Chris Voss

Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator and an expert in high-stakes communication. He is best known for his work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he cultivated a reputation for excellence as the lead international kidnapping negotiator. Voss spent more than two decades in the agency, honing his skills in complex negotiation scenarios, which included significant involvement in numerous domestic crises and international kidnappings. His extensive experience in high-pressure environments is what sets his methodologies apart, as he combines psychological principles with practical negotiation techniques. After retiring from the FBI, Voss transitioned his negotiation expertise into teaching, consulting, and writing. He founded The Black Swan Group, a consulting firm dedicated to conducting negotiation training based on his unique experiences and insights. The company offers courses and workshops designed to teach negotiation strategies applicable to business and personal settings. Voss's approach to negotiation is centered around understanding human behavior and leveraging empathy and tactical empathy to guide conversations toward desired outcomes. He is a sought-after speaker and has shared his insights on negotiation at various conferences and events worldwide. Chris Voss is also a published author, best known for his book "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It," co-authored with journalist Tahl Raz. The book, which became a bestseller, offers practical negotiation advice drawn from Voss's experiences with the FBI and after. It emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding the psychology of your counterpart and provides tools and tactics that can be used in a variety of negotiation scenarios. "Never Split the Difference" has been praised for its applicability to both professional and personal negotiations and continues to be influential among business leaders, law enforcement officials, and negotiators. In addition to his writing and teaching, Voss contributes to the academic field of business negotiation as an adjunct professor at prominent institutions, including Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business and the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business. At these institutions, he teaches negotiation principles that are heavily influenced by his experiences and methodologies. His commitment to education and sharing his expertise has cemented his reputation as one of the leading figures in negotiation strategy today.