On the 127th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Andrew B Brown. Former Commander, Chief Inspector (retd.) Andrew is an internationally renowned negotiator with specialist knowledge and experience in dealing with kidnap for ransom and hostage/crisis incidents, particularly in humanitarian environments; in designing conflict de-escalation skills for field operations and acting as an expert witness to judicial inquiries on the response to hostage taking.

A Fellow of the Chartered Management and Security Institutes, he has developed advanced negotiation and crisis leadership skills for major corporations, public bodies, and Olympic sports coaches. His doctoral studies and experience in Afghan & African kidnappings have led him to research, critique and advise INGOs on how to prepare, prevent and respond to the threat of international kidnap. As a Fulbright Alumnus, he continues to teach advanced negotiation tactics to many law enforcement agencies including NYPD, USMS and the FBI. Published in his field, he remains an Advisor to the Editorial Board of the Crisis Response Journal.

In this episode, we explore Andrew’s journey toward finding purpose through helping others. He shares pivotal moments that shaped his path, from working with NGOs in crisis zones like Afghanistan to exploring the power of authentic human connection. Andrew reflects on the importance of listening, vulnerability, and sharing our common humanity. He also discusses how spirituality supports his work and the vital role of grounding stress in high-pressure environments.

This conversation is a wonderful invitation to find balance and perspective throughout the various chapters of our lives and the full range of life.

For more of Andrew's work, check out the following:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-b-brown-00148024/
Website: https://www.the-right-path.com/

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week What is a Good Life? group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.

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00:00 Finding Purpose in Helping Others

04:45 Prioritising listening and humanity

09:11 Navigating Health Issues

12:05 Transitioning from Policing to Humanitarian Work

14:50 Negotiation and Crisis Management

18:00 A Defining Moment in life and purpose

22:15 The power of heartache or pain in connecting

27:45 Finding balance with work and family

31:50 Moving between negotiations and ordinary life

33:43 The level of responsibility for others

36:30 The range of this life & prioritising humanity

40:50 Grounding processes for stress

45:15 A pivotal moment for realising his calling

50:00 Continuing to help and guide others 

53:10 The importance of vulnerability

59:53 The power of listening and presence

1:07:14 What is a good life for Andy?