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Conflict Managed

Merry Brown

Conflict Managed is a podcast about toxic workplaces and how to fix them. Listen to stories of dysfunction and triumph from different walks of life and professions. Join us on the journey as we talk about the good, bad, and ugly of our work environments and discuss a vision for the future of human-centered workplaces where people are not only treated with dignity and respect but encouraged to be their brilliant selves. Managing Conflict is not magic, though it takes intentional and sustained planning for health to win over chaos in any environment. Conflict is normal and expected. Let’s deal with it.

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  • 22 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 59 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • #225
    Tuesday · 1 hr 2 min

    Ep 225, The Utility of Conflict

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Kenyada Meadows. Together we explore: How to find community What do you want/need from work? What do your colleagues want/need? Building a reflective relationship with yourself Distraction His new book, The New Alpha: Be Three Times the Leader Through Balance, Not Dominance Not catering to your emotions Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration Kenyada Meadows is a financial services executive, governance expert, and board member with 25+ years leading audit, risk, and compliance across global Wall Street institutions. A Harvard Business School alumnus, Author, and Master Certified Executive Coach (MPCC) with CPA, CIA, and CFE credentials, he helps working fathers and executives succeed without sacrificing their humanity by moving leaders beyond dominance through values-driven governance and emotional integrity. Kenyada mastered the traditional playbook—outworking, outlasting, outperforming—in environments where pressure proved value and self-sacrifice seemed mandatory. The turning point came when senior leadership responsibilities, fatherhood, and caring for an ailing parent collided, forcing him to confront corporate conditioning's hidden costs and challenge the belief that well-being could survive on the margins. Through this journey, Kenyada developed a unique approach helping high-performing men lead with wholeness through the Three Pillars of the New Alpha (Home, Work, Self). This framework redefines strength through balance, not control, empowering leaders to lead with purpose, presence, and emotional clarity by recognizing vulnerability as true strength. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast

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  • #224
    August 18 · 1 hr 1 min

    Ep 224, Messy: Making Sense of the Mess of Leadership

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Daniel Atlin. Together we explore: The messiness of leadership In the age of AI, what does it mean to be human? The art of reflection The fear and uncertainty of change Making sense of change and Internal sense making Dealing with disappointment at work ‘Seeing’ others and meeting them where they’re at Relational leadership Understanding the strengths of people in different age groups at work Getting unstuck in conflict through finding common ground Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Daniel Atlin is a strategic advisor and executive coach with over 30 years of experience in senior roles across Canada’s post-secondary, cooperative, and government sectors, and host of the Messy - Making Sense of the Mess of Leadership- podcast. Specializing in helping complex, purpose-driven organizations and individuals navigate change and uncertainty, Daniel brings a unique blend of leadership, strategy, and empathy to every engagement. Daniel has worked with leaders at all levels to drive transformation. Whether overseeing multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns, advising on strategic planning, or guiding organizational mergers, he’s known for his ability to turn complex challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Daniel is deeply passionate about change leadership. In 2024, he earned an Executive Master’s degree from Oxford Saïd Business School and HEC Paris, where he conducted research on how university leaders leverage sensemaking skills to create high-performing teams in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. His research, based on interviews with 25 university Presidents and Principals across the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, continues to inform his work with leaders in higher education and beyond. Daniel has presented his findings at conferences, including the International Leadership Association’s Global Conference, and shares insights that empower leaders to adapt and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving world. An adjunct professor at the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph and certified in the SPARK Resilience Program and Hogan Personality Assessments, Daniel helps leaders and teams build resilience, enhance self-awareness, and thrive in today’s fast-changing environment. Daniel is also the Griffith Group's Associate of Leadership Assessment and Coaching Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.

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  • #223
    August 11 · 1 hr 3 min

    Ep 223, Honest, Calm, and Empathic Conversations

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Ron Camacho. Together we explore: Mentorship opportunities Building your reputation The benefits of coaching for career insight, knowledge, and development When you have a ‘difficult’ co-worker Standards and flexibility Building trust Put yourself in their shoes Admitting mistakes Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Ron Camacho is an accomplished law enforcement executive with more than 30 years of service, including 17 years in senior leadership roles. He retired in 2013 as Patrol Operations Captain with the York City (PA) Police Department, where he commanded over ninety officers and detectives and oversaw critical operational functions. Following retirement, Chief Camacho served internationally as a police advisor in Afghanistan and later as the in-country Deputy Program Manager on a U.S. State Department training contract in Mexico. In that role, he supervised more than thirty retired American law enforcement professionals tasked with strengthening policing capabilities at the local, state, and federal levels. In 2023, his prior department’s innovative leadership received national recognition. He was named one of Police Magazine’s Innovative Law Enforcement Leaders for pioneering an officer wellness program, and the department was featured in Police Chief Magazine for its Citizen Advisory Committee initiative. These efforts reflected his commitment to transparency, operational excellence, and a service-oriented culture that builds public trust. A graduate of the FBI National Academy (239th Session), Dr. Camacho holds a Doctorate and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. A nationally published author and sought-after speaker, he focuses on leadership development, mentorship, and emotional intelligence. He was sworn in as Chief of the North Charleston Police Department in December 2024. He is the author of the upcoming book (January 2027) Bringing Ego to the Forefront: The First Steps Towards Ego-Free Leadership. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Connection #Podcast

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  • #222
    August 4 · 1 hr 3 min

    Ep 222, Ungraceful First, Confident Later

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Patty Azzarello. Together we explore: Learning to deal with scary problems How to have everything you want (just not all at the same time) What you get when you ask for help Networking for introverts Resilience in the face of bullying and bad treatment The conflict, questions, and issues are present at work. Are you listening? Is the negative behavior you’re experiencing annoying or is it dangerous? Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration At 35, Patty Azzarello was the most qualified candidate for a job running a $1 billion software business. But she didn't apply. She had already decided - quietly, without anyone asking her to - that she wasn't ready. When a mentor showed her the list of male candidates who had applied without hesitation, most of them less experienced, none of them were more qualified. That moment didn't just change her mind about that job. It changed how Patty understood everything she'd done up to that point. Self-disqualification is one of the least discussed and most damaging forces in women's careers. Not the glass ceiling - the glass floor women build under themselves before anyone else gets the chance. Patty has spent her career studying it, living it, and now she's written the book on it. Why Is SHE Still Here? is Patty Azzarello’s memoir of being the youngest GM at Hewlett-Packard at 33, running a $1B software business at 35 and becoming a CEO at 38 - while navigating sexism, imposter syndrome, and the relentless internal voice telling her she didn't belong in the room. It's not a polished success story. It's an honest account of every time Patty nearly got in her own way, and the unglamorous moves that got her through anyway. Patty has spoken to audiences of over 10,000 at Intel, Oracle, Microsoft and P&G. She is the author of two previous bestsellers, RISE (Random House) and MOVE (Wiley). She isn't a motivational speaker - she's a former operator who has been in the rooms most people only read about, and she's refreshingly honest about what it actually took to stay in them. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast

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  • #221
    July 28 · 55 min

    Ep 221, Calm Is Fast

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Benjamin Chen. Together we explore: Generosity of communication Developing your stillness muscle Do you have two minutes? Benjamin’s new book, Lessons from the Mat: The 12 Martial Arts Principles that Will Help You Succeed in Business and in Life Leaving your ego on the shelf to develop an excellent team How to get to truth-telling quickly Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration Benjamin Chen is a serial entrepreneur, supply chain expert, and black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has successfully built businesses across industrial, enterprise software, cloud, and consumer internet sectors. He's sat on the boards and senior management teams of 4 companies that have gone public in the U.S.; raised $500+M of investment capital; and helped lead M&A processes across 30 transactions. His from-scratch lighting and controls business generated $250+M in revenue in its first six years. He's also a professor at Freedom Jiu Jitsu in Carlsbad, CA. His new book is Lessons from the Mat: The 12 Martial Arts Principles that Will Help You Succeed in Business and in Life. Learn more at FromtheMatAcademy.com. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast

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  • #220
    July 21 · 1 hr 5 min

    Ep 220, Fairness at Work

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Hanna Hasl-Kelchner. Together we explore: How is collaboration rewarded? What should be happening vs. what is happening Getting at discretionary effort Meeting reasonable expectations The unwritten rules at work Developing and maintaining trust at work The need for management training Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration Hanna Hasl-Kelchner’s a no-nonsense workplace fairness strategist and the award-winning author of 'Seeking Fairness at Work - Cracking the New Code of Greater Employee Engagement, Retention & Satisfaction.' Her straight talk and practical tools have helped organizations from startups to S&P 500 companies tackle the messy realities beneath the surface of employee engagement and retention. Hanna works at the intersection of leadership, organizational psychology, and legal insight, which gives her a unique ability to cut through both jargon and wishful thinking. Her recent book, recognized by multiple major awards, unpacks how fairness expectations silently shape workplace culture and offers actionable steps for leaders navigating burnout and generational shifts. Hanna’s experience, including advising the White House and teaching top MBA programs, means she brings both real-world stories and research-backed frameworks to the table. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast

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  • #219
    July 14 · 58 min

    Ep 219, When You Are The Bystander

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Celeste Warren. Together we explore: Looking out for colleagues When to speak up and why Setting expectations in ‘after hours’ events When there’s a problem or conflict at work: are you losing sleep over it? Are they? Resilience and the ability to articulate issues and problems Expecting failure and mistakes on the path to success Celeste’s new book, The Truth about Equity: What It Really Is, What It Isn’t and Why Everyone Wins When We Get It Right The power of equity in conflict management Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration Celeste Warren is a visionary leader who had an impressive 28-year tenure at a global Fortune 100 company, where she rose to the esteemed position of Vice President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. During her decade-long leadership of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Center of Excellence, Celeste implemented groundbreaking initiatives that fostered a culture of inclusivity and equity, setting new standards in the industry. After her retirement, Celeste founded Celeste Warren Consulting, LLC, where she passionately continues her mission to reshape the landscape of diversity and inclusion. Her consulting services empower organizations to create fair and equitable opportunities for all, driving meaningful change and enhancing workplace culture. In addition to her consulting work, Celeste, alongside her two children, established Destination STEM, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing vital resources and support to students of color and those in need pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).Throughout her illustrious career, Celeste has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion on a global scale, elevating the importance of understanding diverse cultures, perspectives, and beliefs within corporate strategies. Her visionary approach not only reshaped internal culture but also influenced the broader business landscape, empowering organizations worldwide to embrace inclusivity as a cornerstone of success. She has recently published her second book entitled “The Truth About Equity, What It Really Is, What It Isn’t and Why Everyone Wins When We Get It Right.” Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast

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  • #218
    July 7 · 56 min

    Ep 218, Habit Stacking

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Kevin Rice. Together we explore: Crash course in running a business Doing a temperature check Yeilding to colleagues’ strengths Developing and building trust Great executive coaching The CEOs & ABCs podcast Being intentionally present Practicing how to have difficult conversations Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Kevin Rice is a founder and leadership advisor who knows firsthand how much intentional planning and sustained effort it takes to create healthy, genuinely human-centered workplaces. He grew Hathway from $0 to $42M in revenue, leading more than 200 people before the company was acquired. At Bounteous, he led growth efforts for a 5,000-person global team, deepening his understanding of scaling not just processes, but the cultures and leadership systems that actually allow people to thrive, even under real pressure. What makes Kevin’s insight rare is that he’s lived through high-stakes conflict and culture-building, all while navigating a major personal transition to single parenthood at the peak of a hypergrowth phase. He now advises AI-driven companies and hosts the CEOs & ABCs podcast, where thousands of professionals tune in to hear about leadership, emotional intelligence, and building workplaces that don’t drain the very people you rely on. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.

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  • #217
    June 30 · 57 min

    Ep 217, The Stories That Build Us: Creating Healthy Workplace Culture

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Gavin McMahon. Together we explore: Is this a technology problem or a people issue? Formal vs. informal practices (how it should work vs. how it does work) Boiling down business to the most basic parts Leadership storytelling: leadership – the choices I make; storytelling – the amplification of those choices through stories Developing collective good habits (culture) through storytelling Building story narratives (showing), instead of telling ‘Why it’s good’ meetings What’s better this week than next week? Improvement by inches. Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Gavin McMahon builds things. Once, it was submarines, sports cars, and steel plants—big, complex systems built on logic and precise plans. But plans have a funny way of falling apart when people get involved. As Gavin tried to figure out why, one truth became clear: People don’t move without a story. Business is more than just strategy and execution—it is persuasion and inspiration too. So he switched gears, traded engineering for business, and earned an MBA in Innovation, Strategy & Information Technology from the Institute Theseus in France. Today, as CEO and co-founder of fassforward, he helps companies shape strategy, leadership, and culture through storytelling. Over the years, he’s worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and learned that even the best ideas will go nowhere if they aren’t told well. Now, he’s written a book about it, Story Business: Why Stories Rule the World and How They Can Reinvent Your Business. In Story Business, Gavin McMahon takes you on a journey from ancient cave paintings to billion-dollar tech unicorns, revealing how storytelling is a powerful—and undervalued—tool for driving business success. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Connection #Podcast

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  • #216
    June 23 · 56 min

    Ep 216, Failure Is A Component Of Success

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Andre W. Thornton. Together we explore: The gift of asking questions Thinking through failure, and what it means The 1440 method What does your average perfect day look like? O.S.E.ing In conflict, there is always something to learn from the other person People are likely to listen when they’ve heard Leadership question: Why would someone volunteer to follow you? Leaning into conflict to strengthen relationships Andre’s new book, Disrupted Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Andre W. Thornton is the founder and CEO of Whitman Consulting, one of the top ten leadership-development firms in the US, which helps organizations grow their people faster than their challenges. A former engineering director at Lockheed Martin, Andre spent sixteen years leading teams on advanced aircraft programs and capturing over $1 billion in new business before discovering his true calling: developing leaders. His book, Disrupted, introduces the two stabilizers and seven accelerators that turn chaos into growth—a framework drawn from neuroscience, engineering, and two decades of coaching experience. Andre helps executives and teams raise their baseline, shorten recovery, and lead with clarity in times of change. He lives in Maryland with his wife, Myesha, and their two children. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Connection #Podcast

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  • #215
    June 16 · 58 min

    Ep 215, Responsible Interaction With AI

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Michelle Hamilton. Together we explore: What does it mean to be creative? And why is creativity important? How to help people process and thrive with the extreme fast pace of change today Holding ‘what’s in it for you?’ conversations at work about AI technologies Seeing new technology as a great opportunity for intergenerational dialogue and collaboration Valuing and listening to colleagues Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration After three decades leading major transformations, Michelle Hamilton started two AI companies to close that adoption gap. That work led her to AnswerRocket, an enterprise AI firm, who recruited her to build a new global division focused on practical AI adoption and change management. Michelle’s stance is clear: measurable business outcomes only happen when leadership bridges the gulf between innovation and everyday execution. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast #AI

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  • #214
    June 9 · 1 hr

    Ep 214, Strong Microcultures Build Thriving Organizations

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Artem Koren. Together we explore: The communication skills leaders will need now and into the future The impact of AI on work, learning, and human connection Technology, isolation, and the growing challenge of workplace loneliness How strong microcultures shape and strengthen organizational culture Why drive and initiative matter in effective leadership Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration. Artem Koren is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Sembly AI, where he is building a new category of meeting intelligence and enablement technology for professional services teams. With a background spanning systems engineering, enterprise consulting, and product leadership, Artem combines deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of how organizations operate—transforming everyday business conversations into structured insights that drive revenue, delivery, and decision-making. Sembly, which Artem co-founded in 2019, leverages advanced natural language understanding to turn meetings into a source of operational intelligence—powering sales enablement, improving client delivery workflows, and helping teams capture and act on critical business information at scale. Artem is passionate about using AI to augment human potential, enabling teams to work smarter, collaborate more effectively, and unlock value hidden within their day-to-day interactions. His work sits at the intersection of AI, enterprise productivity, and the future of knowledge work—pushing beyond simple automation toward systems that actively support how organizations sell, deliver, and grow. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast #AI

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  • #213
    June 2 · 59 min

    Ep 213, Disrupt Conflict Patterns That Aren’t Working: Exhale. Explore. Engage.

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Masha Rusanov. Together we explore: Identifying your default conflict pattern What happens when you break your usual conflict script Listening to the body’s “yes” and “no” signals in difficult conversations Limiting beliefs that keep conflict cycles going Finding alignment with colleagues, even in disagreement The conflict is the enemy, not the people: uniting against the issue Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration Masha Rusanov is a conflict resolution expert, coach, and creator of the Exhale-Explore-Engage method. Drawing on Internal Family Systems, somatic psychology, and conflict theory, she helps people break free from legacy patterns to live with integrity. Masha’s new book, Repatterned: How to Transform Your Conflict Defaults and Reclaim Your Life, introduces a practical three-step framework for interrupting automatic conflict reactions and responding with clarity instead of conditioning. Blending neuroscience, psychology, and real-life stories, Repatterned shows readers how to pause, recognize learned patterns, and choose responses aligned with their values. Masha lives in California with her husband and their blended constellation of children. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast #Ombuds

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  • #212
    May 26 · 1 hr 2 min

    Ep 212, Us vs. Them at Work? There’s a Better Way

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Laura Kriska. Together we explore: Seeing and breaking down silos at work Asking: What are we actually trying to achieve together? The power of superordinate goals The four stages of trust Turning colleagues into trusted colleagues We-building instead of division Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Laura Kriska is a Harvard Business Review contributor, TEDx speaker, and the author of three books on trust, culture, and collaboration, including The Business of WE, The Accidental Office Lady, and her newest work, focused on practical trust-building in today’s organizations. Her article in Harvard Business Review, published in November 2024, was recently selected for a special edition to be released in May 2026. Her career began at age 22 as the first American woman to work in Honda Motor Company’s Tokyo headquarters, an experience that launched a 30+ year career helping global teams, leaders, and organizations close the “us vs. them” gaps that quietly erode performance, culture, and results. At a time when workplaces feel more divided than ever—across culture, politics, generations, functions, hybrid vs. in-office, and identity—Laura works with organizations worldwide on what actually creates change. Her approach goes beyond slogans, focusing instead on research-backed, practical actions that measurably build trust. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review and highlighted by platforms such as Seth Godin’s ChangeThis. Laura’s life’s work centers on inspiring what she calls a “WE-building revolution,” moving people beyond awareness into meaningful action that narrows the gaps holding teams and communities back. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Connection #Podcast

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  • #211
    May 19 · 55 min

    Ep 211, Breathe: Practicing Mental Hygiene

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Shalin Desai. Together we explore: Trying to escape vs. learning the skills to navigate difficult situations Learning and practicing The Art of Living breathing What is within our control Training your mind The role of emotions at work The connection between breath and emotions Emotional regulation: how? Taking the mental “trash” out regularly Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Shalin Desai is the Director of Programs for the Art of Living Foundation, one of the world’s largest nonprofit organizations, whose initiatives have positively impacted over 500 million people across 180+ countries. With more than 25 years of experience teaching breathwork and meditation, Shalin is known for integrating ancient wisdom with modern leadership and well-being practices. He also serves as Chief Revenue Officer of Sri Sri Tattva, a global wellness brand offering natural and Ayurvedic products that promote holistic health through a blend of tradition and science. For over 15 years, Shalin has designed and delivered corporate leadership and wellness programs for organizations including Microsoft, Dell, Boston Consulting Group, Accenture, Salesforce, Eli Lilly and Company, and Merck & Co. His work helps leaders and teams manage stress, build resilience, and cultivate mental clarity while reconnecting with a deeper sense of purpose. Shalin is known for his Intuitive Life Scan, a breakthrough approach in which trained guides provide unbiased insights into an individual’s current situation. A highly engaging speaker known for his relatable storytelling and humor, Shalin inspires audiences with practical techniques they can apply immediately to improve focus, leadership, and overall well-being. Shalin holds a degree in Supply Chain Management from the State University of New York and lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two children. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.

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  • #210
    May 12 · 52 min

    Ep 210, Say It Clearly: Discrimination and Harassment Will Not Be Tolerated

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Derek T. Smith. Together we explore: Harassment and discrimination at work Impact vs. intent Holding real conversations before problems escalate Smart people learn from their own mistakes. Geniuses learn from the mistakes of others Let people talk. Let people know you are available. When to reach out to a lawyer Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Derek Smith is a nationally recognized employment attorney and founder of the Derek Smith Law Group, with nearly 30 years of experience fighting for victims of workplace sexual harassment and discrimination. Since 1995, Derek and his firm have secured over $400 million in compensation for clients across offices in New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, California, and Florida. He holds the record for the largest emotional distress jury verdict ever upheld on appeal in an employment discrimination case in the United States. Known for his compassionate yet tenacious approach, Derek has represented everyone from blue-collar workers to world-famous celebrities, making him one of the most formidable voices in workplace justice today. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Connection #Podcast

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  • #209
    May 5 · 1 hr 5 min

    Ep 209, Midcareer Development

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Lucy Standing. Together we explore: Internal and external networking Her new book, Age Against the Machine: New Rules for Working in an Ageist World Continuing career conversations at work Agism at work Assume good intent, then have the conversation anyway Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Lucy Standing is a Chartered Psychologist, founder of Brave Starts, and Vice Chair of the Association for Business Psychology. She was previously Global Head of Recruitment in the Investment Bank and Strategy Consulting sectors across JP Morgan and LEK consulting. Lucy is co-author of Age Against the Machine, a book that argues the talent shortage gripping British business isn't a talent problem - it's a filtering problem. The most experienced, emotionally intelligent, highest-performing workers in the room are being screened out - by algorithms, by assumptions, and by hiring systems built for a workforce that no longer exists. Lucy has spoken in the UK Parliament on this issue, contributed research to the OECD on ageing and employment policy, and writes a regular careers column for The Daily Telegraph. As founder of Brave Starts CIC - a career development community of over 2,000 people navigating midlife work transitions - she isn't just making a theoretical argument. She has thousands of real stories to back it up. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Connection #Podcast

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  • #208
    April 28 · 1 hr 6 min

    Ep 208, IDEA: Issue, Discussion, Explore, Action

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Mauricio “Reese” Ramos. Together we explore: What an organizational ombuds is and does Different conflict styles at work Being present with others when they are struggling Why does this matter so much to you? What’s holding you back from acting? The Ombuds Academy Learning: knowledge or wisdom? Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration Mauricio “Reese” Ramos is a nationally recognized organizational ombuds and conflict management expert with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals and organizations navigate complex workplace challenges. He currently serves as the inaugural University Ombuds at Virginia Tech, where he designed and leads a university-wide office supporting faculty, staff, and students through confidential, impartial, and informal conflict resolution services. He is also the founder of Ombuds Academy, committed to training the next generation of Ombuds to confidently navigate complex workplace conflict and build healthier organizations. Over the course of his Ombuds career, Reese has worked across academia, government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors—supporting more than 10,000 individuals and advising leadership on systemic workplace issues. He is a past President of the International Ombuds Association, a certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner, and a frequent trainer and speaker on conflict management, communication, and leadership. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast #Ombuds

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  • #207
    April 21 · 52 min

    Ep 207, Helping or Hindering? How We Affect Others’ Growth

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Norman Wolfe. Together we explore: The nature of work Is there a better way to design work? People are not “valuable assets” The universality of love Foundational needs we all have Training people not to grow (old thinking) The Living Organization framework Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Norman Wolfe is the Founder and CEO of Quantum Leaders, and the creator of The Living Organization®, a framework CEOs use to solve execution breakdowns and lead teams in complexity. His work fundamentally reframes why dysfunction sticks around, translating deep systems thinking into tools that help leaders move beyond toxic cultures and into workplaces built on dignity and co-ownership. With over 40 years of leadership experience—including executive roles at Hewlett-Packard and running a $1.2B business unit—the stories Norman brings are filled with tested wisdom. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.

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  • #206
    April 14 · 1 hr 3 min

    Ep 206, What Actually Motivates Us at Work

    This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Bruce Mayhew. Together we explore: Getting your job done vs developing your career Constructing policies that encourage growth Creativity as a fundamental goal Evolving (instead of changing) What are we measuring (and why?) Figuring out how people can be their best vs fitting people into preexisting molds Bruce’s new book, The Path of the Inspired Leader Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Bruce Mayhew has a passion for helping his clients achieve their professional development goals. He is a corporate trainer, keynote speaker, and author who has spent more than two decades helping leaders and teams build empowering cultures that turn good intentions into everyday behaviors that build trust, engagement, and results. As president and founder of Toronto-based Bruce Mayhew Consulting, Bruce delivers practical, people-first and research-informed programs and keynotes covering Leadership and new-leader development, Difficult conversations, Generational differences / Generational dynamics, Time management, and Email etiquette. A former Scotiabank leader, Bruce spent 11 years in roles spanning sales & marketing, corporate marketing, and cash management. Today, clients value Bruce for his clear frameworks, energizing delivery, and immediately usable tools. His training anchors custom solutions that match each organization’s culture, strategy, and goals. In his debut leadership book, The Path of an Inspired Leader which launched in February 2026, Bruce distills years of practice into a practical, uplifting roadmap for leading with clarity, courage, and care—so people feel safe, proud of the work they do, and connected to why it matters. Whether coaching one-to-one or engaging a ballroom, Bruce’s mission is constant: help leaders create the conditions where people flourish—and performance follows. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.

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