Hostage Negotiator Reveals How Top 1% Leaders Communicate

What if the most powerful leadership skill… wasn’t speaking more, but asking better questions?

In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with renowned psychologist, leadership professor at IMD, and former hostage negotiator Dr. George Kohlrieser to explore what the world of hostage negotiation can teach us about leadership, trust, communication, and change.

From negotiating with armed hostage takers to coaching top executives at IMD, George has spent decades studying what truly moves people. And his message is clear: great leaders do not command, over-explain, or try to control. They build trust, stay calm under pressure, ask powerful questions, and help people feel safe enough to engage honestly.

Whether you lead a team, manage change, want to communicate with more clarity, or simply want to stop rambling and start resonating—this episode is packed with wisdom.

Resources & Mentions:

•  Dr. George Kohlrieser’s book Hostage at the Table
•  Dr. George Kohlrieser’s book Care to Dare

Check out episodes featuring past guests:
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, Megan Dalla Camina, Dr. Stephen Porges, Sarah Baldwin, Dr. Lucy Hone, Dan Millman, Bruce Lipton, Kristen Butler, and more!

Music by: Flood (Instrumental) by RYYZN