Scott Tillema

Scott Tillema is a nationally recognized FBI-trained hostage negotiator, SWAT crisis negotiator, and senior law enforcement leader with over 20 years of experience in high-stakes communication. Known for his calm authority and precision under pressure, Tillema 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. Tillema 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 TEDx 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.

Tillema 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.