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

June 25, 2025 34 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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...
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This episode of 'All Things Conflict' is completely different to what you will hear anywhere else. Today Maria Arpa MBE engages in a LIVE case study. From this episode YOU will learn how Maria would navigate a tough conversation within the workplace and what steps she would take to make sure the conflict is as minimal as possible. Key Takeaways Addressing Behavior with Compassion: It's important to approach difficult conversati...
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Maria Arpa MBE engages in a conversation with Cornelia Staeubli, CEO and co-founder of the renowned Ottolenghi restaurant chain. They explore the complexities of workplace dynamics from an employer's perspective, particularly focusing on the challenges of scaling a small family business from 20 to nearly 600 employees. Cornelia shares insights on the importance of communication, the need for clear processes, and the value of invest...
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Maria Arpa MBE engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Adrian Pagdin, a leadership development expert with a rich background in hospitality and coaching. Adrian shares his transformative journey at Unilever, where he was deeply involved in promoting a purpose-led culture. He reflects on the challenges he faced when a personality clash disrupted his previously harmonious work environment, leading to feelings of burnout and ...
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Maria Arpa MBE engages in a thought-provoking conversation with her friend and philosopher, Paul, about the concept of "systemic win." They explore the dynamics of conflict resolution, emphasising the importance of not just achieving a win-win situation but ensuring that all parties, including the broader community and environment, benefit from the resolution. Paul shares insights on how to navigate disagreements, the significance ...
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Maria Arpa MBE welcomes Michelle Cox, a race equality consultant and fellow with the Royal College of Nursing, who shares her powerful journey of confronting racism within the NHS. Michelle recounts her experiences of discrimination and the bold decision to take her case to an Employment Tribunal, highlighting the challenges she faced in advocating for fairness and equity in the workplace. Through her story, she emphasizes the impo...
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Welcome to All Things Conflict! In this introductory episode, Maria Arpa MBE explains what 'All Things Conflict' is and why this podcast will help you to resolve any conflicts within your life. Whether it's at home, personal life or in the Workplace. This series we will be focusing on workplace conflicts Maria will look into where they may arise and how to resolve these conflicts whether your employee or the employer. Welcome to A...
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Maria Arpa MBE welcomes retired detective and true crime presenter Jackie Malton to discuss her extensive career in the Metropolitan Police and the inner conflicts faced by women in the workplace. Jackie shares her experiences of navigating a male-dominated environment, the challenges of sexual discrimination, and the personal toll it took on her mental health. She reflects on her journey of self-discovery, recovery from alcoholism...
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