The FBI’s Secret to Influencing Anyone

AJ sits down with former FBI hostage negotiator Kyle Vowinkel to explore influence under extreme pressure. Drawing on his role in the Boston Marathon bomber standoff and a seven-day child hostage crisis, Kyle explains why controlling your own ego and emotions is the foundation of negotiation. The conversation covers practical techniques for staying calm, using empathy without agreeing, and giving people meaningful choices to build commitment rather than mere compliance—skills that apply from crisis situations to asking for a raise.