Scott Tillema

Former SWAT negotiator, keynote speaker and trainer

Scott Tillema is an international speaker, corporate trainer, and expert in communicating under pressure. He spent two decades in law enforcement and became the lead negotiator for one of the largest SWAT teams in the United States. As an FBI-trained negotiator, he handled crises in which success depended on staying calm, building trust quickly, and influencing others without pressure. He studied behavioral science and forensic psychology and completed advanced training through Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiation.

Today, he turns his experience from high-stakes situations into practical strategies for leadership, conflict resolution, business negotiations, and difficult conversations. He speaks to companies and organizations worldwide and has worked with clients including Microsoft, GE HealthCare, Citi, and Bosch. His TEDx talk on the secrets of hostage negotiators has received more than one million views. Scott shows that persuasive communication isn't about finding the perfect words, but about listening attentively, showing respect, understanding the other party’s motivations, and building a genuine connection.