Mickey Bergman's Journey into Hostage Negotiation

Mickey Bergman, an expert in hostage negotiations, began his career unexpectedly when he was called by Governor Bill Richardson to assist in a mission to Sudan. Despite initial hesitations due to the risks involved, he embraced the opportunity, which ultimately ignited a passion for this challenging work. His first mission involved negotiating a unilateral ceasefire during the Darfur genocide, showcasing his early exposure to high-stakes diplomacy and the complexities involved in negotiations with hostile parties. This pivotal experience set a trajectory for Bergman's career, where he would spend years studying negotiation tactics and strategies, especially under pressure.