Business | Motivational

Lance Burdett

During his 22-year police career, 13 as a crisis negotiator, Lance qualified in NZ, Australia, and with the FBI. He taught crisis intervention skills to police negotiators and led numerous high risk incidents. He was described as “the most qualified and highly skilled negotiator within NZ Police”. Lance worked with the elite tactical teams from Police, Corrections, Emergency Services, the Military, and the FBI.

Qualifying as a protection officer, he oversaw the protection of the NZ Prime Minister, international dignitaries, and people on the witness protection programme. He was an emergency response manager, directing the immediate response to serious incidents, and a senior detective working on complex investigations. Lance was the principal security officer for NZ athletes at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and the 2012 London Olympics. 

Working at the Police Emergency call centre, Lance developed and delivered coaching sessions  on managing challenging conversations and personal resilience. His resiliency programme was adopted nationally by NZ Police and forms part of the mandatory training for all staff.  

Lance holds a Master of Arts Degree, majoring in Terrorism Safety & Security. He received a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies, a Diploma in Policing, and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management. He is currently working on a Diploma in Positive Psychology. All studies focussed on understanding human behaviour.  

Lance published the bestselling book – Behind the Tape, Life on the Police Frontline – detailing  highlights of his police career as well as anecdotes of depression and suicide. His second book – Dark Side of the Brain, Adapting to Adversity – is due for publication in September 2020.  

Lance is a regular media guest and provides inspirational keynote presentations as well as coaching workshops.