PROFILE
Scott Tillema is a retired SWAT hostage negotiator, trained by the FBI and at Harvard University and has over twenty years of law enforcement experience in the Chicago area. In 2023, Scott dedicated his career to serving others in a new way, as a professional speaker and corporate trainer.
As a founding partner of The Negotiations Collective, Scott now speaks on how to use the same powerful life saving negotiation principles and techniques to create business success.
Scott has spoken throughout the US and internationally at events such as TEDx, SHRM annual conferences, PMI professional development conferences, human resources conferences, law enforcement hostage negotiations conferences, Leadership events and for corporate clients such as Microsoft & Bosch as well as at major universities.
Specifically within the leadership space, Scott has worked with CEOs in the YPO organization in North America, South America and Europe. He’s been a five time guest speaker to the Advanced High Performance Leadership program through IMD Business School in Switzerland.
Today, as a global keynote speaker, Scott engages audiences and highlights how the same techniques of communication and connection he uses in life or death conversations will help you find the interpersonal influence you need to take your teams and organizations to the next level and create a culture of connection.
Why Scott
- FBI-trained negotiator with real-world experience leading critical conversations
- Former police lieutenant with 20 years in public safety and leadership
- Partner at The Negotiations Collective, consulting globally on negotiation strategy
- Previous clients include Citi, Shell, Siemens, Amazon, and global government organizations
- Engaging, grounded, and known for sessions that stay with audiences long after the event
SPEAKING TOPICS
Leading with Influence
Join Scott Tillema, a retired hostage negotiator and renowned expert in communication & connection, for the insightful keynote “Leading With Influence: Powerful Communication & Navigating Difficult Conversations.” This presentation explores the art of influential leadership, drawing on Scott’s extensive experience positively influencing others within high-stakes negotiation.
In today’s complex workplace, managers frequently face challenging conversations that require not only tact but also the ability to influence and guide outcomes effectively. Scott will share proven strategies and techniques honed from his years of negotiating under intense pressure.
Attendees will learn how to build trust, manage emotions, and communicate with clarity and confidence, even in the most difficult situations. Scott’s engaging storytelling and practical insights will empower your leaders teams to foster a positive workplace culture, resolve conflicts efficiently, and lead with empathy and authority.
Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the psychological principles behind effective communication and leave with actionable tools to enhance their influence within their organizations.
Communication & Connection: Insights from a Hostage Negotiator
Build trust fast & defuse tension.
Lead hard conversations with calm.
Active listening that influences outcomes.
Overview & outcomes:
Real-world stories and repeatable tools to connect when it counts most.
- Work with emotion (where decisions are made)
- Create cooperation via autonomy & connection
- Communicate clearly—even under pressure
Finding Success Through Conflict Resolution
From Tension to Collaboration
8 skills of active listening.
5 elements of precise delivery.
Channel conflict into positive outcomes.
Overview & outcomes:
- De-escalate, negotiate win-wins
- Build durable, trust-based relationships
