About

Harnessing Conflict for Growth

My Journey With Conflict
My experience with conflict mirrors that of most people. We all encounter conflict—whether at home, at school, at work, or in our free time. While some choose to avoid conflict at all costs, I decided to take a different path. I became a mediator to move toward conflict, helping to settle disputes and restore individuals’ autonomy.

Professional Background
I spent 20 years serving in the U.S. military, a career that taught me the importance of leadership and resilience. Beyond my military service, I’ve worked on nonprofit boards, hosted radio programs, and served as a government affairs professional. These diverse experiences have given me a front-row seat to the harm unaddressed conflict can bring into our lives.

Academic Pursuits
To deepen my understanding of conflict, I pursued doctoral studies focused on how leaders resolve, foster, and learn from conflict. My dissertation explored how leaders create shared mutual knowledge by moving toward conflict rather than avoiding it. Published in 2017, it has been downloaded hundreds of times globally. Additionally, my journal article, “Weakness is the New Strength: How Vulnerability Makes Leaders Stronger,” was published in 2023, offering insights into the power of vulnerability in leadership.

My Vision
My vision is to teach, train, facilitate, and coach anyone interested in harnessing conflict as a tool for growth. Whether it’s improving relationships, strengthening businesses, or addressing challenges within families, I believe conflict holds the potential to foster meaningful change. Conflict is everywhere, almost all of the time—but with the right approach, it can lead to understanding, innovation, and stronger connections.