In this episode of Beyond Business, Josh sits down with Kirk Kinnell — one of the UK’s most experienced hostage negotiators and a global advisor on high-stakes conflict resolution. With 30 years in armed policing, counter-terror operations, and crisis negotiations, Kirk has handled conversations that 99% of people will never experience — conversations where a single wrong word can cost a life.

Now working with global corporations, governments, and humanitarian organisations, Kirk brings the psychology, neuroscience, and discipline of hostage negotiation into the world of business. From contract disputes to billion-pound deals, his team helps leaders think clearly under pressure, shift the balance of power, and create outcomes where both sides walk away feeling understood.

In this powerful conversation, Kirk reveals what business people can learn from crisis situations, why empathy is the strongest negotiation tool on earth, how pressure paralyzes people (and how to prevent it), and why authenticity beats tactics every time. Whether you're closing deals, managing relationships, or leading teams — this episode will upgrade the way you communicate forever.