After working in the field of conflict for over 25 years, one of the most heartbreaking patterns I see starts in the smallest of ways. It begins with a moment, one of those tiny instances between you and someone you care about: Maybe it’s a small omission. A white lie. Maybe you avoid saying something because you don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings. Or maybe you worry that speaking up could rock the boat. You’ve seen relationships -professional or personal – falter when conflict

In a 1990 interview with Barbara Walters, Donald Trump was asked if he thought it was appropriate to call the then-mayor of New York a “moron.” Trump replied, “It’s how I feel.” This seemingly simple exchange highlights a profound trap I’ve seen many people, not just Trump, fall into: the belief that evaluations and judgments are feelings. They are not. Feelings are bodily sensations, rooted deep within our mammalian wiring. Psychologists agree there are only a few core feelings — typically variations of mad,

Last month, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of law students who were seeking alternative ways to resolve disputes—a group committed to transformation. This wasn’t just a conversation about law; it was about how we, as human beings, engage with one another when times get tough, how we bridge divides, and how we find connection when the world seems divided.     The students, ranging from first-year to third-year law students, came with a shared desire to be part of something

There’s been a huge shift in the water cooler talk these last few months. Who hasn’t engaged in some form of conversation about the state of power-over, competitive, win-lose politics.     For those of us who still believe in collaboration, what meaning are we to bring to this changing landscape in the type of leadership that is being modelled these days?     That’s a question I’ve been wrestling with and after having some doubtful explorations, I’m excited to say I’m starting to

A few weeks ago, I turned on the radio and heard the announcer say that Vancouver Canucks hockey teammates Pettersson & Miller: “Don’t like each other.” The announcer went on to say even though these two hockey players make millions of dollars every year: “That’s just human nature. They don’t like each other. Money can’t buy you happiness.” That immediately got my attention! Yes, money cannot buy happiness – happiness is an inside job. I find it takes conscious attention and mindfulness to keep