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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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...
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April 29, 2025 • 30 mins
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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April 22, 2025 • 33 mins
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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April 15, 2025 • 28 mins
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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April 8, 2025 • 24 mins
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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