I’ve had a very unique career path.
I'm Senior Family Business Advisor with Compass Point Consulting. Compass Point is a business coaching and consulting firm specializing in helping family-owned companies build top-performing leadership teams, grow sustainably, and plan for succession.
I frequently consult, publish, and present internationally on the topics of leadership, human capital, and organizational culture.
Previously, I was also the president of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) Graduate School. At the IIRP, I helped to create an international professional development platform and an independent graduate school from the ground up. I and my colleagues facilitated the creation of an emerging social science devoted entirely to the study of relationships and community.
My work and research are centered on leadership, organizational psychology, civil society development, and adult learning. It's been an exciting journey. Beyond the resumé, here's the real story.
I’ve been a problematic military officer, an unprofessional labor agitator, a counselor for troubled teens, emergency room crisis counselor, school discipline coach for urban educators, leadership mentor, and senior executive.
This work has taken me around the world and placed me in the middle of some uniquely tough situations. Reflecting across all of those experiences... one thing has become crystal clear to me.
I'm drawn to conflict like a moth to a porch light.
I've jumped again and again from the proverbial frying pan into the fire. Many times, I told myself that I should settle down and do some work that would be more peaceful and relaxing. Perhaps I'd become a botanist, a poet, or start a BBQ joint.
I never chose to do any of those things; at least not professionally. I do make a mean smoked pork shoulder though... Just don't ask me about my poetry. It's awful.
I don’t know exactly how I got this way. I could describe some of my childhood experiences and unresolved personal conflicts. I’ll discuss some of those topics in other articles. I could dissect the inner motivations that have driven my lifelong fascination with human relationships. I’ll do some of that in this blog as well.
But honestly, I just like the excitement of exploring relationships and what makes people tick. It’s what I do instead of riding motorcycles, skydiving, or alligator wrestling.
I’ve made an interesting and deeply satisfying career out of exploring interpersonal conflict in the workplace. I learned most of what I know through twenty years of direct experience. For me, the doing came first. The theory came later.
This blog is dedicated to translating my unique skill set and experiences into helpful resources for you – with a little levity thrown in for good measure.
To learn a more about me see my president's page at the IIRP Graduate School and follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Also, be sure to subscribe now at the top of the page to be first to receive new articles and practical subscriber-only tips.
Enjoy. And thanks for being here.
Check out these Upcoming Events and the Leading Conflict store for practical and hard-hitting resources that will help you put these ideas into action.