Scott Tillema is an incredibly talented communication expert, FBI-trained hostage negotiator, and senior associate with The Negotiations Collective. With over two decades of law enforcement experience in the Chicago area, Scott has become a prominent figure in the field of crisis negotiation, training thousands of professionals in how to handle high-stakes conversations. His work, which once centred on life-and-death situations, has evolved to focus on equipping leaders and business professionals with practical, effective communication strategies.
Scott’s journey into crisis negotiation began in 2007, when he received specialized training from the FBI in hostage and crisis management. Later, he served as a lead negotiator with one of the largest regional SWAT teams in the U.S., regularly facing emotionally charged, complex scenarios that demanded exceptional focus and empathy. Alongside his FBI training, Scott has refined his negotiation skills through Harvard University’s Program on Negotiation and at the IMD Business School, building a foundation of expertise that has shaped his approach to influencing and guiding difficult discussions.
In addition to his practical experience, Scott holds a master’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s in behavioural science, lending a strong theoretical backbone to his understanding of human behaviour and interaction. His insights gained international attention through his TEDx talk, “The Secrets of Hostage Negotiators,” which has amassed over a million views and remains widely referenced in discussions on communication and influence.
Today, Scott speaks to diverse audiences about the principles of negotiation that have the power to reshape relationships and achieve meaningful outcomes, both in business and beyond. As a founding partner of The Negotiations Collective, he collaborates with organisations worldwide, teaching professionals how to leverage negotiation tactics for effective leadership and impactful communication. Based outside Chicago, Scott is also an avid musician and a proud Wisconsin native, who finds joy in sharing his message with audiences across the globe.
Scott Tillema shares insights from his experience as a SWAT hostage negotiator to tackle one of today’s greatest challenges: disconnection. Drawing from intense, personal encounters with individuals in crisis, Scott reveals how reconnecting with others can transform lives. His compelling journey explores the profound need for human connection and offers audiences a blueprint for fostering meaningful relationships in a disconnected world, illustrating how even the smallest efforts can lead to powerful change.
Scott Tillema examines how leaders can harness the art of influence—an approach borrowed from hostage negotiation—to build stronger teams and improve business outcomes. By applying proven communication strategies, Scott shows how leaders can enhance loyalty, strengthen their team’s cohesion, and drive success. His practical and engaging insights provide attendees with tools to navigate difficult conversations and influence with confidence in any setting.
Scott Tillema offers practical tools for handling workplace conflict, especially when challenging personalities create friction. Drawing on his deep expertise in crisis negotiation, Scott demonstrates how to embrace conflict confidently and constructively. This engaging session empowers participants with techniques to manage disputes effectively, transforming conflict into opportunities for growth and success, both personally and professionally.
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