Chris Voss

Overview

Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator and co-founder of The Black Swan Group, which teaches negotiation skills for business and life. Through live trainings, Dealmaker Days, and the Black Swan Network, Voss and a team of expert negotiators help individuals and teams improve outcomes using tactical empathy and calibrated communication.

Approach / Themes

Black Swan training emphasizes practical negotiation behaviors: listening that reveals hidden information, labeling emotions, asking calibrated questions, and structuring deals under pressure. Formats include in-person intensives and a weekly interactive live network for ongoing practice.

Who it's for

• Sales and business development professionals
• Leaders negotiating high-stakes internal and external deals
• Teams that want a shared negotiation language
• Individuals leveling up personal negotiation confidence

Frequently asked

Is this only for hostage-negotiation curiosities?

No—the business application is the point: better deals and relationships using negotiation science from high-stakes contexts.

Live or self-study?

Official paths highlight live intensives and an interactive network; check blackswanltd.com for current formats.

Team training available?

Yes—programs address individual and team skill-building.

Where should I start?

Pick a live Dealmaker experience or Network membership based on whether you want intensive immersion or ongoing weekly practice.