Conflict Managed

Ep 174, Narcissism at Work: Patterns, Boundaries, Practical Responses

This week on Conflict Managed we are joined by Dr. Anthony Mazzella, Psychotherapist & Psychoanalyst. Join us for a practical conversation on how to recognize narcissistic patterns at work, set internal boundaries, and use curiosity and a slower pace to keep conflict from spiraling.
 Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts and to watch on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration.
As a leader and expert in the field, Dr. Mazzella holds various clinical positions, including, but not limited to, treating patients in his private practice, training professionals at two post-graduate training institutes, conducting research, and lecturing across the country. While his focus with his patients is psychodynamic in nature, his main goals are to build a trusting relationship and help each patient reduce the frequency and intensity of their emotional painful thoughts and suffering. He helps his patients overcome both acute and long-standing problems that may be more imbedded in their personality.
Anthony is the host of the podcast The Narcissism Decoder, a podcast takes a comprehensive look at various facets of narcissism.
Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.
#ConflictManaged #WorkplaceConflict #NarcissismAtWork #Leadership #Boundaries #WorkplaceWellbeing

Ep 173, Workarounds That Work

This week on Conflict Managed we’re joined by Dr. Michelle Griffin. Join us as we talk about building smart workarounds for the hard parts of your job, so your strengths lead and your time goes where it matters most.
We discuss:• How to design workarounds that fit you• Turning leadership coaching into action you can use• Investing in people and culture for better results• What HR really does and how to partner with them• Understanding your rights and the role of HR in conflicts
 
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts and to watch on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration.
 
Michelle Griffin is the founder and CEO of Griffin Resources, an end-to-end business solutions provider based in Tampa, Florida. Since founding her company, Michelle has built Griffin Resources into a comprehensive organization offering HR outsourcing, talent acquisition, sales strategy, and operational support services on a fractional, hourly basis with no monthly retainer requirements. 
Griffin Resources distinguishes itself through its strategic approach to talent acquisition, going beyond simply filling vacancies to consider clients' long-term vision and aligning human capital with organizational goals. The company's innovative recruitment methods include behavioral and cognitive assessments, structured interviews, and ATS optimization to ensure the best match between candidates and companies. 
Prior to launching Griffin Resources, Michelle served as Head of Human Resources at ConnectWise and Human Resources Director for Homes by WestBay. Her expertise spans corporate recruiting, compliance, payroll, employee benefits, and talent development. 
Michelle holds a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University, along with a Master's degree in the same field. She remains active in her professional community, formerly serving on the Board of Directors for HR Tampa in College Relations. 
When not helping businesses optimize their operations, Michelle enjoys traveling and supporting various philanthropic causes, including High Hopes in High Heels and Shriners Hospital for Children. 
Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.

Ep 172, Systems Reduce Unnecessary Conflict

This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Chris Donaldson for a practical look at how small choices, real mentorship, and clear procedures shape everyday work. Join us as we discuss:
🔹  Vertical relationships and practical mentorship that lifts every level
🔹  Why the little things in your work compound over time
🔹  The ripple effect of “crying wolf”
🔹  Transferable skills that travel with you from role to role
🔹  Clear operating procedures that reduce avoidable conflict
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts and to watch on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration.
Chris Donaldson is a native of Northwest Tennessee and the founder and CEO of Tencom Services, Inc., an IT Services company serving as an outsourced IT provider for businesses across the country since 2001.
He also leads the nonprofit entrepreneur center The Mill Workspace in Dyersburg, TN. His work with The Mill revolves around helping businesses start and grow across all nine counties of Northwest Tennessee.
He and his wife and business partner, Joanna, have two children and live in Dyer County.
Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.
#ConflictManaged #Leadership #Mentorship #WorkplaceConflict #ProcessImprovement

Ep 171, Normalizing Difficult Conversations

This week on Conflict Managed, Rachel Shaw joins us to share how we can make difficult conversations a normal, productive part of workplace life. We talk about:
🎯 Excellent HR in action🎯 What to do if you’re conflict-averse🎯 The power of process 🎯  Being open and willing to be wrong🎯 People feel your intent (and if you genuinely care)🎯 ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act): creating as many “yes” responses as possible and supporting people through difficult transitions🎯 Listening to your workforce
 
Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration
 
Rachel Shaw is the President and Principal Consultant of Shaw HR Consulting, Incorporated. With more than 20 years of executive-level Human Resources experience, Rachel is recognized nationwide as a leader in helping public and private sector employers manage their most challenging disability-related personnel issues. Rachel and her team provide comprehensive solutions to employers on how to successfully manage the interconnected roles of human resources, workers’ compensation, and disability compliance to successfully reduce litigation, the costs of claims and improve employee-employer relations throughout the process.
Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.
 
#ConflictResolution #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #HRBestPractices #CommunicationSkills

Ep 170, Being Cared For at Work

This week on Conflict Managed, we’re joined by Jordan Peace, CEO of Fringe.
We explore what it means to create a workplace where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Topics include:
The professional payoff of boldness and courage
Cultivating curiosity as a leadership strength
Building trust and loyalty across teams
Challenging the false stories we tell ourselves
Rethinking what gets rewarded at work
Why putting humans first leads to lasting success
Listen on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube: @3pconflictrestoration
 
Jordan Peace is a former financial planner turned HR tech entrepreneur who’s redefining how we think about employee experience. At Fringe, he’s leading the charge in replacing outdated perks with lifestyle benefits that actually meet the needs of today’s diverse, remote, and values-driven workforce. Under his leadership, Fringe has raised approximately $30 million, scaled to $50 million in revenue, and is preparing to launch a fully rebuilt platform that combines rewards, recognition, wellbeing, learning, gifting, and more into one seamless human-centered experience.
Jordan brings a fresh and empathetic lens to business growth, leadership, and culture-building. He’s known for his story-driven and emotionally intelligent approach to both product design and team dynamics.
Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.
#WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #TrustAtWork #EmployeeWellbeing #ConflictResolution #Podcast

Ep 169, Internal Communication: Head, Hearts, & Hands Framework

This week on Conflict Managed, Alejandra Ramirez shares how the Head, Hearts, & Hands framework builds trust, strengthens culture, and aligns teams for success. Listen in to discover what it really takes to create a healthy, thriving workplace.
🎧 Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts, and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration.
Internal communications strategist Alejandra Ramirez is a veteran culture builder with nearly two decades of experience transforming organizations through strategic communication. After 15 years leading communications in Big Law, she founded Ready Cultures, where she helps organizations turn their workforce into their biggest differentiator. With expertise in crisis communications, executive communications, team alignment, and scaling communications systems, Alejandra brings practical solutions for organizations struggling with misaligned messages and disconnected teams. Her proven approach helps leaders build trust, boost productivity, and create sustainable cultural change that impacts the bottom line.
Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.
#ConflictResolution #InternalCommunication #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #TrustAtWork #ConflictManagedPodcast

Ep 168, Rooting Out Toxicity

Toxicity doesn’t just appear—it grows when we avoid tough conversations.
This week on Conflict Managed, Alan Laderman joins me to talk about how to turn crushing feedback into growth, root out toxicity before it takes hold, and embrace the power of direct communication.
Listen now to learn how being coachable can transform your workplace culture.
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts and to watch on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration.
Alan Laderman is an entrepreneur and innovative restaurateur with over 15 years of experience turning concepts into successful businesses. He is the driving force behind several standout dining destinations in Northwest Tennessee, including Sammies, The Grind Mac & Cheese Burger Bar, and Woodfire Pizza Kitchen. At Woodfire, Alan led the transformation of a historic space into a vibrant restaurant that blends Southern hospitality with Italian flavors and nostalgic ‘80s and ‘90s influences. His work earned him the Northwest Tennessee Cornerstone Award, recognizing his impact on the region’s culinary landscape.
Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.
#ConflictResolution #WorkplaceToxicity #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #ConflictManagedPodcast

Ep 167, Taking Responsibility

This week on Conflict Managed we’re joined by Mark Astor for a conversation about what it really takes to run a successful business and a healthy workplace.
We talk about:
Why structure matters: the role of policies, procedures, and systems in keeping conflict at bay
The journey, challenges, and rewards of building a small business from scratch
How to hire well, delegate wisely, trust your team, and let go of control
Staying mission-driven and making sure your employees understand the “why” behind the work
Join us as we explore the connection between taking responsibility as a leader and creating a thriving business where people want to work.
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts and to watch on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration.
Mark was born and raised in the United Kingdom. He came to the US for college where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan in 1990, his Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University College of Law, and his Master of Laws Degree (L.L.M.) from American University.
Mark began his legal career as a Palm Beach County Assistant State Attorney and served as Chief of two different County Court Divisions and, thereafter, was promoted to a felony trial division. He has handled thousands of cases ranging from first-degree misdemeanors to Capital Murder.
In February 2016, Mark formed a concierge law service dedicated to helping families and individuals suffering from substance use and mental health disorders. Together with his experienced team and using the tools and resources only available to an experienced practitioner, Mark has been witness to many individuals experiencing the miracle of HOPE and recovery.
When he’s not working in his law practice, Mark empowers members of the community by teaching Krav Maga. He also enjoys an early morning work-out believing that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.
#ConflictManaged #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusinessSuccess #WorkplaceCulture #MissionDriven #Podcast

Ep 166, What is Conflict?

This week on Conflict Managed, we welcome Dr. Ute Liersch for a thoughtful conversation about navigating life and work with courage and clarity.
We explore:
How you want to show up in the world
Focusing on behavior instead of judging the person
What courage really feels like
Owning and handling personal mistakes
The hidden harm of toxic positivity
Why creating doubt in your own beliefs can help you grow
Building resilience by learning to yield rather than break
 
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts and to watch on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration.
 
Dr Ute Liersch is a Chartered Counselling and Coaching Psychologist with over two decades of experience in navigating the complexities of stress, leadership, and change. Neurodivergent and a cancer survivor, she brings both clinical precision and lived depth to her work. Known for her calm authority and elegant pragmatism, Dr Ute helps people lead — and live — with psychological clarity and emotional integrity. Her work spans trauma-informed leadership, functional communication, and sustainable high performance, and she’s trusted by organisations from Biogen UK to The Soke and Birkbeck University. She is the author of A Minimalist’s Guide to Becoming Resilient, a practical and psychologically rich resource for those ready to shift from overwhelm to embodied clarity. 
Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.

Ep 165, Text & Subtext in Conflict

This week on Conflict Managed, we welcome mediator and educator Richard Birke for a thoughtful conversation about what’s said, and what’s underneath, in conflict. Tune in as we explore:• How the unusual grabs our attention • Listening without (negative) reaction• The desire to be “further from the bear”• Needs vs. how we try to meet them• A simple listening tool: the 5-second pause• Always take the high road• Asking yourself: What do I want? What’s available? What if nothing changes?
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts and to watch on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration.
Richard Birke is the chief architect behind JAMS Pathways. Drawing from his leadership experience within the JAMS Institute, Mr. Birke will leverage his wealth of wisdom and knowledge to ensure JAMS Pathways delivers industry-leading service to help clients navigate conflict. A 30-year veteran in the field and in the classroom, Mr. Birke is a hands-on leader and has won two national writing awards for his work in the psychology and neuroscience of mediation and negotiation. Additionally, he has taught dozens of innovative courses around the world, given hundreds of lectures and speeches, and mediated complex disputes involving such matters as an international child abduction, civil rights and the creation of national wilderness areas.
Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.
#ConflictManagedPodcast #WorkplaceConflict #ProfessionalGrowth #Podcast #WorkplaceWellbeing #ActiveListening #LeadershipDevelopment #ConflictResolution