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Scott Tillema
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Biography Highlights
- FBI-Trained SWAT Negotiator & Law Enforcement Leader: Over two decades of experience in crisis negotiation, focused on trust-building and leadership under pressure.
- Expert in Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Delivers keynotes using real-life negotiation stories and research-backed tools to guide tough conversations.
- Trusted Speaker on Leadership and Culture: Known for practical, relatable talks tailored to leadership, communication, and culture-focused audiences.
Biography
Scott Tillema: Negotiating Trust – The Art of Communication Under Pressure
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. Known for his calm authority and precision under pressure, Scott has become a trusted voice on how people communicate, make decisions, and lead when the stakes are highest.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and an advanced degree in forensic psychology, and completed advanced negotiation training at Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation. He later returned to speak and teach at Harvard events. Scott rose through the ranks to become a lead negotiator on one of the country’s largest SWAT teams, where he navigated life-and-death scenarios that shaped his deep understanding of human behavior.
His expertise in emotional intelligence, decision-making, and conflict resolution has been trusted by Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, government agencies, and top professional associations. His TEDx talk on negotiation has surpassed 1 million views, and his insights have been featured in Newsweek and on the Power of Connection podcast by Perkins Coie.
Scott is widely recognized for his lived experience in high-stakes negotiation, applying what he knows when it matters most. His work continues to shape how communication is taught, practiced, and applied in environments where trust, clarity, and connection are critical.
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Popular Talks
Communication and Connection: Insights from a Hostage Negotiator
From armed standoffs to executive boardrooms, FBI-trained hostage negotiator Scott Tillema brings clarity to communication when the stakes are high. In this powerful keynote, Scott shares real-life stories from the field and translates them into practical, repeatable strategies for leaders and teams. Audiences learn how to build trust quickly, defuse tension before it escalates, and lead hard conversations with confidence and calm.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognize and work with emotion, because that’s where decisions are made
- Apply active listening techniques to earn trust and influence outcomes
- Lead difficult conversations with courage, empathy, and timing
- Create cooperation through autonomy and connection
- Communicate with calm clarity under pressure
Perfect for:
- HR and people leaders
- Culture and DEI-adjacent teams
- Law enforcement, healthcare, education
- Conflict-sensitive or leadership-focused audiences
The Four Pillars of Negotiation: A Framework for Influence
Scott reveals the essential four-pillar framework he’s used in high-stakes negotiations, from SWAT incidents to business deals. This session demystifies negotiation, giving leaders and teams a clear, actionable roadmap for influencing outcomes, resolving conflict, and building lasting agreements.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the four pillars that drive successful negotiations
- Prepare for and approach negotiations with clarity and purpose
- Use empathy and listening to uncover what really matters
- Navigate obstacles and deadlocks with confidence
- Achieve agreements that stand the test of time
Perfect for:
- Sales and procurement teams
- Executive leadership
- Cross-functional project teams
- Anyone seeking to improve influence and negotiation skills
Leading Under Pressure: Decision-Making When It Matters Most
Drawing on his SWAT and FBI experience, Scott teaches leaders how to stay calm, focused, and effective when the pressure is on. This keynote equips audiences with tools for clear thinking, rapid decision-making, and resilient leadership in high-stress situations.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognize and manage stress responses in yourself and others
- Apply proven frameworks for making tough decisions quickly
- Communicate with clarity and authority under pressure
- Build team trust and cohesion in challenging moments
- Turn crisis into opportunity with resilient leadership
Perfect for:
- C-suite and senior leaders
- Crisis management teams
- Healthcare and emergency services
- Fast-paced or high-pressure industries
Building Trust Fast: Lessons from Hostage Negotiation
Trust is the foundation of every successful team and negotiation. Scott shares the principles and tactics he used to build trust in life-or-death situations and how these same skills apply to business, leadership, and everyday life.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the science and psychology of trust
- Build rapport quickly, even in tense or skeptical environments
- Repair trust when it’s been broken
- Foster a culture of transparency and accountability
- Use trust as a lever for influence and collaboration
Perfect for:
- Leadership and management teams
- Sales and client-facing professionals
- Organizations facing change or transition
- Teams seeking stronger relationships and performance
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