Former FBI Hostage Negotiator, Founder of the Black Swan Group Ltd, Author of International Bestseller ‘Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It’ & Won the FBI Agents Association Award for Distinguished & Exemplary Service
Chris Voss’s Biography:
Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator, bestselling author and business consultant who is widely recognised for transforming the art of negotiation into a practical tool for leadership, sales and communication. Best known for his internationally acclaimed book ‘Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It’, Chris built his reputation through years of handling high-pressure negotiations involving kidnappings, terrorism and organised crime. His ability to translate life or death negotiation techniques into strategies for business success has made him one of the world’s most sought-after keynote speakers. Organisations hire Chris to help leaders improve communication, influence outcomes, and build stronger relationships in challenging environments.
Chris began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Supervisory Special Agent, eventually becoming a member of the New York City Joint Terrorism Task Force. During his time with the FBI, he specialised in international kidnapping and crisis negotiation cases, developing methods that later became influential within both government and corporate sectors. His work earned him the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement and the FBI Agents Association Award for Distinguished and Exemplary Service. Following his FBI career, Chris moved into education and consultancy. He joined the negotiation teaching staff at Harvard Law School and later became an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business and the USC Marshall School of Business. In addition, he served as Managing Director of Insite Security before founding The Black Swan Group Ltd, a consultancy that advises companies on negotiation strategy and leadership communication.
Chris is regularly featured across international media, podcasts and business platforms because of his expertise in persuasion and human behaviour. His negotiation methods are used by executives, entrepreneurs, sales professionals and government leaders worldwide. He has delivered influential talks for global organisations and has become a respected authority on emotional intelligence within business negotiations. His insights continue to resonate through interviews, corporate events and educational programmes where audiences value his practical techniques and engaging storytelling.
Why Hire Dame Chris Voss?
Alongside his speaking career, Chris has authored and co-authored influential books, including ‘Empathy and Understanding in Business’ and ‘The Full Fee Agent: How to Stack the Odds in Your Favour as a Real Estate Professional’. He has also held advisory roles with companies including Node.io and FIX: Fitness Interactive Experience. His TEDx talk, ‘Never Split The Difference’, further expanded his global profile by showcasing how empathy and tactical communication can transform negotiation outcomes. Companies hire Chris as a keynote speaker because he combines real-world FBI experience with actionable business insight, delivering presentations that are compelling, educational and immediately relevant to leadership, sales and high-performance teams.
Chris Voss’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Chris Voss’s remarkable career:
- 2024 – Co-Author of “Empathy and Understanding in Business”
- 2022 – Co-Author of “The Full Fee Agent: How to Stack the Odds in Your Favour as a Real Estate Professional”
- 2016 – Author of “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It”
- 2009 – Managing Director of Insite Security
- 2009 – Negotiation Teaching Staff at Harvard Law School
- 2008 – Founder & CEO of The Black Swan Group Ltd
- 1986 – Member of the New York City Joint Terrorism Task Force
- 1983 – Supervisory Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Recipient of the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement
- Recipient of the FBI Agents Association Award for Distinguished and Exemplary Service
Videos
Chris Voss’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“It was great – flawless! The audience loved him.” – National Association of Realtors
“Chris is a true master of communication, listening and negotiation. His techniques really work, and his coaching style is very patient and empowering to our team. He has had a huge impact on our negotiation outcomes. We look forward to continuing to work with him as our team continues to strengthen their negotiation and communication skills.” – Chris, Founder & Partner, Mekong Capital Ltd
Speaking Topics
Chris Voss’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Two Words That Immediately Transform Any Negotiation
- Guaranteeing Execution – How to Ensure Follow-Through
- Negotiation Secrets from an FBI Hostage Negotiator
- Why Yes is the Last Thing You Want to Hear
How Much Does Chris Voss Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Chris Voss?
Chris Voss’s speaking fees vary depending on the event format, location, duration and level of preparation required. For an accurate quote, please share your event date, location and brief with an official booking agent.