Michelle Kelley

Michelle Kelley is a retired FBI Special Agent and Hostage Negotiator with over two decades of experience in high-stakes national security operations. Now the US Lead at The Listening Institute, Michelle trains corporate leaders to apply elite listening techniques first developed for FBI crisis situations. Her keynotes and workshops help audiences unlock powerful strategies to influence, negotiate and lead with clarity – especially under pressure. Known for her calm presence and sharp instincts, Michelle’s story spans everything from covert surveillance to cyber security education.

Michelle began her career as a primary school teacher, where she quickly recognised the power of deep listening in building trust and understanding. She joined the FBI in 2001, trained at Quantico, and was assigned to a counterintelligence squad protecting US national and economic interests. Later, she worked on a counterterrorism team investigating the 9/11 attacks and played a key role in preparing evidence for the trial of the suspected 11th hijacker. In 2003, she joined the FBI’s crisis negotiation team, coordinating delicate conversations with terrorist groups, criminal gangs and families facing the unimaginable. Michelle completed the FBI’s National Hostage Negotiation Course at the Metropolitan Police Academy in London in 2007, before becoming the Crisis Negotiation Coordinator for Boston and Lead Trainer for FBI negotiators.

Among her lesser known but critical roles, Michelle was instrumental in exposing a major pharmaceutical company that knowingly marketed faulty cardiology devices, helping bring those responsible to justice. In 2012, she joined the FBI’s pioneering InfraGard programme, where she educated public and private sector leaders on cybercrime, building essential partnerships to tackle one of the 21st century’s most pervasive threats. Her experience in economic espionage, counterintelligence, and cyber security outreach makes her an invaluable voice in today’s evolving digital threat landscape.

As a TEDx speaker and respected keynote presenter, Michelle now shares practical tools for elite listening and influence with business audiences around the world. Her sessions translate FBI-tested strategies into real-world business skills – teaching leaders how to read between the lines, gather intelligence without asking questions, and build trust rapidly in high-pressure situations. Through compelling stories and hands-on training, Michelle helps audiences navigate complex conversations with clarity, confidence and control.