Joshua Weiss is a globally recognised negotiation expert, academic and author, best known for bridging rigorous research with practical negotiation strategies that work in real-world, high-stakes environments. As Co-Founder of the Global Negotiation Initiative at Harvard University and President of Negotiation Works Inc., Joshua is hired as a speaker for his ability to help leaders, organisations and governments move stalled negotiations forward and achieve sustainable outcomes.
Joshua’s career has been deeply rooted in the study and practice of negotiation, conflict resolution and leadership. He earned a PhD from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, building a strong academic foundation that would shape his future work. In 2001, he co-founded the Global Negotiation Initiative at the Harvard Negotiation Project, where he later became a Senior Fellow. Through this work, he contributed to advancing negotiation theory and applying it to complex challenges in business, diplomacy and public policy.
Alongside his academic contributions, Joshua has built a significant leadership and advisory career. Since 2011, he has served as President of Negotiation Works Inc., a consultancy dedicated to helping organisations resolve difficult negotiations and manage conflict effectively. In 2014, he was appointed Director of the MS in Leadership and Negotiation programme at Bay Path University, where he also serves as an Assistant Professor, shaping the next generation of negotiation and leadership professionals. His influence within the field was further recognised in 2024 when he joined the Advisory Council of the Harvard Business Review.
Joshua is also a prolific author and thought leader. His books include 'Getting Back to the Table', 'The Negotiator in You', and 'The Book of Real-World Negotiations', all of which focus on practical strategies for reviving stalled discussions and navigating complex human dynamics. He regularly shares insights through his “Negotiation Tip of the Week” podcast and The Negotiator In You series, and he has delivered a widely viewed TED Talk, 'The Wired Negotiator'. Joshua is hired as a speaker for his clear, engaging and actionable approach to negotiation, helping audiences build confidence, manage conflict and achieve results in challenging situations.