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Responses from attendees over 53 events
The #1 authority on leading with influence & navigating difficult conversations
Field-tested in crisis. Built for leaders.
Meet Scott Tillema
FBI & SWAT Trained
Fortune 500 Trusted
Harvard PON Educated
1.2M+ View TEDxTalk
Build trust fast when the pressure is highest.
Scott Tillema is a retired SWAT hostage negotiator, trained by the FBI and at Harvard University and has over 20 years of law enforcement experience in the Chicago area.
"A Speaker Who Captivates & Inspires."
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 TEDxTalk 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.
FEES:
Add-ons: Executive roundtable • Manager toolkit • Breakout workshop
"A Speaker Who Captivates & Inspires."
See More of Scott's Background
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 TEDxTalk 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.
FEES:
- In-Person Keynote: $10,000 + $1,500 flat travel buyout
- Virtual Keynote: $7,500
- Speakers Bureaus: Standard 25% commission
Add-ons: Executive roundtable • Manager toolkit • Breakout workshop
Sizzle Reel
Full keynote
Trusted by leaders across healthcare, finance, tech & public safety
100%
of 4,240 attendees over 53 events
99%
of 4,240 attendees want to see more
87%
In person
13%
Virtual
Audience type from 53 events
When The Stakes Are High, Your Communication Can't Afford to Fail.
Clear frameworks are the only way to accelerate sound decisions under pressure.
Calm is contagious: leaders are the thermostat for the room.
Emotion drives decisions—master it, or lose your influence.
Timing and tone are the levers that instantly raise or lower tension.
So, how do you lead when every word matters?
The Four Pillars of Negotiation
A simple, repeatable system for tough conversations—tested in crisis, translated for business.
The Four Pillars of Negotiation
A simple, repeatable system for tough conversations—tested in crisis, translated for business.
Understanding
Your power comes from information & options
Timing
Timing is your strategy
Delivery
It's not what you say, it's how you say it
Respect
The foundation of influence
Keynote Programs
Leading With Influence
Powerful Communication & Navigating Difficult Conversations
- Format: 45–75 min
- Signature Program
- 4 principles to influence others
- Communication techniques from crisis negotiation
- Confidence to apply techniques immediately
Overview & outcomes →
Negotiator-grade strategies to build trust, manage emotions, and communicate with clarity.
Communication & Connection
Insights from a Hostage Negotiator
- Format: 45–75 min
- Leadership
- Communication
- Build trust fast & defuse tension
- Lead hard conversations with calm
- Active listening that influences outcomes
Overview & outcomes →
Real-world stories + 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
- Format: 45 min – 4 hrs
- Workshop-Ready
- 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
What changes when working with Scott?
Fewer escalations in tough conversations
Spot heat early, reset tone, and keep discussions productive before they spiral.
Faster decisions with less rework
Clarify decision criteria, time-box debate, and land clear owners—fewer loops, faster outcomes.
Higher manager confidence scores
Practical scripts + reps build confident delivery that shows up in post-event ratings.
Clear path from conversation → commitment
A step-by-step close: confirm intent, define next steps, assign owners, set timelines.
Stronger trust signals across teams
Consistent behaviors—listening, clarity, follow-through—raise psychological safety and buy-in.
We measure confidence and clarity—before and after.
Trusted by Leading Organizations & High-Performing Teams
How Others Feel About Scott
I was already excited for this part of the conference, but it ended up being completely different than I expected — and even better! So much of what was shared resonated with me on both a personal and professional level. I walked away not only feeling inspired, but also with some personal homework and goals I’m ready to tackle. Scott was truly motivating and delivered such a powerful message. Grateful to have been part of it!
Scott is an incredible presenter who delivered as both the keynote and breakout speaker. He has a natural way of connecting with people, making the content feel real and relevant through meaningful, real-life examples. His energy and engaging style kept everyone tuned in, and the impact of his message really stuck with the audience. Scott creates an experience that leaves you thinking, inspired, and ready to take action.
Scott's keynote presentation was absolutely outstanding. He was highly engaging, had us laughing, and sometimes holding back tears. His information was easy to understand and totally inspirational. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have had the chance to hear him speak in person. I am so excited to apply the skills I learned and want to do more training for sure!!
The presentation was incredibly insightful, with great personal experiences and storytelling that set the stage and guided the overall direction effectively. Very engaging. The knowledge and experience you’ve brought to your presentations really captured attention and helped drive your initiative. Well done! Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us!
Scott, I’ve been working for 30 years and you delivered the absolute best keynote I’ve ever heard. It was inspiring and very helpful—filled with examples, stories, and incredibly practical guidance. Thank you. Please continue to share your inspiring message. It’s relevant to all walks of life.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this presentation, and I was blown away! So relevant to the work we do in HR. This session reminded me why I got into HR in the first place—and that we can always learn how to be better professionals, family members, friends, and humans. Thank you!
How about a quick win?
Download My Free "Top 7 Negotiation Tactics Guide"Proven Techniques from a SWAT Hostage Negotiator.
Book Scott for Your Next Conference, Event, or Training Session
Custom keynotes tailored to your organization’s needs.
Scott's presentations don’t just educate—they transform the way leaders think, communicate, and negotiate.
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