I have been working in the field of conflict resolution since 1982. I was the owner of a manufacturing business (Acme Clothing) when I was asked to act as a consultant for a large wholesaler who wanted me to help improve relationships with several of his contractors. This consultancy focused largely on dispute resolution, and though I didn’t know it at the time, mediation.

40 years in conflict resolution and mediation has given me a deep understanding of human behaviour, a refined ability to facilitate communication between opposing parties, a vast toolkit of strategies to navigate complex disputes, and the expertise to guide individuals towards mutually beneficial solutions, often fostering positive relationships even in the face of significant conflict. 

This work took me to France (10 Years), during which time I worked for two years in the former USSR as a negotiator and project manager for a large European company (Klockner Matex). This is where I first started to understand dispute resolution as a specific field. I was asked by Klocker to settle a dispute involving a large commercial contract. This involved four months of discussions in the former USSR, a settlement was reached and the outstanding fees were eventually paid.

As a result of this work – over a 10 year period from ’89 to ’99 – I retrained in psychology, family therapy, conflict resolution and finally mediation. During this time, I qualified in Integrative Family Therapy and, building on my experience in France, I passed the entry exam for the Institute of Translators and Interpreters (ITT). This meant that I was qualified to work in French and English.

In 2000 I set up a training company (Lifeboat Training), specialising in workplace training. In 2003, following the sale of my company to PPC Worldwide, I became Head of Training and Clinical Development at PPC. Having qualified as a workplace and commercial mediator in 2005, I was asked to set up a workplace mediation service so that PPC could offer the service to its clients. During my time at PPC I lectured widely and delivered training in Europe and the USA.

In 2008 I returned to freelance work following bereavement, and due to parental responsibilities.

While at PPC I had obtained my MSc. in Conflict Resolution and Mediation Studies. I was subsequently offered the position of Chair of Conflict Resolution at the Institute of Family Therapy in London, which I held until 2011.

As Chair of Conflict Resolution, I was also Programme Coordinator for both the Graduate Certificate and the MSc in Conflict Resolution and Mediation Studies at Birkbeck College, University of London.

Throughout my career I have worked as a freelance mediator, therapist and trainer. I have worked in many cultures, and many types of organisations in both public and private sectors. I’m widely travelled and a fluent French speaker. I now live in the UK, in East Sussex and Northamptonshire, and I offer personal consulting and coaching anywhere in the world via Skype and Zoom.

I have written several books. The most recent, Solution Focused Brief Therapy for the Helping Professions was published in December 2011 by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.