In this episode of the NEGOTIATEx podcast, former Scotland Yard detective, Scott Walker, shares insights from his 16-years of experience in covert policing and crisis negotiations, particularly hostage situations. Additionally, he emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in high-stakes negotiations, explaining the importance of empathy, ego regulation, and effective communication. He also offers a framework for managing emotions during crises, underscoring the significance of self-awareness and self-regulation. Delving into team dynamics, Walker highlights the challenges of internal negotiations within teams, often more complex than external ones. Lastly, he provides strategies for preparing for negotiations with difficult individuals and stresses the importance of setting boundaries, especially in non-exit scenarios like kidnappings.