Conflict Managed
Conflict Managed is a podcast about toxic workplaces and how to fix them. Listen to stories of dysfunction and triumph from different walks of life and professions. Join us on the journey as we talk about the good, bad, and ugly of our work environments and discuss a vision for the future of human-centered workplaces where people are not only treated with dignity and respect but encouraged to be their brilliant selves. Managing Conflict is not magic, though it takes intentional and sustained planning for health to win over chaos in any environment. Conflict is normal and expected. Let’s deal with it.
Episodes

Tuesday May 16, 2023
Work/Life Balance
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Is work/life balance a myth?
Today on Conflict Managed we are joined by Phallyn Folse, a chemical engineer turned manager and CEO of PF Strategies LLC. Phallyn discusses her journey and the principles and techniques she’s implemented to find work/life balance. She also talks with us about:
Flow
This or better thinking
The isolating effects of management
“Is this mine?” curiosity around work conflict and emotions
The Ice Cream Wall visualization (you’ll have to listen to find out what this means!)
As a recovering burned-out corporate parent, Phallyn understands what it’s like to pretend to balance a corporate career with family life, all the while feeling completely depleted on the inside. Being a wife and mom of two and after going through a period of major burnout mid-way through her 10+ year career as an engineer turned manager, she managed to implement alternative science backed strategies into her daily life that led her to thrive and not just survive. Over the past decade, Phallyn has used her chemical engineering and chemistry background along with her knowledge as a certified Feng Shui consultant to research, develop, and test strategies that help corporate parents lead a life where they feel grounded, balanced and ultimately, thrive.
You can find Phallyn online:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phallyn-folse-58a67755
Instagram - @pfstrategies.co
Website: www.pfstrategies.co
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to #podcasts.
Conflict Managed is hosted by Merry Brown and produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services.

Tuesday May 09, 2023
You May Want to Consider …
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Stuck in a work conflict? Not sure what to do next? Get curious.
Today on Conflict Managed, we are joined by Natalie Landau Gibson, Ombuds at UCLA.
Natalie Landau Gibson, a Southern California native, has spent the last ten years honing her skills in the field of conflict resolution. She received her bachelor’s degree in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from Boston University and then her Master’s Degree in Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs from the School of International Service at American University in Washington, D.C. With particular interests in human rights, social justice, conflict transformation and peacebuilding, Natalie has worked for a variety of non-profits, government organizations, and public institutions striving towards creating positive change domestically and internationally. Natalie’s current role is an Ombudsperson at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she provides confidential conflict resolution services to students, faculty, and staff.
When not working, Natalie enjoys reading, spending time with friends over a good board game, and traveling the world with her husband.
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Conflict Managed is hosted by Merry Brown and produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services.

Tuesday May 02, 2023
The Gift of Excellent Leadership
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Today on Conflict Managed, we are joined by Dr. Daniela Brancaforte, student Ombuds at Georgetown University. Daniela gives an eloquent explanation of what an Organizational Ombuds is and does. We also discuss:
The effects of excellent leadership
The importance of pivoting, adapting, and learning new skills
Dealing with the uncertainty of the future
Approaching conflict by considering desired outcomes
Daniela grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and has lived in many different locations in the U.S. and internationally before settling (for now) in the Washington, DC area. She has had a winding career path since receiving her Ph.D. in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from Princeton University in 2000. Daniela taught German, Italian and Business Anthropology at various universities, worked as a consultant, co-founded a service-disabled veteran-owned consulting firm, which she managed for 10 years, and then decided to return to higher education. She has been at Georgetown University since 2014 serving first as an advising and academic dean in the business school and then moving to the Provost’s Office to set up Georgetown’s inaugural Office of the Student Ombuds serving more than 16,000+ undergraduate and graduate students on the main campus. Daniela never thought of being an “Ombuds” (pronounced om-budz or ahm-buds) when she was growing up, but she feels that her work as an Ombuds is truly a calling that brings together her lived and educational experiences in meaningful new ways. Her academic interests include the intersection of business and culture, workplace dynamics, immigration and entrepreneurship, social justice, and power inequities.
Although work is important, Daniela finds joy in playing soccer at least twice a week, taking walks with her dog, visiting her close relatives in Sicily and Germany, and spending time with her husband and two kids.
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to #podcasts.
Conflict Managed is hosted by Merry Brown and produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services.

Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Thriving Together
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Today on Conflict Managed we are joined by Derriell Springfield, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Southeast Region, for Western Governors University.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Derriell Springfield is a two-time graduate of Tennessee State University located in Nashville where he received both his bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Mathematics. In July of 2009, he moved to Johnson City, TN to be with his lovely wife, Kiana, who is currently a physician with the Jackson Clinic specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. With such an ambitious spouse, Derriell decided to use his time in Johnson City to earn his doctorate degree in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis. Derriell started his tenure at Western Governors University (WGU) in 2014 serving as a Course Instructor with the General Education Algebra/Stats team but is currently in the role of Strategic Partnerships Manager for WGU Tennessee.
In his free time, Derriell likes reading, running, working out, golfing, tennis, and shopping. In fact, he may have a bit of a suit and bow tie addiction. He also performs a regular test of his mental grit by participating in Tough Mudder, a 12-mile, military obstacle, annually. He loves music and has a keen appreciation for the way different instruments come together to create perfect harmony. Interestingly enough, it is not uncommon for Derriell to “get lost in the music.”
To sum all of this up, Derriell just likes to have fun while abiding by a quote from Calvin Coolidge, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.” This is made evident by his pursuit of higher education as a first-generation graduate, his commitment and loyalty to his community, and his own love for meeting new and interesting people.
You can find Derriell online at:
Facebook: DerriellMontez
Instagram: derriells
LinkedIn: derriellspringfield
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Conflict Managed is hosted by Merry Brown and produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services.
Contact us at 3PConflictRestoration@gmail.com. Our music is courtesy of Dove Pilot.

Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Assume Positive Intent
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Today on Conflict Managed we are joined by Shelley Kay, Coach and CEO of Shelley Kay Coaching, LLC. In addition to Shelley’s advice to assume positive intent from our colleagues (and why), we had a wide-ranging conversation, featuring topics such as:
Thoughtful responsibility
Advocating for yourself
Dealing with petty feedback
The power of listening to understand
Work/life balance
Shelley Kay is a leading career coach & speaker and expert in changing the way women work, so they can expand their leadership and maximize their impact at work—without burning out. Shelley leverages 10+ years of work as a top HR Leader for Fortune 100 companies like Google, PepsiCo, and GE to help women experience what it means to thrive in their careers. Shelley is committed to helping high-achieving women have it all: job satisfaction, career success, and a life outside the office.
You can find Shelley on LinkedIn and at shelleykaycoaching.com.
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Conflict Managed is hosted by Merry Brown and produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services.

Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Giving & Receiving Bad News
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Today on Conflict Managed we are joined Joel Clelland, a serial entrepreneur and influencer who has had a number of businesses over the years. Most notably, he had a special events entertainment business where he served as a DJ/MC and cover band leader.
On this episode of Conflict Managed, Joel and I discuss:
Giving & receiving bad news
5 business sectors that aren’t going away
Public posture and communication
Showing up in hard situations
Blind spots
Human connections
Currently, Joel works as a teacher for a local public charter school and has an insurance practice as well. Most recently, Joel Clelland served as Centric’s Chief Executive Officer. Centric is a dual token cryptocurrency system working to stabilize price and provide a global borderless medium of exchange that only goes up in purchasing power. While CEO, Joel and his team added a number of new exchanges and partnerships, as well as three cryptocurrency payment gateways. The payment gateways allow customers to pay in crypto and the merchants can get paid out in cryptocurrency or whatever their local currency happens to be. Joel has spoken on panels as a Web 3.0 enthusiast and continues to speak and move in this innovative space.
Joel also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board for 501(c)(3) nonprofit Project Boon, a community organization based in Southern California that assists underserved children, individuals, and families with food security and connections to needed services. "As a former Board Chair, I have an affinity for the organization and where it is headed. Our catch phrases are, "empowering people next door and a world away" and "give without reservation." Prior to the pandemic, Project Boon was involved in service in both the U.S. and Mexico. Their website is projectboon.org.
You can find Joel online:
Contact Email: jdclelland@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realclelland
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-clelland-397b79135/
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Conflict Managed is hosted by Merry Brown and produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services. Contact us at 3PConflictRestoration@gmail.com. Our music is courtesy of Dove Pilot.

Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Think Little
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
What are we to do when faced with the problems of the world?
Today on Conflict Managed we are joined by Kirsti Nordstrom, Developmental Therapist. In the words of Wendell Berry, Kirsti encourages us to “Think Little” to make big and lasting changes. Also on this episode:
Kirsti shares her experience in a difficult work environment that taught her to find her voice and speak up
The important of asking and welcoming questions
Learning to not internalize other people’s poor management
Building capacity
Kirsti moved to Nashville in the summer of 2021 after graduating from the University of Tennessee - Martin with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. She is a Developmental Therapist coaching parents that have children with developmental delays and has recently begun to volunteer with AWAKE (Advocates for Women's and Kids' Equality).
While Kirsti feels she is constantly in a questioning phase, trying to find long-term career goals, her desire is that whatever she does, she wants to inspire people to look for what is true, and ultimately good about their children, partners, community, and self.
You can find Kirsti online at:
Instagram @kirstisierra
LinkedIn @kirsti-nordstrom
You can find the National High School Ethics Bowl at nhseb.unc.edu
Conflict Managed is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Conflict Managed is hosted by Merry Brown and produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services. Contact us at 3PConflictRestoration@gmail.com. Our music is courtesy of Dove Pilot.

Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Colleague Currency
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
What matters (most) to your coworkers?
Today on Conflict Managed we are joined by Peter Noll, General Manager and CEO at WLJT-TV Channel 11, West Tennessee PBS. Peter encourages us to get to know what matters most to the people we work with. If we understand their currency, our working relationships and communication will improve.
On this episode of Conflict Managed, Peter and I also discuss:
Good enough vs Perfect
“Merchandising” accomplishments
The vital importance of continued education
Reading your email (!)
Peter Noll has had the privilege of working in the television industry for the past 28 years, a journey that has taken him to 11 television stations, eight states, 11 cities and includes working for The Walt Disney Company at the ABC Network in Burbank as the Director of Affiliate Marketing and Promotion.
Prior to Peter’s position at West TN PBS, he was at WNBJ, West Tennessee’s local NBC and CW stations, where he served as General Manager since 2018 as well as the Group Director of Marketing and Promotions for Coastal Television, the station’s parent company.
Beginning as a newscast producer for six years and then moving into marketing and promotions, Peter eventually moved into management and group marketing.
A life-long viewer of PBS, beginning with Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood as a small boy, he regularly enjoys Frontline, anything Ken Burns produces and Masterpiece Theater.
A believer in life-long learning, he earned his undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and a Master of Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University in Burbank, California.
Peter is a Minnesota native but has quickly fallen in love with West Tennessee and is very proud to call it his home.
Please like and subscribe to Conflict Managed wherever you listen to podcasts.
Conflict Managed is hosted by Merry Brown and produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services. Contact us at 3PConflictRestoration@gmail.com. Our music is courtesy of Dove Pilot.

Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
Overcoming Self-Doubt
Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
Today on Conflict Managed we are joined by Landy Fuqua, the director of the Regional Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (REED) Center which houses the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at the University of Tennessee Martin.
Landy Fuqua is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master of Business Administration. Landy serves on the Northwest Tennessee Workforce Development Board, Weakley County Leadership committee and is president of the Martin Business Association board. She is a graduate of the Delta Leadership Institute, WestStar Leadership, Weakley County Leadership, and served on the Delta Leadership Network’s Regional Advisory Council. In addition to serving as the full-time director, Landy is co-owner of Old Salem Farms, along with her husband of 44 years, Bill. Together they have three daughters and eight grandchildren.
You can find Landy online at:
lfuqua@tsbdc.org
www.tsbdc.org
linkedin.com/in/landy-fuqua-mba-tcecd-babb7b4b
Please like and subscribe to Conflict Managed wherever you listen to podcasts.
Conflict Managed is hosted by Merry Brown and produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services. Contact us at 3PConflictRestoration@gmail.com. Our music is courtesy of Dove Pilot.

Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Resilient
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Today on Conflict Managed we are joined by Chris Smith, Lifeline Peer Project Coordinator for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Chris shares his story of recovery and his work to build a sustainable recovery community.
Chris Smith is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Social Worker, Treasurer for UP Outreach, Committee member for West Tennessee Addiction Network, Part Restaurant Owner, Fitness Instructor, and Recovery Coach. Chris is passionate about helping individuals improve areas of their life they find themselves struggling in to become better and more productive for themselves, the people around them, and their community.
You can find Chris online at:
linkedin.com/in/chris-smith-10b837249
Please like and subscribe to Conflict Managed wherever you listen to podcasts.
Conflict Managed is hosted by Merry Brown and produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services. Contact us at 3PConflictRestoration@gmail.com. Our music is courtesy of Dove Pilot.

We want to hear from you!
Do you have a story, insight, or vision for healthy workplaces you'd like to share with Conflict Managed listeners? Do you have a question for our guests or host, Merry Brown? Contact us at 3PConflictRestoration@gmail.com.
Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services. Music is by Dove Pilot, https://dovepilot.com/.