Michelle Kelley, a retired FBI Special Agent and Hostage Negotiator, leads the U.S. branch of The Listening Institute, sharing her expertise on the power of listening in crises and the corporate world. Her journey from a primary school teacher to one of the FBI’s most trusted negotiators is a testament to her remarkable ability to connect with others, interpret subtle cues, and remain composed in high-stakes scenarios.
Initially working as a second-grade teacher, Michelle quickly learned the importance of listening and empathy—skills she would later apply in her FBI career. After joining the FBI in 2001, she trained as a Special Agent at Quantico and soon found herself assigned to counterintelligence and counterterrorism roles, including the 9/11 investigation. In 2003, she joined the crisis negotiation team, guiding families and law enforcement agencies in negotiating the release of hostages held by terrorists and criminal gangs. Her ability to remain calm and build rapport in extreme situations earned her a reputation as a leading figure in crisis communication.
Michelle’s work at The Listening Institute focuses on teaching business leaders to harness advanced listening techniques to gain a strategic advantage. Her approach demonstrates how the skills used in life-or-death negotiations can be transferred to the corporate world, enhancing leaders’ abilities to influence others and achieve meaningful outcomes. Her keynotes and workshops offer a unique blend of storytelling and practical insights, showing audiences how to listen deeply, build trust, and communicate clearly.
In addition to her negotiation work, Michelle has contributed to cybersecurity education through the FBI’s InfraGard program, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors in addressing cybercrime. Today, Michelle’s legacy extends beyond law enforcement, as she trains professionals across sectors to listen like hostage negotiators, helping them handle complex interactions with a level-headed and strategic approach.
How can I book Michelle Kelley for my next event?
Email michelle.kelley@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
PepTalk are the official speaking agents for Michelle Kelley available to book for corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity endorsements, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Michelle Kelley's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. For media interviews, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Michelle directly.
What topics does Michelle Kelley specialise in?
Michelle Kelley specialises in discussing crisis negotiation, advanced listening techniques, cybersecurity education and more.
What is Michelle Kelley's speaking style like?
Michelle captivates audiences with practical insights and real-world stories, making complex listening skills accessible. Her engaging delivery keeps everyone attentive, offering valuable lessons for professionals at all levels.
Does Michelle Kelley offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Michelle Kelley offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.