Hostage Negotiation Tactic Every HR Pro Should Know with Scott Tillema

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson sits down with Scott Tillema, corporate trainer, retired SWAT hostage negotiator, and co-founder of the Negotiations Collective. Scott draws from his experience as an FBI-trained negotiator to share how HR professionals can use proven negotiation and communication techniques to manage high-stakes conversations with confidence.  

Key Takeaways:

• Why listening is your most powerful negotiation tool as an HR leader.  
• How to use emotional intelligence to build trust, even in tough conversations.  
• Strategies for staying grounded when negotiations get emotional.  
• Why silence can be one of the most effective tools in HR conversations.  

SWAT Crisis Negotiator, FBI-Trained Hostage Negotiator, Expert in High-Stakes Communication  Scott Tillema is a nationally recognized FBI-trained hostage negotiator, SWAT crisis negotiator, and senior law enforcement leader with over 20 years of experience in high-stakes communication. He completed negotiation training through Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation and holds degrees in behavioral science and forensic psychology. His insights have reached global audiences through his TEDx talk on negotiation- viewed over 1 million times – and features in Newsweek and at Harvard events. Known for his calm authority and real-world insight, Scott helps organizations improve communication when it matters most, drawing from experience forged in crisis and sharpened in the nation’s top negotiation programs.