From Saving Lives to Leading Teams: Ashley Brice on Mastering High-Stakes Communication

S2:E9
In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Ashley Brice, a former military police officer, police negotiator, and now a highly sought-after communication and leadership expert. Ashley’s journey spans from handling covert police operations and life-or-death hostage negotiations to transforming businesses with his innovative approaches to communication.

Ashley reflects on his progression from building trust in high-pressure situations to teaching negotiation mastery in the business world. He shares key moments in his career, including his transition to becoming a national instructor for UK police negotiators and his personal mission to turn life’s adversities into a force for good. Ashley discusses the principles behind his company, Polaris Resolutions, where he simplifies complex negotiation methods to empower business leaders to thrive under pressure.

Throughout the episode, Ashley provides invaluable insights into effective listening, emotional intelligence, and building authentic connections. He offers actionable techniques for improving communication, avoiding escalation, and developing meaningful relationships in any context. With a unique perspective shaped by his military and police experience, Ashley explains how these skills translate seamlessly into improving business outcomes.

Tune in for a fascinating and heartfelt conversation packed with practical strategies, powerful anecdotes, and Ashley’s unwavering dedication to helping others succeed in even the most challenging circumstances.

Key Takeaways
The Power of Active Listening and Emotional Intelligence
Ashley emphasised the importance of truly listening to understand rather than listening to respond. He highlighted techniques such as emotional labeling, mirroring, and using effective silences to build trust quickly in high-pressure situations. These skills, honed during life-or-death negotiations, are equally transformative in business for fostering stronger connections and resolving conflicts.

Turning Adversity into Strength
Ashley shared how personal and professional challenges, including overcoming a tragic accident, shaped his mission to help others. His dedication to saving lives and teaching negotiation mastery underscores the value of resilience and using one’s experiences to empower others to succeed, whether in crisis management or professional growth.

Guest Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-brice-32a60010b/
ashley@polarisresolutions.com
Polaris Resolutions Ltd: Posts | LinkedIn

www.polarisresolutions.com (website live as of May 2025)

Chapters

• 2:41 Introduction to Ashley Brice
• 4:27 Building Trust Under Pressure
• 10:24 Lessons from Hostage Negotiations
• 33:57 Personal Adversity and Resilience
• 41:11 From Crisis to Business Communication
• 44:12 Closing Reflections and Future Work