George Kohlrieser is a globally respected leadership expert, organisational psychologist and former hostage negotiator, best known for applying the psychology of high-stakes negotiation to leadership and performance. A Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Organisational Behaviour at IMD Business School in Switzerland, George is hired as a speaker for his pioneering work on secure base leadership, conflict resolution and unlocking human potential under pressure.
George’s professional journey began with a strong grounding in psychology and human development. After early training in a Catholic seminary, where he developed discipline, compassion and reflective practice, he went on to earn a BA in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Dayton and a doctorate from The Ohio State University. From 1968 to 1992, he Directed the Shiloah Centre for Human Growth, focusing on psychological development, resilience and behavioural change.
Alongside his academic work, George served as a police psychologist and Hostage Negotiator with the Dayton Police Department and Montgomery Sheriff’s Department in Ohio. In these roles, he worked directly in crisis situations where lives depended on trust, emotional regulation and connection. He also supported police forces and humanitarian organisations operating in conflict zones, including Israel, Croatia and the Palestinian territories, deepening his understanding of leadership in extreme environments.
Since joining IMD Business School in 1998, George has shaped the thinking of senior leaders worldwide. He founded and directs IMD’s High Performance Leadership and Advanced High Performance Leadership programmes and has presented and facilitated sessions at the World Economic Forum. He is the author of the influential books Hostage at the Table and Care to Dare, which translate hostage-negotiation psychology into practical leadership frameworks. George is hired as a speaker for his ability to combine scientific rigour, real-world crisis experience and deeply human insight to help leaders build trust, resolve conflict and lead with courage.
