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.

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.

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

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

Jacqueline Twillie is a leadership strategist and negotiation expert who empowers underrepresented leaders, including women, to command their worth, lead authentically, and achieve results. Born near Louisiana’s bayou and now based in Brooklyn, she blends Southern warmth with urban grit, guiding professionals through complex corporate landscapes. Her philosophy: leaders should shape their environments rather than simply adapt. Through her consultancy, ZeroGap, Jacqueline conducts masterclasses, workshops, and coaching sessions that transform hesitant conversations into strategic opportunities. Her proven negotiation frameworks enable clients to speak up confidently, secure fair value, and step into roles that once seemed out of reach. Drawing on research and real-world application, her guidance resonates with emerging professionals and seasoned executives alike. Addressing the challenges historically excluded leaders face, Jacqueline encourages authenticity and fosters inclusive workplace cultures. Media outlets and publishers find her insights authoritative yet accessible—complete with data, examples, and practical strategies. She’s an ideal source on topics like pay equity, closing leadership gaps, and building resilient, people-centered organizations. Influenced by her own journey, Jacqueline learned perseverance in Louisiana and honed strategic skills in Brooklyn’s competitive climate. She helps others transcend obstacles, discover strengths, and redefine what it means to have a seat at the table. For professionals eager to level up, publishers seeking expert content, and media needing credible thought leadership on equity, negotiation, and inclusive leadership, Jacqueline Twillie stands ready. She equips leaders to embrace their power, negotiate what they deserve, and shape organizations for a more equitable future. Working with Jacqueline means tapping into expertise that yields lasting impact.

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.

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

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

Nikita Patil Brennan is a senior program leader recognized in Marquis Who's Who 2026 for professional achievement and leadership. She brings experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives within both Fortune 500 and Global 500 organizations, with a background spanning program management, operations, enterprise systems, and large-scale transformation. Her expertise includes leadership, stakeholder alignment, organizational effectiveness, change management, process improvement, and driving execution across teams with competing priorities. Nikita offers practical insights shaped by real-world experience operating in large, fast-paced corporate environments where clarity, influence, and results matter. She is available to comment on program management, leadership, career growth, workplace trends, women in leadership, productivity, cross-functional collaboration, and business operations.

Ray Johnson is a retired FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, attorney, and educator whose career spans the courtroom, the classroom, and the command post. Over nearly 30 years in state and federal law enforcement, he has led complex criminal investigations, commanded SWAT operations, overseen national shooting‑incident reviews, and managed critical incidents and mass‑casualty events across the United States. Johnson is a veteran member of the Southern Nevada law enforcement community, with deep senior‑level experience coordinating federal, state, and local responses to both crises and major planned events. He has delivered high‑impact training on active shooter behavior, ethics, and leadership to thousands of public‑safety leaders and is frequently called in after major incidents to help agencies navigate culture, accountability, and public trust. As Division Counsel in multiple FBI field offices, Johnson provided legal oversight on investigations, ethics, and compliance and helped shape the FBI’s Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide. Internationally, he has mediated between Ukrainian anti‑corruption agencies and advised on governance and rule‑of‑law issues during Operation Enduring Freedom, earning recognition from the U.S. Ambassador for advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives. Now an adjunct faculty member at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law, he focuses on how law, leadership, and policy perform under real‑world pressure. His research and writing center on use of force, investigative accountability, organizational ethics, and the intersection of policing, immigration, and civil rights. He regularly helps journalists and the public make sense of complex law‑enforcement issues. He is coauthoring two forthcoming Criminal Investigation and Criminology texts as well as a companion leadership playbook for front‑line leaders working in high‑pressure, high‑visibility environments. Johnson’s honors include multiple high‑level executive leadership awards from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, as well as recognition from U.S. diplomatic leadership for international anti‑corruption work. He continues to consult with courts, law‑enforcement agencies, and organizations on use of force, crisis leadership, and organizational culture under scrutiny.

Behavioral threat assessment and workplace violence prevention expert with 35+ years in public safety, consulting, and criminal justice education.

Catherine Mattice is founder and CEO of Civility Partners, an HR consulting firm focused specifically on helping organizations create respectful and positive workplace cultures.Civility Partners love to partner with organizations who see issues in their culture - toxic behavior, disengagement, absenteeism, etc. We are dedicated to creating work environments where employees thrive, and are experts at turning around toxic cultures. Clients range from Fortune 500's to government, to nonprofit, to small business in a wide range of industries.Catherine is an HR disrupter and have had the pleasure of being cited in USA Today, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, CNN, NPR, and many other national news outlets as an expert. She has 50+ courses reaching global audiences on LinkedIn Learning.She's also an award-winning speaker, blogger, and book author. Catherine’s award-winning book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, was hailed by international leadership-guru, Ken Blanchard, as, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.”