Events
The Mediator as Leader and the Leader as Mediator
Unpack the intersection of transformative leadership and conflict resolution with two legendary figures in the mediation field, Drs. Ken Cloke and Joan Goldsmith.
Mediators and leaders cross boundaries. They elicit participation, invigorate collaboration, develop fresh ideas, and excite action. They encourage authenticity and integrity, and model the values and principles to which they are committed. They consider themselves responsible for the whole and accountable to others for the results they produce. They blaze trails to unknown, unimagined futures. They are often ubiquitous, without grand titles or designations, and sometimes present without anyone knowing it, in groups at every level. The more agile, responsive, and creative organizations become, the less possible it is for leaders (or mediators) to be imposed on passive subordinates from above. In order to function, they need to obtain the consent of those with and for whom they work. Certainly, management should have a role in identifying the leaders it needs, but theirs should not be the only voice. Those who are led should also be able to select the leaders they will follow. Read more from their article here.
- Lead Trainers: Drs. Ken Cloke & Joan Goldsmith
- Format: In-Person Intensive | Denver, Colorado, USA
- Dates: November 14–16, 2026 (Saturday – Monday)
- Exclusive Bonus: Includes 6 months / 6 sessions of post-training peer supervision with MBBI coaches to apply skills directly in your professional setting.
- Investment: $1,500 (MBBI Members) | $1,650 (Non-Members)
- Register here.
Bio of the Trainers:
Dr. Ken Cloke is a world-recognized mediator, dialogue facilitator, conflict resolution systems designer, teacher, trainer, author and public speaker. He has been a pioneer and leader in the field of mediation and conflict resolution for the last 37 years. He is co-founder of Mediators Beyond Borders International, based in Washington D.C. The organization supports individuals, organizations, communities and governments around the world in building conflict resolution capacity and conflict literacy, focusing on under-served communities. He has done international work in conflict resolution in over 25 countries, including Armenia, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Denmark, England, Georgia, India, Ireland, Japan, Latin America, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Thailand, Ukraine, the former USSR, United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe.
Ken is the author of numerous books about mediation, organizational issues, and conflict resolution, including Mediating Dangerously: The Frontiers of Conflict Resolution (2007); The Crossroads of Conflict: A Journey into the Heart of Dispute Resolution (2012); Conflict Revolution: Mediating Evil, War, Injustice, and Terrorism; and The Dance of Opposites: Explorations in Mediation, Dialogue and Conflict Resolution Systems (2013). His latest book is Conflict Revolution: Designing Preventative Systems for Chronic Social, Economic and Political Conflicts. He is co-author with Joan Goldsmith of Thank God It’s Monday! 14 Values We Need to Humanize the Way We Work; Resolving Conflicts at Work: 10 Strategies for Everyone on the Job (3rd Edition); Resolving Personal and Organizational Conflicts: Stories of Transformation and Forgiveness; The End of Management and the Rise of Organizational Democracy; and The Art of Waking People Up: Cultivating Awareness and Authenticity at Work. Ken is currently an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University’s School of Law, Strauss Institute. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Southern Methodist University, Saybrook University, and the University of Southern California.
Dr. Joan Goldsmith has been an organizational consultant, coach and educator for the past thirty-five years, specializing in leadership development, organizational change, conflict resolution, and team building. Joan has authored several books on leadership including (with Warren Bennis) Learning to Lead, and the soon to be published Women Leaders at the Grassroots: 9 Stories and 9 Strategies.
She has served on numerous boards of directors, and been an advisor to the Woman’s International Health Coalition, Disney Institute for Women Entrepreneurs, Women’s Lens on Global Issues, and Women International League for Peace and Freedom, and a speaker at national and local conferences on issues of women in leadership. As a family therapist, coach and consultant, she has specialized in supporting individuals in improving their skills, life and work patterns and organizations. She has been a consultant to faculty and administration in U. S. and international universities. In the non-profit sector and in educational reform, she has been an advisor on organizational issues, school change, curriculum development and teacher education. She is an Associate of the Synergos Institute, which builds international, collaborative partnerships to end poverty in the Southern Hemisphere. She has had professional engagements in Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, the Bahamas, Japan, China, India, the Netherlands and Great Britain. She is a founder of Cambridge College, a former member of the faculties of the Harvard University, UCLA, Antioch University, and holds a Master of Arts in Social Sciences and a Doctorate of Humane Letters.