In this episode of the NEGOTIATEx podcast, former Scotland Yard detective, Scott Walker, delves deeper into the realities of crisis negotiations. Contrasting Hollywood’s portrayal of hijackings with real-life situations, Scott emphasizes the importance of emotional self-regulation over heroics. He underscores the vital role of empathy in negotiations, exemplified by a high-stakes pirate negotiation where active listening was pivotal. The discussion also explores the complexities of cyber extortion negotiations, the unpredictability of outcomes, and the essence of effective crisis leadership. Scott concludes by stressing the value of embracing joy in the negotiation process, emphasizing the journey over the destination.