Host Scott Bloom kicks off this episode with someone who knows what real pressure sounds like—Scott Tillema, a former law enforcement officer and hostage negotiator turned keynote speaker. His specialty? Negotiation and influence. Drawing on his background in behavioral science and psychology, Scott shares what he learned from working high-stakes crisis situations as part of a regional SWAT team—and how those same principles apply to everyday leadership and communication. He highlights the importance of self-management in negotiation, explaining that before you can influence others, you have to control your own emotions and know your goal. The conversation explores the difference between negotiation and manipulation—one builds mutual value, the other only benefits one side. Much of their discussion speaks directly to event professionals and HR leaders, offering practical tips for navigating stressful conversations, tricky contracts, and conflict resolution. Scott also breaks down how delivery and body language can set the tone, de-escalate tension, and strengthen trust. From tactical breathing to taking breaks and showing humility, his advice is all about staying steady when the pressure’s on. They even take a lighthearted detour into Hollywood’s version of negotiation versus what really happens behind the scenes of a SWAT callout—and how a viral TED Talk led Scott to a new stage as a professional speaker. This episode is packed with insights on negotiation, influence, and leadership—skills every event professional, leader, or communicator can use to stay calm, connected, and effective when it matters most.
GUEST BIO:
Scott Tillema is an internationally recognized crisis negotiator and corporate trainer with over 20 years of Chicago law enforcement experience. FBI-trained and a former SWAT team member, he holds a master's in psychology and received negotiation training at Harvard. His TEDx talk on hostage negotiations has surpassed 1 million views, sharing expertise in leadership and difficult conversations.
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ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:
Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.
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ABOUT THE HOST:
A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.
As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?
Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com
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SHOW CREDITS: