Scotland Yard Detective & Kidnap-for-Ransom Negotiator Reveals the ONE THING You Need to Win Any Negotiation

Scotland Yard Detective & Kidnap-for-Ransom Negotiator Reveals the ONE THING You Need to Win Any Negotiation

Author: Howie Chan, Influence Strategist @ The Behavioring Company February 24, 2026 Duration: 1:06:53
In this episode of the Influence Anyone Podcast, host Howie Chan is hitting replay on his interview with Scott Walker, a veteran kidnap-for-ransom negotiator with over 300 cases under his belt. Scott has used decades of experience to develop a unique understanding of what makes people think, feel, and act – specifically in times of adversity, conflict, and uncertainty. They delve into the art of negotiation and communication, especially when the stakes are high. Scott provides valuable insights from his successful career, along with a crash course into negotiation and communication, what it takes to be a successful negotiator, and how you can hone your skills in everyday life. Want to make influencing human behavior your company's superpower? Connect with me at howiechan.com/speaking and let's talk! Episode Breakdown: 0:00:00 From inquisitive child to renowned negotiator 0:17:17 Lessons from his first kidnap-for-ransom case 0:25:59 How to develop your negotiation skills daily 0:30:44 The real challenge in kidnapping negotiations 0:35:25 The 4 steps to emotional regulation 0:40:02 The wake-up call and drastic career change 0:49:33 Use negotiation skills in different settings 1:01:55 Kidnap negotiations that went south From Our Guest: Website LinkedIn  Instagram  Get the books, Order out of Chaos and Eye of the Storm. Sign up for Scott’s newsletter, Negotiations Essentials. Check out Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art. Get the kidnap for ransom negotiator’s 90-second Influence Reset Playbook. It's your FREE 4-step guide to stay in control. Get people to buy into your ideas and offers! Join the FREE Influence Anyone newsletter. Each week, I uncover a proven playbook from world experts and scientific research to influence human behavior – including your own. 📩 Go to: www.howiechan.com/sub Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review! Produced by Ideablossoms Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Howie Chan hosts Influence Anyone, a conversation that digs into the practical mechanics of persuasion and personal change. Rather than abstract theory, this podcast focuses on applied influence psychology, translating research and real-world experience into actionable strategies. Episodes feature dialogues with leading experts and practitioners, dissecting the subtle psychological forces that shape both internal motivation and external agreement. You’ll hear discussions on mastering your own mindset and habits alongside concrete methods for branding, storytelling, and negotiation. The aim is to move from insight to implementation, turning behavioral science into reliable playbooks for leadership and persuasion. Covering intersections of science, business, marketing, and social dynamics, the podcast provides a nuanced look at how influence operates in various arenas of life. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the principles that drive decision-making, equipping them to navigate professional challenges and personal goals with greater clarity. The tone is exploratory and detailed, prioritizing depth over quick fixes. By examining the hidden architecture of influence, Howie Chan creates a resource for anyone looking to understand the why behind effective action and communication. This is a place where academic findings meet street-level practice, all dedicated to creating more meaningful and effective outcomes.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 77

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