Negotiation, the subtle art of reaching mutually beneficial agreements, has become an essential skill in today’s ever-evolving professional world. Faced with the increasing complexity of economic and human challenges in 2026, knowing how to communicate, persuade, and find compromises is a major asset for both organizations and individuals. In this article, discover the visions and methods of five renowned experts—Laurent Combalbert, Steve Tineo, Marwan Mery, Vincent François, and Bernard Meunier—who share innovative approaches to excel in the art of negotiation. Their perspectives shed light on current challenges and open up new avenues for negotiating with both effectiveness and ethics.
Our Speakers on the Topic
Laurent COMBALBERT
Laurent Combalbert is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading negotiation experts, drawing on his unique experience as a negotiator-officer with RAID and his training at the FBI National Academy. Author, entrepreneur, and speaker, he now supports companies and organizations in managing complex situations where negotiation is key. Founder of several specialized firms and creator of innovative methods such as the PACIFICAT® framework, he places trust and the human element at the heart of his approach. Deeply committed to sharing knowledge, he passes on his expertise to train the next generation of negotiators.
Talk: Trust Under High Intensity In a world where uncertainty and pressure are ever-present, trust becomes an essential lever for performance and cohesion. Through scenarios inspired by his experience as a negotiator, Laurent Combalbert reveals the five pillars of trust and offers participants concrete tools to strengthen their leadership, resilience, and collective dynamics within their organization.
Topics: confiance, equipe, management, vuca, incertitude
Steve Tineo
With an international career in investment banking, Steve Tineo is recognized as one of the leading experts in complex negotiation and crisis management, having successfully led strategic deals for Fortune 500 clients and governments in over 100 countries. Founder of Assertive Group, he advises leaders, organizations, and public figures on the art of turning conflict into lasting opportunity. A bestselling author and holder of prestigious degrees, Steve shares innovative methods—including his KYF© approach—to help everyone negotiate with impact, ethics, and emotional intelligence. Committed to peace and justice, he inspires both on stage and through action.
Talk: TEDxRUPP by Prof. Steve Tineo "Who Are the Real Superheroes?" In this inspiring talk, Steve Tineo shares how his quest for success and power led him to a profound personal transformation: he reveals that the real superheroes are those who dare to face their fears and vulnerabilities. Participants will discover practical keys to move beyond the illusion of appearances, resolve emotional conflicts, and cultivate inner peace and authenticity in daily life.
Topics: Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, KYF©-Know-Yourself-First, Leadership, influential-leadership
Marwan Mery
A recognized expert in negotiation in all its forms, Marwan Mery operates in the most sensitive environments, whether it’s hostage situations, suicide crises, commercial disputes, or diplomatic mediations. As a consultant to the United Nations and a speaker at Harvard, he leads ADN Group, an international agency of elite negotiators. A former officer specializing in crisis negotiation within the French special forces, he now shares his experience through conferences, training sessions, and reference works, training thousands of professionals each year in the art of exceptional negotiation.
Conference: Exceptional Negotiations In an environment where power imbalances, unreasonable demands, and bad faith are commonplace, traditional negotiation techniques quickly reach their limits. In this conference, Marwan Mery will share proven strategies to regain control, manage complexity, and turn critical situations into opportunities—even when all seems lost.
Topics: negociation-complexe, crise
Vincent FRANCOIS
A former GIGN negotiator, Vincent FRANCOIS has developed a unique expertise in the art of high-pressure negotiation. For over ten years, he has been sharing this exceptional know-how with companies, passing on proven strategies to succeed when facing the most delicate challenges. Through his impactful presentations, he reveals the keys to effective negotiation, inspired by situations where failure is not an option. Get ready to transform your approach and achieve your goals with excellence.
Talk: 7 NON-NEGOTIABLE RULES OF NEGOTIATION
In this captivating talk, Vincent FRANCOIS shares the 7 essential rules of negotiation, illustrated with striking anecdotes from his experience at GIGN. Participants will discover how to apply these proven strategies to build trust, influence effectively, and achieve their objectives—whether in crisis situations or in everyday business life.
Topics: leadership, performance, gign, motivation, engagement
Bernard Meunier
Bernard Meunier, the first negotiator trained within the GIGN, forged his expertise at the heart of the most extreme situations: hostage takings, airplane hijackings, and major crisis missions. A recognized specialist in strategic negotiation, he has developed innovative methods now applied in the business world to turn conflicts into opportunities. Author of several reference works, he passionately shares the keys to collective performance and engagement during times of crisis.
Conference: CRISIS MANAGEMENT/STRATEGIC NEGOTIATION With 15 years at the GIGN, including 10 as lead negotiator, Bernard Meunier shares his unique experience handling major crises, such as the Algiers hostage situation and the Ouvéa rescue operation. In this conference, discover the behind-the-scenes of strategic negotiation and leave with concrete methods to effectively manage crisis situations in business, thanks to his N.E.G.O.A.C.T.I.O.N. framework.
Topics: management, leadership, motivation, collective-performance, agility