Scott Tillema
Transform high-stakes communication with Scott Tillema, speaker and FBI-trained hostage negotiator. Scott works with business leaders to master crisis negotiation and effective influence strategies, delivering practical insights featured in his million-view TEDx talk and sought by global organizations.
Chicago, United States
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Scott Tillema is an incredibly talented communication expert, FBI-trained hostage negotiator, and founder of Negotiation Excellence, LLC. 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 founder of Negotiation Excellence, LLC, 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.
Book Scott Tillema to transform your team's communication and negotiation skills. With his unique insights from high-stakes hostage situations, he empowers audiences to master influential leadership and effective dialogue. His engaging style and proven techniques will inspire your team to achieve remarkable success in any business environment.
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