Getting to Know Nigel Taberner, the hostage negotiator
Nigel Taberner is a former hostage negotiator with over a decade of frontline experience, having resolved more than 130 high-risk situations including armed sieges, kidnappings and suicide interventions.
Today, he brings the mindset and techniques honed in those extreme circumstances to audiences around the world, helping organisations and leaders communicate, negotiate and influence more effectively under pressure.
Nigel’s story is rooted in calmness and empathy. During his career with Greater Manchester Police he rose to the rank of Detective Inspector and played a key role in counter-terrorism policing. He also trained new generations of negotiators in the UK, Finland, Australia and with the FBI. Every high-stakes situation taught lessons in listening, trust-building and decision-making that Nigel now translates into the business world.
Blending crisis skills with business insight
Nigel is not just a negotiator he is a teacher of human behaviour and communication. He shows audiences how to handle tense interactions, de-escalate conflict and make smarter decisions when the stakes are high. His work bridges the gap between technical negotiation techniques and practical human skills, demonstrating how by just listening, using emotional intelligence and patience can create amazing results in any environment.
What he does now
Today, Nigel is a sought-after speaker, delivering keynote presentations and masterclasses for leaders, teams and organisations. His talks are packed with real stories from his past, practical insights and exercises that help people rethink how they communicate and lead. He has shared his expertise internationally, helping business leaders apply lessons from hostage negotiation to improve decision-making under pressure.
How Nigel leads
People who work with Nigel describe his style as practical and unforgettable. He does not just tell stories; he teaches audiences to think differently. He challenges assumptions, encourages reflection and equips people with tools they can use immediately to lead. Nigel is passionate about transferring life-saving negotiation skills to everyday business challenges. He believes that the ability to listen, build trust and influence under pressure is essential not only in crisis situations but also in leadership.
What to expect when you hear him speak
When Nigel takes the stage, you can expect high energy, captivating stories and practical takeaways. His sessions are immersive, often surprising and always human. He makes the complex world of negotiation accessible and demonstrates how techniques developed in life-or-death situations can transform communication and collaboration in business.
