All Things Conflict

All Things Conflict

Who doesn't have conflict in their lives? Whether at work, at home or somewhere out in the world we are all affected by conflict even when it is indirect. The impact of poorly managed conflict can devastate lives. With 30 years’ experience mediating conflict and training peacemakers, Maria has held people’s hearts through everything from workplace hostility, board room battles, belligerent teenagers, separated parents at loggerheads to neighbours at war, street gang rivalries, threats to life and business deals gone wrong. In this podcast Maria lifts the lid on why we fight and how we can resolve conflict and design it out of our lives. Maria’s mission is to reduce unnecessary human suffering through conscious awareness, facilitated dialogue and trauma healing, using her communications tool, the Dialogue Road Map.

Episodes

Transforming Tension into Collaboration: A Chair's Approach to Boardroom Harmony

August 26, 2025 • 37 mins
In this case study episode, Maria, facilitates a pre-meeting discussion between two board members, Sean, an executive director, and Mark, a non-executive director, to address the underlying tensions affecting their board meetings. The conversation reveals a fundamental disagreement regarding the hiring process for a new team member, with Sean advocating for an internal candidate and Mark pushing for an external hire to drive radica...
Mark as Played

Bridging Generational Gaps: Understanding Intergenerational Conflict in the Workplace

August 19, 2025 • 38 mins
In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes Patrick Dunne, a seasoned expert in conflict management with extensive experience working with boards and social enterprises. Patrick shares insights from his diverse background, including his work with intergenerational and cross-cultural teams, and discusses the recurring themes of conflict, such as self-awareness, communication, and role clarity. He emphasises the imp...
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FORGIVENESS SPECIAL: WITH ROBIN SHOHET

August 18, 2025 • 71 mins
In this special episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria and Robin Shohet engage in a profound conversation about the complexities of forgiveness. They explore the misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, emphasising that it is not about moral superiority or condoning harmful actions, but rather a personal journey towards self-liberation. Robin shares a personal story that highlights the importance of recognizing how we often hold on...
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Reintroducing Mercy: Exploring the Importance of Empathy in a Conflict-Driven World

August 12, 2025 • 37 mins
In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria engages in a profound conversation with Abdul Karim, a multifaceted individual with a rich background in athletics, spirituality, and community leadership. Abdul shares his journey from the Bronx to becoming an imam and the founder of "Cultivate Mercy," a movement aimed at fostering mercy in people's hearts through knowledge, experience, and action. The discussion delves into the imp...
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Navigating Family Wealth: The Role of a Family Constitution in Conflict Resolution

August 5, 2025 • 26 mins
In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes Gio Notarbartolo, who shares her transformative journey navigating conflict within her family's multi-generational business. Gio discusses her initial reluctance to embrace her inherited wealth and how discovering impact investing in 2015 shifted her perspective, allowing her to take ownership of her family's legacy. The conversation delves into the complexities of creating a...
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The Art of Supervision: Building Trust and Accountability in the Helping Professions

July 29, 2025 • 34 mins
In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria Arpa engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Robin Shohet, a pioneer in the field of supervision within the helping professions. With nearly 50 years of experience, Robin shares his journey and the transformative power of supervision, emphasising its role in personal growth and professional development. The discussion explores the importance of choosing the right supervisor, ...
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The Elasticity of Decision-Making: Understanding Conflict in Infrastructure Projects

July 24, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria engages in a conversation with Hervé de Trogoff, CEO of the international consultancy Accuracy. They delve into the complexities of the construction industry, exploring the myriad conflicts that arise from high-stakes infrastructure projects. Hervé shares insights from his extensive experience, highlighting the challenges of decision-making in environments fraught with fear and insecu...
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Creating Safe Spaces: The Role of Empathy and Reflection in Workplace Mediation

July 15, 2025 • 42 mins
In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa MBE welcomes back her husband, David Ellis, a seasoned mediator with over 20 years of experience. They delve into the intricacies of workplace mediation, exploring how it transcends mere conflict resolution to foster genuine human connections. David emphasises the importance of creating a safe space for individuals to reflect on their experiences and emotions, allowing them to na...
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WORKPLACE CONFLICT SPECIAL: An Episode with Shannon Pearson

July 13, 2025 • 77 mins
In this deeply personal and raw conversation, Shannon Pearson opens up about her journey from being a trusted HR leader to becoming the target of a system she once believed in. What began as a career rooted in care and service unravelled in the face of organizational dysfunction, toxic silence, and moral injury. This is not just a story of conflict — it's a story of betrayal, awakening, and personal transformation. Shannon speaks ...
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Family, Trust & Fallout: Why Family Businesses Break Down - Ed Weeks

July 8, 2025 • 37 mins
In this powerful episode, we dive into the emotional and legal complexities of family business conflict with solicitor and dispute resolution expert Ed Weeks. With decades of experience helping families navigate shareholder breakdowns, succession battles, and deep-seated sibling rivalries, Ed shares what really causes these disputes—and how to stop them from destroying relationships and companies alike. We talk trust, betrayal, po...
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The Future of Work: Embracing Conflict as a Catalyst for Innovation and Creativity

July 1, 2025 • 45 mins
Maria engages in a thought-provoking conversation with David Liddle, founder of Total Conflict Management (TCM). They explore the transformative power of conflict resolution in workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of addressing unresolved conflict and fostering constructive dialogue. David shares his journey from community mediation to developing innovative frameworks that prioritize empathy, collaboration, and restorative...
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Healthy Conflict Resolution: Strategies for Effective Leadership and Team Dynamics

June 24, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa engages in a thought-provoking conversation with John Cullum, a seasoned leader with extensive experience in both corporate and charitable sectors. They explore the nuances of conflict in leadership, emphasising the importance of listening and empathy in navigating challenges within organisations. John shares insights from his diverse career, including his time at Ford Motor Comp...
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The Philosophy of Systemic Win: How Leaders Can Foster Flourishing Systems

June 17, 2025 • 33 mins
Maria Arpa welcomes back philosopher Paul Baker to delve into the complexities of leadership, board dynamics, and the philosophy of Systemic Win. They explore how boards can assess their effectiveness not only through self-evaluation but also by considering the perspectives of those affected by their decisions. Paul emphasizes the importance of moving beyond a punitive, adversarial mindset to foster a culture of collaboration and l...
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Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Lessons from Simon Woodroffe's Business Evolution

June 10, 2025 • 37 mins
In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Simon Woodroffe, the founder of Yo Sushi and Yotel, and a former dragon on Dragon's Den. Simon shares his journey from a headstrong entrepreneur with little formal education to a leader who values connection and rapport in business. He reflects on the challenges of navigating relationships in the entrepreneurial world and emphasizes the...
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The Role of Transparency in Conflict Resolution: A Conversation with Alex Dunlop

June 3, 2025 • 34 mins
In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes lawyer and mediator Alex Dunlop, an expert in international dispute resolution. The conversation delves into the complexities of workplace conflicts, particularly at senior management levels, exploring common pitfalls such as pride, ego, and miscommunication. Alex shares insights from his extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of transparency and the often-overlooke...
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Building Healthy Board Relationships: Strategies for Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution

May 27, 2025 • 34 mins
Maria welcomes the esteemed Murray Steele, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience as a non-executive director and chair of various boards. Murray shares his insights on the complexities of board dynamics, particularly the role of conflict in fostering productive discussions. He emphasizes the importance of non-executive directors in challenging executive mindsets and stimulating necessary debates, especially during cris...
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Navigating Leadership: The Unspoken Conversations That Shape Business Success

May 20, 2025 • 7 mins
Maria Arpa MBE introduces the second series of All Things Conflict, focusing on the critical role of leadership in navigating workplace dynamics. Building on insights from the first series, which explored various perspectives within workplaces, this new series aims to delve into the experiences of directors, senior leadership teams, and entrepreneurs. The host emphasizes the importance of open conversations about potential challeng...
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Behind the Scenes of Business Disputes: A Candid Conversation on Leadership and Emotional Well-being

May 20, 2025 • 35 mins
Maria invites her husband, David, a mediator and former managing director of a three-generation family business, to share his journey through the complexities of family dynamics and workplace conflict. David reflects on the contrasting leadership styles of his grandfather and father, highlighting the challenges of navigating a business steeped in tradition while adapting to modern demands. The conversation delves into the toxic und...
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From Judgment to Understanding: Transforming Conversations in Conflict Resolution

May 13, 2025 • 3 mins
To conclude this series of All Things Conflict: Workplaces, Maria Arpa MBE reflects on the key insights shared by various guests regarding workplace conflict. Maria introduces the metaphor of "plumbing" to illustrate the importance of having effective systems in place for navigating human interactions, suggesting that meaningful conversations are essential for any task or goal. The episode encourages listeners to foster connections...
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Navigating Conflict: How Effective Communication Can Prevent Workplace Tension

May 6, 2025 • 31 mins
Maria Arpa MBE sits down with James Ellis, a coach and coach trainer who specialises in enhancing workplace dynamics across various sectors, including education and private equity. James shares valuable insights on the importance of effective communication and the role of coaching in fostering a positive workplace culture. He emphasises the significance of upfront conversations, or "contracting," to prevent conflicts and improve in...
Mark as Played

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