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Speakers

Dr. Shari Simpson Dr. Shari Simpson Senior Manager Thought Leadership | Paylocity

Shari Simpson, EdD, is the host of HR Mixtape and a senior thought leadership leader at Paylocity. With over two decades of experience across training, talent, payroll, and employee relations, she brings curiosity, candor, and real-world perspective to every episode. Shari holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation, along with an MBA, MHRM, and SHRM-SCP certification. 

Scott Tillema Scott Tillema Corporate Trainer, Retired SWAT Hostage Negotiator, Founder | The Negotiations Collective
Scott Tillema, FBI-trained Hostage and SWAT Crisis Negotiator, is a leading expert in high-stakes communication with 20+ years’ experience and a TEDx talk viewed over 1 million times.
Human Resources

Hostage Negotiation Tactic Every HR Pro Should Know with Scott Tillema

Unlock the secrets of negotiation with insights from a SWAT hostage negotiator.
Podcast
September 30, 2025

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.