What can a hostage negotiator teach us about influence, decision-making, and staying composed when the stakes couldn’t be higher? 

Andy Brown’s career spans 30 years in policing, followed by leading complex, high-risk humanitarian operations in some of the world’s most dangerous places, from extracting colleagues under Taliban rule in Afghanistan to navigating volatile natural disasters and delicate cultural landscapes. In this conversation, Andy reveals gripping true stories and translates their lessons into practical tools for influencing others, managing risk, and keeping a clear head when it matters most.

Highlights:

• Afghanistan evacuation: guiding staff and families through Taliban checkpoints to safety.
• Cultural intelligence: why understanding local customs can open or close doors.
• Negotiation truths: myths and realities from hostage scenarios.
• The listening advantage: how “two ears, one mouth” can transform influence.
• Roleplay and reflection: practical ways to build negotiation skills that stick.
• Storytelling as influence: using narrative to inspire action and change minds.
• Personal resilience: routines and rituals to cope with extreme pressure.
• The Right Path: Andy’s training and consultancy for building negotiation confidence.

Actions:

• Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ 
• Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-b-brown-00148024/
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/