Meet Our Negotiation Experts
Seasoned experts dedicated to transforming tough conversations into winning opportunities.
BCOM, CSC, Graduate Certificate: Negotiations, Project Leadership
She has led over $2B in acquisitions, divestitures, and complex contracts, and has negotiated agreements supporting over $1B in capital projects throughout Canada and the U.S.
Joanna has held senior leadership roles in commercial negotiations, project management, and organizational restructuring, known for guiding high-stakes, multi-party deals with strategic focus.
She has served as a Board Director and President of national volunteer and professional organizations and currently sits on the Alberta Cancer Foundations Breakthrough Fund.
Joanna holds a Bachelor of Commerce from St. Francis Xavier University, is a graduate of British Petroleum’s Conflict and Negotiations program, holds graduate certificates in Project Leadership (Cornell University) and Negotiation Mastery (Harvard Business School).
Joanna is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Negotiations Collective.
MA, Psychology; BS, Behavioral Science
Scott is an internationally recognized crisis negotiator, advisor, trainer and keynote speaker. He is known and respected for his experience negotiating in highly charged situations, with high stakes and when the situation requires sensitivity to the human element. Clients, audiences and students alike, find Scott’s teachings, insightful, inspiring and pragmatic.
Scott worked as a hostage/crisis negotiator with one of the largest regional SWAT teams in the United States for many years before moving into the role of a negotiations speaker and trainer. He has over 20 years of law enforcement experience and retired from a Chicago area police department in 2023 at the rank of Lieutenant. He was trained by in negotiation by the FBI and has studied at the Harvard University Program on Negotiation, at IMD Business School, and he continues to receive training from the world’s top negotiators.
Scott is a prolific trainer within the negotiation field and travels the country and around the world speaking to a wide variety of audiences. He has taught negotiations at Harvard University, for the FBI, and has keynoted for companies such as Microsoft and Bosch. In 2016, he was invited to give a TEDx talk titled “The Secrets of Hostage Negotiators”, which has received over 1 million views. His visibility as a speaker and educator through TEDx and other venues has reached global status.
Scott currently resides in the Chicago area and is a Partner and co-founder with the Negotiations Collective.
Shaye Hopkins is a behavioral economist who helps organizations design better systems, tools, and communications by understanding how people think, decide, and behave.
With over a decade of experience in behavioral science and analytics, she develops evidence-based strategies that improve well-being, reduce conflict, and drive behavior change in areas like financial decision-making, cooperation, and trust.
Shaye has led large-scale research that has reached over 100,000 people through partnerships with financial institutions, government agencies, and academic leaders.
Her work has been featured in The Financial Brand, Employee Benefits News, and TriplePundit, and presented at major conferences focused on behavior, policy, and decision-making.
She is a doctoral researcher at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, where she studies and teaches how emotions and cognitive processes shape everyday choices.
Previously, she was a behavioral researcher at Duke University, leading applied studies and experiments on financial inclusion, governance, and public trust.
Shaye holds an MSc in Behavioral Economics and Finance from the University of Exeter and a BSc in Psychology and Economics from the University of the West Indies.
Kent is a Chartered Professional Accountant and has extensive experience operating successful businesses in BC and Alberta.
While accounting has its foundation in journal entries and ledgers, Kent spends most of his time helping owners make the key decisions necessary to ensure their companies grow and thrive.
*Navigate CPA Inc. is contracted to fulfill the duties of a CFO on a fractional basis. Kent Greaves is not a registered officer of Negotiations Collective.
BA, Psychology
Melissa led the FBI-Cleveland Crisis Negotiation Team for over a decade and played a critical role in resolving high-pressure domestic and international kidnappings and armed barricaded subjects.
Her work as an undercover agent targeting organized crime, public corruption, and counterintelligence sharpened her skills in persuasion, strategic assessment, and trust-building.
These frontline experiences now power her dynamic work as a training facilitator and consultant. Whether working with C-Suite level executives in their negotiations or guiding teams through conflict, Melissa delivers practical, battle-tested tools that help professionals lead, influence, and problem-solve with precision.
MBA
Leighton has a significant consulting background in diverse areas including negotiations, strategic planning, and cross-cultural management.
Leighton holds an MBA (thesis-based) and a BA in Psychology from the University of Calgary. His MBA thesis looked at cultural differences in the use of ethically questionable negotiation behaviors.
Economist
Inés Piccinino retired from the British Columbia government in 2023, after more than 25 years as senior executive in both South and North America. Having worked in energy, environment, climate change, economics and regulatory, Inés developed strategic public policy requiring deep and complex engagement and negotiations with communities, industries, stakeholders, other governments, and international and indigenous partners.
Inés was a professor of Economics at the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina), Camosun College, and the University of Victoria’s Masters of Public Administration (British Columbia, Canada).
With a degree in Economics from the University of Buenos Aires, Inés has consulted for the World Bank, the United Nations Development Program and the Inter American Development Bank and provided advice to the private, public and non-governmental sectors in her 30+ year professional career.
Inés started her own consulting company, Aldea Global Insights, in June 2023, and joined the Negotiations Collective in August 2023, offering seminars in both English and Spanish.
B.A.
Kelly Liberti is a former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In her 23 years with the FBI, she led complex criminal investigations, and served as a crisis negotiator, child abduction specialist and adjunct instructor.
Kelly was the lead agent on many of Northeast Ohio’s high-profile, multi-agency criminal cases. She ran the Cleveland Division’s Crisis Negotiation Team and spent 13 years on the FBI’s elite Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) Team, the last three of which as Team Leader for the Central United States.
Kelly also served as a certified law enforcement instructor, turning her investigative experiences into learning tools for Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies in the areas of crisis negotiations, crimes against children, media relations and interview and interrogation techniques.
After retiring, Kelly spent three years as a Child and Adolescent Forensic Interviewer. In addition to the Negotiations Collective, she now conducts investigations for educational outlets, consults with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and instructs child abduction courses for the National Criminal Justice Training Program.
Gitane is a recognized public policy leader and former senior public servant with experience at the provincial, national and international levels.
Over the course of her 25 year career, she worked extensively in stakeholder engagement and is highly skilled in cross-cultural, bilateral, multilateral and other complex negotiations.
As CEO of the Canada Energy Regulator from 2020 to 2023, Gitane ensured the safe and efficient delivery of energy to Canada and the world, while also protecting the environment, advancing Reconciliation, and providing relevant and timely energy information and analysis.
As Alberta’s Deputy Minister for International and Intergovernmental Relations, Gitane directly served four Premiers and advocated for Alberta’s interests domestically and internationally.
Gitane is a seasoned diplomat and a specialist in Canada-U.S. relations, having served as Alberta’s Senior Representative in Washington, DC during the first Trump Administration, and as Canada’s Consul General in Chicago, among other roles.
She promoted trade, investment and energy infrastructure, and was also involved in the negotiations of several trade and environmental agreements, including the Canada U.S. Mexico Agreement, the Canada Free Trade Agreement and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
Gitane is a sought after speaker and strategist who is known for her ability to explain complex issues in an accessible way.
She loves talking about geopolitics, Canada-U.S. relations, Canada’s energy sector, how Canada works, and why Wonder Woman is the superhero of diplomacy.
Brenda McAdoo is an engaging and experienced crisis negotiator, executive coach, trainer and keynote speaker.
Brenda retired as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in December 2020 with over 24 years in law enforcement. During her career, Brenda was assigned to the Los Angeles and Dallas field offices investigating organized crime, crimes against children, and violent crime.
Brenda spent 22 years as an FBI Crisis Negotiator; leading FBI Dallas’s Crisis Negotiation Team for 8 of those years. In this capacity, she successfully resolved domestic and international kidnappings, barricaded subjects, and worked on a suicide hotline.
Over her 22 years, Brenda taught crisis negotiation to hundreds of law enforcement officers across the country. Brenda has presented at Crisis Negotiation Conferences in Texas, New York, Illinois, Ohio and California. Brenda was a presenter and assessor for the FBI’s National Crisis Negotiation Course. She has taught internationally to law enforcement and intel agencies presenting Crisis Negotiations to the Croatia Special Forces, Investigations and Source Handling in Armenia and teaching Conflict Resolution and Leadership in Moldova and Romania.
In addition to her FBI training, Brenda represented the FBI in 2013 as a student at the Metropolitan Police (Scotland Yard) Hostage Negotiation Course in London, England where she was asked to present on Negotiating through Digital Media.
Brenda also served as a certified Federal Mediator for the Department of Justice, turning her experience and education in conflict resolution to working as an EEO Mediator for 13 years. Brenda completed workplace mediation cases for DOJ, FBI, DEA, ATF and Bureau of Prisons across the U.S.
After retiring, Brenda has spent four years as an Associate Professor in Criminal Justice and Conflict Resolution for Abilene Christian University where she also runs a team that provides leadership, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution training and coaching to corporations, non-profits and professional sports teams.
In addition to her consultant work with Negotiations Collective, she is the Board Chair for Teen Life, a non-profit organization providing support to teens in public schools.
Brenda received a B.A. in Political Science from ACU, where she was a Jack Pope Fellow. Brenda holds a Juris Doctor from Pepperdine School of Law and is a member of the California Bar. She also graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution and is a certified Mediator in the state of Texas. She is a certified Enneagram Coach, certified Emotional Intelligence Coach and a De-escalation Trainer.
Before joining the FBI, Brenda was a Deputy District Attorney with the Ventura County District Attorney's Office where she prosecuted sexual assault, domestic violence, and narcotics offenses.
Brenda currently resides in the Dallas Fort Worth area with her husband and family.
With an impressive 28-year career in law enforcement, Stuart Cole has built a legacy rooted in courage, precision, and a deep commitment to service.
His journey has taken him through some of the most complex and high-stakes areas of policing, from investigating homicides, organized crime investigations and leading covert operations within the Major Crimes Undercover Unit.
For 18 years, Stuart served as a Hostage and Crisis Negotiator, 15 of those as a team leader, bringing calm and clarity to chaotic situations. His advanced training from both the Canadian Police College and the FBI has equipped him with sophisticated negotiation strategies, making him a trusted expert in the field.
After retiring in 2023, Stuart transitioned seamlessly into a mentorship and instructional role, sharing his wealth of knowledge with law enforcement professionals across Canada and the United States.
As one of a select few instructors delivering Kidnap for Ransom training to Canadian police services, he has continued to shape the next generation of crisis negotiators with precision and passion.
Stuart is also an accomplished speaker, having presented at numerous conferences on topics ranging from homicide investigations to undercover operations and high-risk negotiations. His presentations are not only informative but also compelling, reflecting the confidence and clarity honed through years of negotiation under pressure.
What truly sets Stuart apart is his ability to connect. His negotiation work has sharpened his capacity for empathetic listening and persuasive communication, skills that transcend professional boundaries and enrich every interaction.
Whether in a high-stakes standoff or a training room, Stuart brings the same unwavering dedication to influencing positive outcomes through trust, strategy, and human connection.
Tony Perzow is a seasoned keynote speaker and negotiation trainer, originally from Montreal, Canada, with over a decade of experience empowering professionals and organizations worldwide.
Since 2013, Tony has trained over 30,000 people in the art and science of negotiation, equipping executives from top global companies such as Apple, Red Bull, Samsung, Intel, Microsoft, Boeing, Exxon Mobil, Taco Bell, PNC Bank, and many more.
Through his expert negotiation consulting services, Tony has helped businesses secure more than a billion dollars in additional revenue, dramatically enhancing their results.
Tony holds certifications in ethical persuasion and influence (Dr. Robert Cialdini), Tiny Habits (Dr. BJ Fogg, Stanford), and is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
Tony was on track for a professional hockey career until an injury redirected his path; he played at the collegiate and semi-professional levels in British Columbia. He has since been a serial entrepreneur for over 25 years, owning restaurants, real estate developments, distribution companies, an award-winning film production company, and ventures in health and wellness.
Passionate about helping people live their best lives, Tony resides in Santa Monica, California, with his two children, Rocky and Stevie, their dog Bailey, their two cats Cinnamon and Winter, and their snake Cartella.
Criminal psychologist by training and diplomat by design, Marcy Grossman brings over 25 years of global experience to the art and science of negotiation.
As Canada’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and through senior postings across the United States, she has led during pivotal moments—from Middle East peace efforts and crisis evacuations to trade negotiations and strategic alliances.
Marcy blends behavioral insight with diplomatic expertise to deliver high-impact negotiation training rooted in real-world experience. She has negotiated under pressure in conflict zones, boardrooms, and across cultures—equipping leaders to do the same with clarity and confidence.
Now a sought-after international speaker, advisor and trainer, Marcy shares her practical insights to help professionals lead, influence, and resolve conflict with purpose and poise.
Sean Pollock brings over 24 years of distinguished service with the Winnipeg Police Service, where he rose through the ranks in diverse and demanding roles including patrol, investigations, special operations, and training.
For a decade, he served as a crisis negotiator, and for six of those years, he led the Crisis Negotiation Unit, guiding high-stakes conversations with calm, clarity, and purpose.
Driven by a deep passion for education, Sean became part of the instructional team at the Canadian Police College, earning adjunct faculty status.
He has shared his insights at conferences across North America and was honored to serve as an international guest instructor and observer at the prestigious Police Scotland National Negotiator Course.
Sean continues to shape the next generation of crisis negotiators, training professionals across North America and beyond. As a Critical Incident Commander, he also brings strategic leadership expertise in high-risk decision-making environments.
His career has included commanding roles throughout the Winnipeg Police Service, with a particular focus on special operations, where he led efforts to elevate and professionalize negotiation leadership through global collaborations with Police Scotland, the RCMP, municipal agencies, and the FBI.
Now a published author, Sean recently released his first book, “Answering the Call – Lessons Learned as a Crisis Negotiator,” a powerful resource designed to build the capacity and confidence of crisis negotiators and leaders alike.
B. Mgt
Siddharth Kumaria is a diligent and committed lifelong learner who is focused on enhancing operations and strengthening teams. A graduate of the University of Alberta, Siddharth holds a Bachelor of Management focusing on Economics. Siddharth is recognized as a graduate with distinction, an honor given to students who displayed a hard work ethic and secured exceptional grades.
During his final academic year, Siddharth and his team secured first place in a capstone case competition centered on improving the operations of a Canadian Brewery. His education has enabled him to complete rigorous market analysis by using tools such as Porter’s five forces. While his knowledge covers important areas such as organizational behavior, marketing, corporate strategy, and international economics, he has developed a passion for client care and market expansion. For Siddharth, the key to success is to make meaningful lifelong relationships.
Siddharth’s dedication extends beyond academics. From an early age, he has actively engaged in volunteering and has worked across several industries, including hospitality, mechanical, security and event management. This diverse background has provided him with deep insights into operations and allows him to understand the unique needs of a wide range of clients.
In his current role as scheduling and operations coordinator, Siddharth leverages his education and experience to ensure seamless operations and drive success.
Tegan Wilson is a strategist and communications expert with a sharp analytical mind and a passion for shaping impactful narratives and driving aligned stakeholder engagement.
With a background in marketing from the Schulich School of Business at York University, she brings a strong foundation in marketing strategy and leadership to her work.
Tegan is experienced in playing a key role in helping organizations and leaders navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, high-stakes negotiations, and internal alignment. Her expertise lies in creating clarity in the midst of complexity, facilitating productive dialogue, supporting change, and designing communication strategies that foster trust and progress.
Known for her thoughtful, pragmatic approach, Tegan blends business acumen with a human-centered lens. Her work spans industries and sectors, with her most recent experience being in the energy sector.
Tegan is grounded in deep listening, effective collaboration, and a commitment to providing solutions.
In her current work, Tegan draws on her business knowledge and experience in the energy sector to support clients in navigating change and fostering high-impact collaboration as the Sales and Marketing Associate at The Negotiations Collective.
Real Results, Real Impact
★★★★★
— P. Eng. MBA, EGBC Member
“Excellent. I love the focus on the emotional side of people in the workplace. The process is organized and easily deployable once put in a practice. Highly recommend!”
— P. Eng. MBA, EGBC Member
“Excellent. I love the focus on the emotional side of people in the workplace. The process is organized and easily deployable once put in a practice. Highly recommend!”
★★★★★
— P. Geo, MBA, APEGA Member
“Provides structure to a subject matter that we are all afraid of and face everyday at work or personal life. The steps give me the confidence to push for more.”
— P. Geo, MBA, APEGA Member
“Provides structure to a subject matter that we are all afraid of and face everyday at work or personal life. The steps give me the confidence to push for more.”
★★★★★
— Team Lead, Spartan Controls, EGBC Member
“Learning how to classify the source of influence with shocking. I have realized with sections I rely on to drive influence and which I've never fostered. I am looking forward to deploying these in real life, immediately.”
— Team Lead, Spartan Controls, EGBC Member
“Learning how to classify the source of influence with shocking. I have realized with sections I rely on to drive influence and which I've never fostered. I am looking forward to deploying these in real life, immediately.”
How about a quick win?
Download our free guide for easy-to-apply strategies that will transform every deal.
Download our free guide for easy-to-apply strategies that will transform every deal.
Our negotiators have vast and diversified experience in negotiation, ranging from corporate/organizational, contract, multi-party, project management, multi-culture, workplace, union, interpersonal and volatile community conflict.