Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator renowned for his expertise in high-stakes conflict resolution. After a distinguished 24-year career with the FBI, Voss transitioned his skills to the business world, founding The Black Swan Group, a consulting firm that advises companies and individuals on negotiation strategies.
Voss gained extensive experience negotiating with terrorists, bank robbers, and other criminals during his time with the FBI. He served as the lead international kidnapping negotiator for the agency, honing his ability to de-escalate tense situations and build rapport with challenging individuals. Voss’s approach emphasizes empathy, active listening, and understanding the other party’s perspective to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Voss is the author of “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It,” a bestselling book that distills his years of experience into actionable negotiation techniques. In the book, he shares insights and strategies applicable to a wide range of situations, from business deals to personal relationships.
Voss is also a sought-after speaker and lecturer, sharing his expertise with audiences worldwide. He has taught at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Law School and the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, imparting his knowledge to aspiring negotiators and business leaders. His methods offer a unique perspective on negotiation, emphasizing psychological insights and emotional intelligence, which have been proven effective in the most challenging circumstances.