Ep 214, Strong Microcultures Build Thriving Organizations

This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Artem Koren. Together we explore: The communication skills leaders will need now and into the future The impact of AI on work, learning, and human connection Technology, isolation, and the growing challenge of workplace loneliness How strong microcultures shape and strengthen organizational culture Why drive and initiative matter in effective leadership Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration. Artem Koren is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Sembly AI, where he is building a new category of meeting intelligence and enablement technology for professional services teams. With a background spanning systems engineering, enterprise consulting, and product leadership, Artem combines deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of how organizations operate—transforming everyday business conversations into structured insights that drive revenue, delivery, and decision-making. Sembly, which Artem co-founded in 2019, leverages advanced natural language understanding to turn meetings into a source of operational intelligence—powering sales enablement, improving client delivery workflows, and helping teams capture and act on critical business information at scale. Artem is passionate about using AI to augment human potential, enabling teams to work smarter, collaborate more effectively, and unlock value hidden within their day-to-day interactions. His work sits at the intersection of AI, enterprise productivity, and the future of knowledge work—pushing beyond simple automation toward systems that actively support how organizations sell, deliver, and grow. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast #AI

This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Masha Rusanov. Together we explore: Identifying your default conflict pattern What happens when you break your usual conflict script Listening to the body’s “yes” and “no” signals in difficult conversations Limiting beliefs that keep conflict cycles going Finding alignment with colleagues, even in disagreement The conflict is the enemy, not the people: uniting against the issue   Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration   Masha Rusanov is a conflict resolution expert, coach, and creator of the Exhale-Explore-Engage method. Drawing on Internal Family Systems, somatic psychology, and conflict theory, she helps people break free from legacy patterns to live with integrity. Masha’s new book, Repatterned: How to Transform Your Conflict Defaults and Reclaim Your Life, introduces a practical three-step framework for interrupting automatic conflict reactions and responding with clarity instead of conditioning. Blending neuroscience, psychology, and real-life stories, Repatterned shows readers how to pause, recognize learned patterns, and choose responses aligned with their values. Masha lives in California with her husband and their blended constellation of children. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.   #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast #Ombuds

This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Laura Kriska. Together we explore: Seeing and breaking down silos at work Asking: What are we actually trying to achieve together? The power of superordinate goals The four stages of trust Turning colleagues into trusted colleagues We-building instead of division Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Laura Kriska is a Harvard Business Review contributor, TEDx speaker, and the author of three books on trust, culture, and collaboration, including The Business of WE, The Accidental Office Lady, and her newest work, focused on practical trust-building in today’s organizations. Her article in Harvard Business Review, published in November 2024, was recently selected for a special edition to be released in May 2026. Her career began at age 22 as the first American woman to work in Honda Motor Company’s Tokyo headquarters, an experience that launched a 30+ year career helping global teams, leaders, and organizations close the “us vs. them” gaps that quietly erode performance, culture, and results. At a time when workplaces feel more divided than ever—across culture, politics, generations, functions, hybrid vs. in-office, and identity—Laura works with organizations worldwide on what actually creates change. Her approach goes beyond slogans, focusing instead on research-backed, practical actions that measurably build trust. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review and highlighted by platforms such as Seth Godin’s ChangeThis. Laura’s life’s work centers on inspiring what she calls a “WE-building revolution,” moving people beyond awareness into meaningful action that narrows the gaps holding teams and communities back.    Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Connection #Podcast

This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Shalin Desai. Together we explore: Trying to escape vs. learning the skills to navigate difficult situations Learning and practicing The Art of Living breathing What is within our control Training your mind The role of emotions at work The connection between breath and emotions Emotional regulation: how? Taking the mental “trash” out regularly Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration   Shalin Desai is the Director of Programs for the Art of Living Foundation, one of the world’s largest nonprofit organizations, whose initiatives have positively impacted over 500 million people across 180+ countries. With more than 25 years of experience teaching breathwork and meditation, Shalin is known for integrating ancient wisdom with modern leadership and well-being practices. He also serves as Chief Revenue Officer of Sri Sri Tattva, a global wellness brand offering natural and Ayurvedic products that promote holistic health through a blend of tradition and science. For over 15 years, Shalin has designed and delivered corporate leadership and wellness programs for organizations including Microsoft, Dell, Boston Consulting Group, Accenture, Salesforce, Eli Lilly and Company, and Merck & Co. His work helps leaders and teams manage stress, build resilience, and cultivate mental clarity while reconnecting with a deeper sense of purpose. Shalin is known for his Intuitive Life Scan, a breakthrough approach in which trained guides provide unbiased insights into an individual’s current situation. A highly engaging speaker known for his relatable storytelling and humor, Shalin inspires audiences with practical techniques they can apply immediately to improve focus, leadership, and overall well-being. Shalin holds a degree in Supply Chain Management from the State University of New York and lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two children. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.

This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Derek T. Smith. Together we explore: Harassment and discrimination at work Impact vs. intent Holding real conversations before problems escalate Smart people learn from their own mistakes. Geniuses learn from the mistakes of others Let people talk. Let people know you are available. When to reach out to a lawyer Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration   Derek Smith is a nationally recognized employment attorney and founder of the Derek Smith Law Group, with nearly 30 years of experience fighting for victims of workplace sexual harassment and discrimination. Since 1995, Derek and his firm have secured over $400 million in compensation for clients across offices in New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, California, and Florida. He holds the record for the largest emotional distress jury verdict ever upheld on appeal in an employment discrimination case in the United States. Known for his compassionate yet tenacious approach, Derek has represented everyone from blue-collar workers to world-famous celebrities, making him one of the most formidable voices in workplace justice today.   Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.   #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Connection #Podcast

This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Lucy Standing. Together we explore: Internal and external networking Her new book, Age Against the Machine: New Rules for Working in an Ageist World Continuing career conversations at work Agism at work Assume good intent, then have the conversation anyway   Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Lucy Standing is a Chartered Psychologist, founder of Brave Starts, and Vice Chair of the Association for Business Psychology. She was previously Global Head of Recruitment in the Investment Bank and Strategy Consulting sectors across JP Morgan and LEK consulting. Lucy is co-author of Age Against the Machine, a book that argues the talent shortage gripping British business isn't a talent problem - it's a filtering problem. The most experienced, emotionally intelligent, highest-performing workers in the room are being screened out - by algorithms, by assumptions, and by hiring systems built for a workforce that no longer exists. Lucy has spoken in the UK Parliament on this issue, contributed research to the OECD on ageing and employment policy, and writes a regular careers column for The Daily Telegraph. As founder of Brave Starts CIC - a career development community of over 2,000 people navigating midlife work transitions - she isn't just making a theoretical argument. She has thousands of real stories to back it up.   Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.   #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Connection #Podcast

This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Mauricio “Reese” Ramos. Together we explore: What an organizational ombuds is and does Different conflict styles at work Being present with others when they are struggling Why does this matter so much to you? What’s holding you back from acting? The Ombuds Academy Learning: knowledge or wisdom? Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration Mauricio “Reese” Ramos is a nationally recognized organizational ombuds and conflict management expert with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals and organizations navigate complex workplace challenges. He currently serves as the inaugural University Ombuds at Virginia Tech, where he designed and leads a university-wide office supporting faculty, staff, and students through confidential, impartial, and informal conflict resolution services. He is also the founder of Ombuds Academy, committed to training the next generation of Ombuds to confidently navigate complex workplace conflict and build healthier organizations. Over the course of his Ombuds career, Reese has worked across academia, government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors—supporting more than 10,000 individuals and advising leadership on systemic workplace issues. He is a past President of the International Ombuds Association, a certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner, and a frequent trainer and speaker on conflict management, communication, and leadership. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.   #ConflictManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Podcast #Ombuds

This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Norman Wolfe. Together we explore: The nature of work Is there a better way to design work? People are not “valuable assets” The universality of love Foundational needs we all have Training people not to grow (old thinking) The Living Organization framework Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Norman Wolfe is the Founder and CEO of Quantum Leaders, and the creator of The Living Organization®, a framework CEOs use to solve execution breakdowns and lead teams in complexity. His work fundamentally reframes why dysfunction sticks around, translating deep systems thinking into tools that help leaders move beyond toxic cultures and into workplaces built on dignity and co-ownership. With over 40 years of leadership experience—including executive roles at Hewlett-Packard and running a $1.2B business unit—the stories Norman brings are filled with tested wisdom. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.  

This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Bruce Mayhew. Together we explore: Getting your job done vs developing your career Constructing policies that encourage growth Creativity as a fundamental goal Evolving (instead of changing) What are we measuring (and why?) Figuring out how people can be their best vs fitting people into preexisting molds Bruce’s new book, The Path of the Inspired Leader   Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Bruce Mayhew has a passion for helping his clients achieve their professional development goals. He is a corporate trainer, keynote speaker, and author who has spent more than two decades helping leaders and teams build empowering cultures that turn good intentions into everyday behaviors that build trust, engagement, and results. As president and founder of Toronto-based Bruce Mayhew Consulting, Bruce delivers practical, people-first and research-informed programs and keynotes covering Leadership and new-leader development, Difficult conversations, Generational differences / Generational dynamics, Time management, and Email etiquette. A former Scotiabank leader, Bruce spent 11 years in roles spanning sales & marketing, corporate marketing, and cash management. Today, clients value Bruce for his clear frameworks, energizing delivery, and immediately usable tools. His training anchors custom solutions that match each organization’s culture, strategy, and goals. In his debut leadership book, The Path of an Inspired Leader which launched in February 2026, Bruce distills years of practice into a practical, uplifting roadmap for leading with clarity, courage, and care—so people feel safe, proud of the work they do, and connected to why it matters. Whether coaching one-to-one or engaging a ballroom, Bruce’s mission is constant: help leaders create the conditions where people flourish—and performance follows.   Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.

This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Navid Nazemian. Together we explore: If not now, when? Being prepared to meet your luck Navid’s book, Mastering Executive Transitions Trust at work Being seen, heard, and respected at work Taking time to understand what you and your colleagues find acceptable and unacceptable when dealing with conflict Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @ 3pconflictrestoration Navid Nazemian is an international bestselling author, executive coach, and keynote speaker helping leaders and founders navigate high-stakes transitions and scale their impact. Author of Mastering Executive Transitions, he has coached executives across five continents and appeared on 70+ podcasts. His work blends leadership, strategy, and personal growth, offering practical frameworks to build resilient teams, grow sustainably, and lead with clarity and confidence, supported by a global community of 40,000+ leaders. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown.