What can a former hostage negotiator teach leaders about conflict?
Strategies from the interrogation room to the boardroom.
Hostage negotiators are unmatched when it comes to operating under extreme pressure. Their ability to stay composed, think clearly, and communicate effectively in life-or-death situations isn’t luck. It’s trained precision.
Ryan brings that same high-stakes precision from the fast paced, high-stakes world of law enforcement, and deploys it into the complex world of business throughout organizations and across teams.
As a former detective and hostage negotiation turned internationally recognized conflict strategist, Ryan has practiced what he teaches and lives out the best practices he shares.
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About Ryan
Founder | Keynote Speaker | Author | Former Hostage Negotiator
Ryan Dunlap is a multi-hyphenate. The Founder & Chief Conflict Officer of Conflictish®, Ryan is a social media icon, connecting a global audience of 1 million followers while reaching more than 6 million engaged leaders every month. He is an internationally recognized conflict strategist and thought leader, keynote speaker, and university lecturer.
Foundationally, Ryan is both a former pastor and former SWAT hostage negotiator. He is the author of How to Untie a Balloon: A Negotiator's Guide to Avoid Popping Under Pressure, and in 2026, his TEDx talk titled, "There's No Such Thing as Healthy Conflict," earned an Editor's Pick from TED.
Today, in partnership with his team at Conflictish®, Ryan remains a trusted advisor and voice to leaders and teams around the world, including Fortune 500 companies, major league sports teams, and government organizations.
EXPTERTISE
3,600+ Hours of Specialized Training
IMPACT
More Than 3,500 Leaders Trained
EXPERIENCE
20+ Years of
Experience
"I believe that there is no such thing as healthy conflict. Only healthy people."
"If I've learned anything from navigating conflict with leaders around the world, it's that conflict and pressure don't create who you are; they reveals who you are. If you want better outcomes when it matters most, you don't start with the conflict. You start with you.
For years, I was one of the people others called when everything was on the line. Today, I'm on a mission to help other leaders become that same trusted voice for their teams and organizations. As a hostage negotiator, I learned that the calmest person in the room isn't calm by accident — they're calm by conditioning and preparation. We did the internal work so that when the pressure arrived, we could stay clear, stay grounded, and lead through challenges efficiently and effectively.
Most leaders were never taught how to do that. That's why I'm here. My goal is simple: To help as many leaders as possible to build the resilience, emotional intelligence, and composure necessary to lead themselves and others through conflict and adversity well. Every leader can do it. I'll show you how.
