We help clients define their position, prep their team, communicate to key stakeholders, and negotiate with clarity.
- Lead negotiator (first chair)
We lead strategy development including data reviews, meeting cadences and structure, tactics planning and implementation, payor messaging, and all external-facing negotiations. - Support role (second chair)
We advise your internal team on position development, including data reviews, negotiation sequencing, and risk communication. - Negotiation strategy design
Before talks begin, we define areas of opportunity, messaging guardrails, and deal objectives grounded in financial data and insights and reputational risk. - Preparation and simulation
We run pre-meeting simulations to help your team anticipate questions, pressure points, and pivot opportunities while safeguarding strategy. - Narrative and message development
Payor negotiations aren’t just about numbers. We help you frame your value and rationale with clarity and purpose and refine the language within the contracts to better suit your patients’ as well as your needs.
FAQs about negotiation support
What’s the difference between first and second chair?
First chair means we’re conducting the negotiation. Second chair means we’re at the table as an advisor or behind the scenes supporting your internal lead. We do both depending on what your team needs.
Can we switch from second to first chair midstream?
Some clients bring us in as second chair and later ask us to take point as stakes rise. We’re flexible and responsive based on need and priority.
Do you only support large, contentious negotiations?
No. In addition to large, contentious negotiations, we support renewals, terminations, new market payers, network entries, rate realignments, and more.
Will you align with our finance, legal, and communications teams?
Absolutely. Effective negotiation depends on cross-functional clarity. We collaborate across teams to prepare for every scenario.
The right lead changes everything
When contracts are on the line, you need more than a model. You need strategy, calm, and command of the room as well as the data and language. Let’s talk about how we can support your next negotiation.