Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator and recognized authority on negotiations. Over his distinguished career spanning 24 years with the FBI, Voss specialized in high-stakes negotiation tactics, managing critical situations involving kidnappings, terrorism, and complex international diplomacy. He served as the lead international kidnapping negotiator for the FBI, handling over 150 international hostage cases and applying his expertise in numerous domestic crises as well.
Chris Voss’s approach to negotiation is noted for its focus on tactical empathy—an understanding of the counterpart's emotions to influence their decision-making process positively. This innovative method stems from his extensive field experience and is grounded in psychological principles.
After retiring from the FBI, Chris Voss founded The Black Swan Group, a firm that provides training and advises Fortune 500 companies through complex negotiations. He also authored "Never Split the Difference," a book where he shares negotiation strategies derived from his years of experience in high-pressure environments. His work has not only redefined how negotiations are understood and conducted in criminal justice but also in business and everyday life.
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