Scott Tillema

FBI-trained hostage negotiator Scott Tillema empowers leaders with proven tools for high-stakes communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making under pressure.

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7 Client reviews

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“Scott Tillema is one of the absolute best speakers I have worked with in my many years of event planning for my organization! From the very first contact he was helpful, always going beyond our expectations, and is just such a professional at what he does.”

Amy P.

Board Member and Event Planner

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Non-binding request for Scott Tillema

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Why book Scott Tillema for your next event

With advanced training from the FBI and decades as a crisis and SWAT negotiator, Scott Tillema mastered the art of influence when lives were on the line. He translates this rare expertise into practical frameworks that help organizations lead with authority, resolve conflict, and drive results in the most demanding business environments.
Scott’s acclaimed TEDx talk on negotiation has surpassed one million views, resonating with leaders across industries worldwide. His ability to captivate audiences with powerful stories and actionable tools ensures that every keynote leaves participants inspired, equipped, and ready to apply his insights immediately.
After completing advanced negotiation training at Harvard Law School’s prestigious Program on Negotiation, Scott was invited back to speak and teach at Harvard events. This recognition highlights not only his mastery of negotiation but also the trust top institutions place in his expertise to shape global leaders.

Non-binding request for Scott Tillema

From Hostage Negotiation to Boardroom Leadership

FBI-trained hostage negotiator and Harvard-taught expert, Scott Tillema delivers powerful keynotes on leadership, influence, and high-stakes communication. Trusted by Fortune 500s and recognized worldwide, he equips organizations with proven negotiation strategies to resolve conflict, build trust, and make decisive moves under pressure.

Keynote Speaker Scott Tillema is a nationally recognized FBI-trained hostage negotiator, SWAT crisis negotiator, and senior law enforcement leader with over two decades of experience in high-stakes communication. Known for his calm authority and proven ability to lead under pressure, Scott has built a reputation as a trusted voice on how people negotiate, make decisions, and inspire trust in critical moments.

Drawing on his advanced training at Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation and his lived experience as lead negotiator on one of America’s largest SWAT teams, Scott brings unique insights into human behavior, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. His expertise has been sought by Fortune 500 companies, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and global associations, helping leaders apply practical tools to influence outcomes and strengthen communication when it matters most.

Scott’s TEDx talk on negotiation has reached over one million viewers worldwide, and his perspectives have been featured in Newsweek and leading leadership podcasts. Audiences consistently value his ability to translate life-and-death negotiation strategies into actionable lessons that transform corporate leadership and team collaboration.

Book Scott Tillema for your event and give your organization access to negotiation strategies trusted at the highest levels of crisis leadership. His keynotes deliver both inspiration and practical takeaways, empowering leaders to communicate with clarity, resolve conflict effectively, and drive performance under pressure.

Customer Reviews

Amy P. Board Member and Event Planner

“Having worked in sales for decades, I know Scott’s life-saving processes that work under the gun also work in boardrooms, car lots, and classrooms. Scott brings real-world processes and techniques that produce results.”

Clay Schroff Director, Aspen Project

“We invited Scott Tillema to speak in Texas for our 2023 conference, and I highly recommend him as the keynote speaker to any CIT conference across America. If you want your keynote to be memorable, Scott is your speaker.”

Charles Heasley Vice President, Texas CIT Conference

“Meaningful and engaging. Scott had our audience’s attention within the first minute. The positive impact of his keynote was seen through the remainder of the conference.”

Kelley Collins Director of Communications & Event Coordinator

“I expected great stories, which I got. What I hadn't quite expected was Scott's ability to translate his wealth of knowledge and experience into practical and applicable models we can use in business and in life.”

Gordan Stoddart Co-Founder, The Recruitment Network

“Thank you for a fabulous session!”

Mandy Forster GE HealthCare (Australia, 2025)

Audiences and organizers consistently praise Scott for turning high-stakes negotiation principles into clear, actionable strategies leaders can use immediately. His keynotes are known for: • Practical frameworks for influence and decision-making • Engaging, memorable storytelling from real-world crisis negotiation • Tools for navigating difficult conversations and building trust • A calm, relatable delivery that inspires confidence and action • Customization for each audience’s unique challenges “Thank you, Scott, delivering such an incredible message on connections! Your insights, energy, and expertise truly made an impact, and we’re grateful for the time you took to share your knowledge and experience with us!”

CareFlite Team 2025 Leadership Summit

Keynotes

Keynote by Scott Tillema:

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

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Keynote by Scott Tillema:

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

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Keynote by Scott Tillema:

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

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Keynote by Scott Tillema:

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: