Recognized Conflict Resolution Leaders 2025

Marlene Chism works with executive leaders to build drama-free cultures that drive growth and reduce costly mistakes. An expert in conflict management, Marlene is known for getting to the root problem, simplifying the complex and increasing leadership clarity. As a coach, Marlene works with decision-makers, offering frameworks and tools to navigate complex conversations and increase accountability. As a seasoned facilitator and dynamic speaker, she brings executives and managers together to uncover blind spots, address the elephant in the room, and strengthen alignment. A recognized expert on the LinkedIn Learning platform, Marlene has produced six educational video series on high-stakes topics such as working with high conflict people, having difficult conversations, and anger management. She’s the author of four commercially published books. Her latest, From Conflict to Courage was nominated for an international award from GetAbstract. Marlene holds a bachelor’s in communications with a minor in psychology, and a master’s in human resources development. She’s an enhanced practitioner in Narrative Coaching.

I help leaders stop being cornered by behavior they were never trained to handle. As the Founder of Mission Critical Impact and a 5x Bestselling Author, I specialize in "Tactical Control." This provides experienced leaders the specific language and structures needed to shut down manipulation, deflection, and undermining in real time. Based in Virginia Beach, I leverage over 30 years of expertise to help executives maintain authority and protect their results when people problems threaten their credibility. My work moves beyond theory to provide tactical, actionable control in high-stakes workplace environments.

Sarah Federman's career has never followed a straight line, which makes her useful to reporters looking for a different kind of expert. She spent her thirties as an international advertising executive working across more than ten countries with brands like Google, Bloomberg, Discovery, and the NFL. Then she saw her name on a Holocaust memorial wall and started asking questions the industry couldn't answer: What happens when companies cause serious harm? How can they address and prevent complicity in genocide, slavery, ecocide and other mass atrocity? How do they reckon with that? What does accountability even look like generations later? Those questions took her back to school and to a career as one of the most distinctive voices in the U.S. on corporate accountability and historical justice. Today she is an Associate Professor at the University of San Diego's Kroc School of Peace Studies, where she studies how corporations become complicit in large-scale human rights violations and how they can atone. She is the author of three books, two award-winning. Corporate Reckoning: How Companies Can Atone for Historical Transgressions (MIT Press, 2026) offers a framework for what genuine accountability looks like for institutions that have caused deep historical harm. Last Train to Auschwitz traces the decades-long effort to hold the French national railway responsible for transporting Jewish deportees to Nazi death camps. Transformative Negotiation, written with her Baltimore students, reframes negotiation as a vehicle for equity and structural change. Federman has testified twice before Congress on whether American banks bear responsibility for their historical ties to slavery, engaging both the scholarly and policy dimensions of reparations. She writes for the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and the BBC, and is a TEDx speaker, whose talk was selected by TED main stage for global distribution. She is available to comment on corporate accountability, reparations, Holocaust memory, transitional justice, negotiation, business ethics, ESG, and environmental justice in the Tijuana River watershed.

Molly Zuker is a conflict resolution expert who helps helps people understand the human complexity behind the headlines. With a Master’s in Conflict Resolution & Coexistence and extensive training in mediation and restorative justice, she works with diverse groups - from corporate teams to religious communities - navigating conflicts where multiple identities, beliefs, and loyalties intersect. Zuker specializes in revealing the nuanced dynamics that most observers miss. “No one is ‘just’ any one thing,” she notes. “Every conflict involves whole people with complicated stories.” Whether workplace disputes, community tensions, religious divisions, or cultural clashes, turn to Molly for insights that move beyond simple narratives to reveal the systemic and relational factors actually driving conflict.Whether it’s workplace tensions, religious divisions, community conflicts, or cultural clashes, Molly will help you move beyond simple narratives to understand the deeper dynamics at play. She’s facilitated difficult conversations in boardrooms and sanctuary spaces alike - and she knows that the most interesting stories happen when people’s different identities bump up against each other.

Certified mediator and conflict coach based in Texas, specializing in business partnership mediation, landlord tenant disputes, neighbor conflicts, and conflict coaching. Founder of Neutral Voice Mediation, serving clients virtually across Texas and the United States. Featured in Voyage Dallas Magazine. Member of the CenTex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Available as an expert source on conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolution, mediation vs. litigation, business disputes, and workplace conflict.

I am the founder and principal mediator of the San Diego Family Mediation Center. We are located in Del Mar, California at 445 Marine View Ave., Suite 305, Del Mar, CA 92014. Please visit me at www.SanDiegoFamilyMediation.com. My primary goal is to educate people of the benefits of mediation, not only in family law matters, but in all matters. I have been mediating divorces for over 17 years. I believe that families deserve more than family court can give them. Sure, divorce is a legal process, but it is also a family matter and should be treated as such. Too many professionals lose sight of the fact that each "side" is still part of a whole unit. One that will, more often than not, have to continue in a relationship together. This process MUST include empathy, understanding and clear communication. Without them, our clients suffer, and if our clients suffer, their children suffer more. Specialties: Family mediation, pre-marital & post-marital mediation & agreements, dissolution of both marital and non-marital relationships. Mediations are generally completed using only one mediator, however, team mediation will be provided upon request or when necessary.

Scott Levin, known as the Chief PeaceKeeper™, is a leading San Diego divorce lawyer and mediation expert. As the founder of San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law, Scott helps couples achieve amicable divorces without the stress of court battles or high legal fees. With over 20 years of family law experience and a magna cum laude degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, Scott is dedicated to providing affordable, peaceful resolutions for families. Scott's clients typically reach amicable out of court agreements in months for a fraction of the cost of a contested litigation. Scott’s expertise as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ ensures a fair division of assets and debts, while his problem-solving approach has earned him recognition as one of San Diego's top family law attorneys, including awards from San Diego Business Journal, Super Lawyers, Mediate.com, and San Diego Metro Magazine. Scott is proud of his and the firm's compassionate approach to separation empowering families to resolve all aspects of divorce with dignity. To learn more about Scott and mediation law services, call 858-255-1321

Alice has a tremendous amount of emotional intelligence, which she uses to successfully mediate case after case. Her empathy and understanding puts clients on both sides at ease and comfortable during the mediation. She is a gifted listener, a creative problem-solver and most of all a strong communicator. With Alice's help, most people are able to resolve their issues, feel heard and move forward in their lives. ShikinaMediation.com Specialties: divorce agreements, family conflicts, conflicts between board members, landlord/tenant, community mediations

Jane McWilliams champions peaceful resolution, transforming conflict into understanding through education. She takes a positive approach, providing helpful, evidence-based, actionable tips. At The Aurit Center, she harnesses her extensive background in psychology and social services into empowering others to resolve conflict with empathy and respect. Her insight into how people think and communicate are the foundation of her work.She believes that mediation paves the way for a more compassionate and cooperative world. Jane’s creative spirit shines through in her learning initiatives, designed to foster inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and spark lasting positive change. Jane has a vision for a more peaceful future–one conversation at a time.

As The Human Potentialist, I’m on a mission to change the world, one leader at a time! Misaligned DEI initiatives won’t get your team engaged, and reactive leadership and business strategies won’t get you the results you need. Instead, change how YOU Think, Act, and Lead – providing psychological safety, empathy, and leadership strategies to unlock you and your teams POTENTIAL! Did you know? Disengaged and stressed out employees cost the world economy over $8.8 trillion annually! But more importantly - it's the Human Cost! You, your team members -It's priceless – like this Blue Diamond As a Speaker and Coach, my unique approach, grounded in neuroscience and real-world experience, transforms how leaders and teams THINK, ACT, and LEAD: Facet : Turn short-term reactions into strategic, long-term, inclusive ACTIONS Facet : Boost safety, empowerment, and empathy to drive engagement Facet : Build a resilient, aligned workforce ready to tackle future challengesThrough my neuroscience-backed RESPOND framework, I guide leaders to: Facet : Become a transformational leader Facet : Reduce stress and overwhelm Facet : Navigate complexities like AI integration and hybrid work Facet : Take control of their success and empower othersThe result? A transformative shift in workplace dynamics: Psychological safety soars, fostering innovation and idea-sharing Burnout and disengagement plummet Leadership confidence and intentionality skyrocket Team trust and collaboration reach new heights Resilience in the face of work challenges, such as AI and hybrid work, increases Employee retention improves as engagement flourishes Overall performance and productivity see significant boostsCreating a competitive advantage through a more aligned, empowered, and future-ready workforce.Sound interesting? Tired of trying "things" and want to get to one of the root causes? I’d be honored to hear your story. Some recent places I've talked and things I've done: * FWHR * Women’s Business Council Southwest * Women In Tech Global * American Business Women's Association * Amazon Best Selling Author of People FusionWhether you’re leading a team, a business, or just yourself, unlock your potential, and shift from psychological unsafe reactions to strategic response - True change starts from within" ! Let’s connect! https://calendly.com/inpower-strategists/vc* chays@inpowerstrategists.com

My tenure on the Orlando Sentinel Advisory Opinion Board afforded me a unique opportunity to weigh in on issues related to race, religion, patriotism, justice, oppression, politics, and history to name a few. Though we did not always agree with each other’s opinions, we were respectful and I hope we came away from those discussions with a greater appreciation for how different points of view are necessary to our understanding of the issues which confront us as a nation. Conflict is inevitable but how we deal with conflict goes to the core of who I am as well who we want to be as a nation. Our nation was forged as a result of conflict. The founding fathers, all of whom were white men, created our Constitution and institutions which still survive today. Key to this survival was the ability to engage in respectful discourse, compromise and adapt to societal demands for change. Our history and world history are steeped in paternalistic ideology that is so ingrained in our society that most of us scarcely notice the insidious side effects. These side effects include inequities and inequality in power based on race, gender, religion and socioeconomic factors. Regrettably, we live in a world where our senses are constantly being bombarded with images, sound bites, and elected officials who are not representing the interests of the people but those of special interest groups. We the people are being manipulated by those who are fearful of change. Our president is solipsistic. We the people are anesthetized to the suffering and injustices that many face. What use to shock us no longer does. We live in an age of malignant normalcy. We no longer engage in critical thinking and we defame and deflect when confronted with opinions that do not conform to our worldview. What happened to compassion, common decency, compromise and empathy? Each of us has a duty individually and collectively to take a stand for something in keeping with the values enumerated in our Constitution of liberty and justice for all. So, what does conflict resolution have to do with any of this you might ask. Everything, is my response. Acknowledge, listen, pause, speak. Courtesy, Respect and Compromise also go a long way. We have to work together to defeat those who hold an apocalyptical worldview which seeks to return us to the days of our founding fathers. We need to be in alignment with the Preamble to the Constitution, “We The People…” where power rests with citizens.

Dr. Favaro is a master of human relationships, having spent more than 40 years as a court-appointed forensic psychologist and custody evaluator in over 6000 high-conflict divorce and criminal cases. Dr. Favaro has taught anger management, conflict resolution, civilized co-parenting, and in Bad People Bible, how to identify and remove toxic individuals from your life. As a pioneer in healthcare and AI, Dr. Favaro’s early work contributed to the development of artificial intelligence applications in medicine and diagnosis, which he presented at a 1984 world conference at Harvard University. Soon after, he created Activision’s Alter Ego, the first life simulation game developed by using interviews with hundreds of people about their most memorable life experiences. This passion for AI led him to develop Bad People Bible’s AI therapy coach and digital community on Teachable. Dr. Favaro has authored dozens of books on conflict resolution, anger management, parenting, relationships, and clinical and child development. You may have seen him on ABC with John Stossel, Fox’s The Morning Show with Mike and Juliette, on the Montel Williams and Geraldo Rivera shows as the resident guest psychologist, and on dozens of local and international news shows. He is the executive director of SmartParenting: The Family Center, a clinic that delivers court-related services to high-conflict individuals and families, and is the founder and CEO of the Center for Improved Human Relationships, an organization that promotes civility, respect, and conflict resolution at home, in the workplace, and in the community.

Stephanie Lemek, SPHR, MBA | Founder & CEO, The Wounded Workforce® | Executive Director, Center for Construction Mental Health™ Stephanie Lemek is a trauma-informed workplace expert, speaker, and organizational mental health strategist with more than 20 years of HR leadership experience across high-risk, high-stakes industries. She is the founder of The Wounded Workforce®, a consulting and education practice built on a foundational belief that resilience is a systems outcome, not an individual trait, and the Executive Director of the Center for Construction Mental Health™, the first organization dedicated exclusively to advancing mental health infrastructure in the construction industry. Stephanie developed the 7 Principles of Trauma-Informed Workplaces, a proprietary framework that translates clinical trauma-informed care principles into practical, scalable organizational culture change. She is the creator of the Building Resilience Construction Mental Health Certification®, a workforce training program that equips leaders and practitioners to build psychologically safe environments from the ground up. Her practitioner background includes senior HR leadership roles at some of the most recognized contractors in the country, giving her a credibility that is rare in the consulting space: she has held the seats her clients now occupy. That grounded perspective shapes every keynote, training, and organizational engagement she delivers. Stephanie holds credentials as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), an MBA, and certifications in trauma-informed workplace practices. She is currently at work on her first book, The Resilience Myth: Why Pushing Through Is Failing Everyone at Work, which challenges the cultural assumption that individual grit is the solution to systemic dysfunction. She is a sought-after speaker on employment trauma, psychological safety, burnout, and the organizational conditions that either protect or erode workforce mental health.

Dr. Julie Donley helps leaders stay calm under pressure, reduce workplace stress, and lead more effectively by understanding human behavior. With more than 30 years of experience in behavioral health, executive nursing leadership, and developing leaders who know how to engage, influence, and get results through people, she brings a rare depth of insight into why people behave the way they do, and what great leaders can do about it. Her career began in psychiatric nursing, where she worked with people in emotional crisis. There she learned that human behavior isn’t logical; it’s emotional. And emotional reactions, unmanaged, are what cause conflict, miscommunication, disengagement, and toxic work environments. Later, as a Director of Nursing in behavioral health, she led teams through rapid change, staffing challenges, and organizational restructuring—real-world pressure that tested every leadership principle she thought she knew. It was there she developed her belief that leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about emotional mastery and relationship intelligence. Today, Dr. Donley coaches executives and leadership teams across industries, helping them lead with emotional intelligence, build healthy team dynamics, and eliminate the friction that slows performance and damages culture. She is also a dynamic keynote speaker known for delivering content with clarity, energy, and substance, blending real stories with practical strategies leaders can use immediately. She is the author of the bestselling book Does Change Have to Be So Hard? and Leading at the Speed of People, a Global Book Award finalist. She is also the creator of the CARE Leadership Model™, a practical framework based on Communication, Appreciation, Respect, and Empathy. Her insights have been featured in Business Insider, MSN, PR News, Authority Magazine, Minority Business Entrepreneur, HR Revolution and other media outlets. Known for her clarity and real-world wisdom, Dr. Donley offers expert commentary on emotional intelligence at work, leadership mindset, psychological safety, change leadership, conflict resolution, communication, and stress in leadership. Speaking topics and signature programs are available upon request and at drjuliedonley.com. For interviews, expert commentary, or speaking invitations: 📩 info@drjuliedonley.com 🌐 drjuliedonley.com

Erik Wheeler has helped hundreds of couples go through divorce more peacefully and at much lower expense than battling it out in court. Holding a Master's degree in Mediation, Erik works in both Vermont and Colorado, specializing in divorce and family mediation. His calm, reassuring approach that helps couples reach agreements even in emotionally charged situations. He prepares all court-required paperwork for uncontested divorces, guiding clients through the process from initial agreement to final filing without the adversarial dynamic of litigation. Erik is available to comment on topics including divorce mediation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), the financial and emotional costs of contested divorce, co-parenting agreements, asset division, and how couples can avoid the family court system. He serves everyday families, military couples, and cases involving complex asset division.

Ellen Kim is Founder and Principal of Cadenza Resolutions and Advisory, a firm dedicated to mediation, arbitration, and executive coaching. With a background in complex commercial negotiations, Ellen deeply enjoys the process of "closing a deal." She is adept at listening with attentiveness, finding the ask behind the ask, and providing creative solutions to her clients. Ellen continues work "closing deals," but has moved her seat at the table to be the neutral facilitator of an agreement. Her interest in dispute prevention and resolution lies in the very simple summary that she enjoys being a "professional peacemaker." Whether designing dispute systems for organizations or resolving active disputes, Ellen believes that creating a space for all parties to be heard with respect leads to better outcomes for all. Ellen brings this same deep listening to her coaching practice as an executive coach. As a coach, she has partnered with legal and business leaders across industries in Silicon Valley and through Santa Clara University’s Leavey Graduate School of Business and Law School to strategize around career design and leadership development. Additionally, Ellen is particularly passionate about empowering individual executives to engage in healthy conflict within their organizations to catalyze innovation. Ellen enjoys facilitating better conversations, cutting to the heart of the matter in a dialogue, and giving parties permission to have *that* kind of conversation.

A leadership strategist and the founder of KS Insight, with over 25 years of experience advising high-level leaders across various sectors. I specialize in guiding executives and organizations through complex challenges, particularly in leadership development, conflict resolution, and strategic transformation. With a strong background in public policy, international relations, and coaching, I work with leaders in both the public and private sectors, including governments, non-profits, and global institutions. I am passionate about fostering effective leadership in divided societies and helping organizations navigate times of change with clarity and resilience.

Warren Pulley brings 40 years of threat assessment and crisis management expertise across military, law enforcement, diplomatic, corporate, and educational environments. As founder of CrisisWire, he provides professional threat assessment services to organizations throughout Hawaii, Nationally and Internationally. Credentials: BTAM (Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management) trained - University of Hawaii West Oahu 20+ FEMA certifications (IS-906, IS-907, IS-915, complete ICS/NIMS) Former LAPD Veteran Police Officer (12 years) 6+ years U.S. Embassy Baghdad security operations (zero incidents under daily threat) Former Director of Campus Safety, Chaminade University Former California Private Investigator 7 years U.S. Air Force (nuclear security & paralegal) Published Authority: Author of five books on threat assessment: The Prepared Leader, Threat Assessment Handbook, Campus Under Siege, Locked Down: The Access Control Playbook, and Uniformed Silence. Published researcher with 9+ peer-reviewed papers on threat assessment, workplace violence, and crisis management. Media-Ready Expertise: Available for expert commentary on threat assessment, school safety, workplace violence prevention, crisis management, executive protection, insider threats, and emergency preparedness. Find CrisisWire online at https://rypulmedia.wixsite.com/crisiswire

Michael Aurit is a leading divorce mediator in America, trailblazing the movement to make mediation the first choice for divorce. He has guided thousands to their best possible agreements, affirming that within every problem is an opportunity. Michael shapes the future of mediation as a law professor at Pepperdine University and Arizona State University, and a top trainer for professionals globally. As President of the Academy of Professional Family Mediators, he pioneered online family mediation, expanding its reach worldwide.Alongside Karen, he champions healthy relationships and advocates for children. They believe that even in the most challenging situations, there's always an answer.

Tieja MacLaughlin is a sought-after public relations and crisis management consultant for individuals, executives, and brands who are experiencing reputation damage including social media fallout, legal issues, and other sensitive matters that may attract media attention or public scrutiny. Tieja offers a no nonsense real-world approach to traditional crisis communications, and is frequently relied upon as a strategic asset in high-stakes scenarios. Tieja’s background in media and communications, combined with her personal lived experience, has bolstered her natural ability to seamlessly navigate chaos and turn reputational disasters into redemption arcs. www.tiejamaclaughlin.com