Richard Mullender is a globally renowned expert in hostage negotiation, celebrated for his exceptional listening skills and his ability to navigate the most high-pressure situations with precision and empathy. A sought-after keynote speaker, Richard draws on his distinguished role as Lead Trainer at Scotland Yard’s National Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Unit to deliver engaging and impactful sessions. Prefacing his talks with the words ‘My task today is threefold: to challenge you, to entertain you, and to teach you something you don’t know,’ Richard captivates audiences by delivering on all three fronts with authority and wit.
Beginning his career with the London Metropolitan Police, Richard served as a detective, specialising in major crimes, including homicides and organised crime investigations. His expertise and dedication saw him rise to the elite National Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Unit, where he gained recognition for his innovative and effective negotiation techniques. His mastery of human behaviour and communication has since positioned him as a leading global authority, whose lessons resonate far beyond the realm of law enforcement.
Among Richard’s key career highlights are his instrumental roles in two high-profile international cases: the negotiation of three UN workers’ release from the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2004 and the successful rescue of Norman Kember and other hostages in Iraq in 2006. Beyond these life-saving missions, Richard has applied his expertise to the corporate world, working with multinational corporations, government bodies, and non-profits to enhance leadership, negotiation, and communication skills. His contributions continue to influence professionals worldwide, shaping the way individuals and organisations approach critical conversations and decision-making.
Richard’s dynamic speaking style and profound insights make him the ideal choice for anyone seeking a transformative keynote speaker. His ability to translate lessons from high-stakes hostage situations into actionable strategies for business and life has won him a loyal following. Whether inspiring leadership teams, training negotiators, or captivating audiences with his gripping storytelling, Richard Mullender’s impact is unmatched. Book him today to challenge your thinking, energise your team, and discover the true power of listening.
Books
Dispelling the Myths and Rediscovering the Lost Art of Listening (Communication Secrets of a Hostage Negotiator)
How to hire Richard Mullender
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Richard Mullender for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Richard Mullender's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Conflict resolution and crisis management
- Effective leadership in challenging environments
- Elite listening skills for high-stakes communication
- Negotiation techniques for personal and professional success
- Understanding human behaviour through communication
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"I just wanted to thank you for all your efforts yesterday and contributions in making the day the most successful PICG Conference we have had" - Stuart, Head of Non-Marine Claims, Ascot
"Richard was absolutely brilliant and our staff were so engaged with his session. We’ve had nothing but positive feedback from our teams so far which is great. Please pass on our thanks again for Richard’s time and for having such an impact"- Ellie, Wolverine Worldwide
"You trained Claire yesterday and today she used the skills with a prospective donor. The result? £45,000! That's a lot of children helped!" - Alison Pemberton, Head of Major Giving, NSPCC
"Richard was lovely and his talk went down really well." - Kelly, KKR
- 2024 – Delivered a keynote speech, "Life or Death Listening: Listen, Understand, Influence," at The Global Borrowers & Bond Investors Forum
- 2023 – Conducted a virtual session on "Active Listening" for the London Business Forum, teaching advanced listening techniques
- 2016 – Authored "Communication Secrets of a Hostage Negotiator," offering insights into negotiation and communication strategies
- 2013 – Co-founded The Listening Institute to share his expertise in communication and listening skills
- 2010 – Appointed Lead Trainer at Scotland Yard’s National Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Unit
- 2006 – Contributed to the intelligence leading to the rescue of Norman Kember in Iraq
- 2004 – Negotiated the release of three UN workers held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan
- 1995 – Joined Scotland Yard as a hostage negotiator and later became a key member of the Crisis Negotiation Unit
