The Daily Chris Voss Says Trump's Secret Weapon Is Empathy
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Aug 16, 2025 
Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator and author, shares his expertise on negotiation as the CEO of the Black Swan Group. He emphasizes the power of tactical empathy in resolving conflicts, showcasing how understanding emotions can transform high-stakes situations. Voss discusses overcoming negotiation fears and reframing disagreements as collaborative efforts, while sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the journey of becoming a skilled negotiator. He also reflects on his own growth and experiences, particularly in relation to fatherhood and interpersonal relationships.
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Bank Robber Who Acted Like A CEO
- Voss recounts a 1993 Chase Manhattan bank robbery where the lead robber diminished his authority to appear less dangerous.
- Voss realized that influential negotiators sometimes downplay their power to manipulate perceptions.
Tactical Empathy Changes Brains
- Tactical empathy is articulating the other side's perspective without agreeing, which lowers adversarialness via neurochemical changes.
- Chris Voss links deep understanding to releasing oxytocin and serotonin that enable cooperation.
Articulate Their View To Reduce Defensiveness
- Fully articulate the other side's viewpoint to deactivate defensiveness and move them closer to your position.
- Use that space to uncover real needs and negotiate solutions rather than arguing facts.
