All Things Conflict

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria hosts Fiona Ruttle. They delve into the transformative power of conflict resolution and the importance of fostering understanding in challenging situations. Fiona shares her profound experiences working in prisons, where she witnessed the humanisation of individuals often seen as "monsters." The conversation explores the role of effective communicati...

In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jonah Jones, a former professional footballer turned football manager and entrepreneur. Jonah shares his remarkable journey from being an abandoned baby raised in the care system to becoming a passionate advocate for helping others unleash their potential. The discussion delves into the importance of understandi...

In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria Arpa engages in a profound conversation with Penny Parker, a former corporate lawyer turned advocate for restorative justice and prisoner support. Penny shares her journey from volunteering in prisons to founding Stand Out, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration. The discussion delves into the tran...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes Hesham Puri, a criminal defense lawyer and director at MK Law. They delve into the complexities of the criminal justice system, discussing the emotional and psychological toll it takes on clients and their families. Hesham shares insights from his extensive experience, highlighting the challenges faced by defendants, including the lengthy an...

In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria Arpa engages in a conversation with Fabian Sharp, the CEO of the South Kilburn Trust in London. With over 30 years of experience in community development, Fabian shares his insights on the complexities of modern community challenges, including rising youth violence, mental health issues, and the erosion of trust in institutions. The discussion highligh...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes back philosopher Paul Baker for a thought-provoking discussion on the theme of justice in the context of systemic failures and scandals. They explore the pervasive nature of cover-ups and the human tendency to avoid accountability due to fear of punishment and shame. Paul introduces his concept of "systemic win," emphasising the importance o...

In this All Things Conflict Special episode, Maria engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Jane Stevens, a dedicated NHS doctor who shares her transformative journey from clinical practice to exploring the deeper aspects of healthcare and well-being. After experiencing burnout and resigning from her leadership role, Dr. Jane embarked on a doctoral program focused on organizational change, wher...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes Fiona Sample, the CEO of the Oswin Project, which supports individuals with criminal convictions in their reintegration into society. The conversation delves into the innovative work being done to reduce reoffending rates, particularly in the Northeast of England, where the reoffending rate stands at a staggering 67%. Fiona shares inspi...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes Rosie Brown co-CEO of Cook, a food brand known for its home-cooked frozen meals. Rosie shares her passion for creating positive change in society through her company's impact programs, particularly the Raw Talent initiative, which helps individuals facing barriers to employment, such as those with a history of prison, homelessness, or m...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes John Burton, a former prisoner turned social entrepreneur, who shares his remarkable journey from a life of crime to founding Inside Connections, a company dedicated to helping individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration. John discusses his experiences growing up in Liverpool, his struggles with drugs and crime, and the tra...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes Conroy Harris, a shadow work therapist and former CEO of a mentoring organization called Band of Brothers. Their conversation delves into the concept of shadow work, which involves exploring the hidden aspects of our psyche, particularly emotions like anger and grief, to achieve a sense of wholeness. Conroy shares insights on how societ...

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Maria Arpa sits down with Sarah Wilson, a criminal barrister and founder of Streetwise Law, to explore how young people can protect themselves within the justice system. After leaving a career in the music industry, Sarah entered criminal law and soon realised that most young people who came into contact with the system simply didn’t understand their right...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa introduces a new series titled "Justice Redesigned," which explores the complexities of justice and social impact in today's world. Drawing on her 30 years of experience in social justice, Maria emphasizes the importance of fairness, equality, and respect, while acknowledging the challenges faced by individuals who feel voiceless and marginalize...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria reflects on the key insights gained from a series of conversations with leaders and executives, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and truly listening to one another. The discussion highlights how people desire to feel valued and heard, yet often, conversations are dominated by a debate model that prioritises winning arguments over understand...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes Michelle Pinckney, a nurturing community member and caterer, to discuss the often-overlooked impacts of conflict within community settings. Drawing from her experiences, Michelle shares insights on the challenges of leadership, the importance of effective communication, and the detrimental effects of suspicion and rivalry among communit...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes Aziz Kamara, a delay expert in the construction industry, to discuss the complexities of dispute resolution in large-scale projects. Aziz explains his role in investigating why construction projects exceed their timelines, emphasising the dynamic nature of the industry and the common challenges faced, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic....

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa engages in a captivating conversation with Ruth Allington, a former president of the Geological Society and an expert in mediation within the context of geological consultancy. Ruth shares her journey from a passionate student of physical geography to a seasoned geologist who has navigated complex conflicts between developers and local communiti...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa engages in a compelling conversation with Cindy Casiani, a seasoned expert in non-executive director and chair recruitment. With over 30 years of experience, Cindy shares her insights into the complexities and dynamics of board recruitment, particularly in challenging situations where CEOs and C-suite executives must navigate the introduction of...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes back her friend and philosopher Paul Baker to explore the intricacies of startups and entrepreneurship. They delve into the importance of establishing a solid foundation for new ventures, emphasizing the need for clear goals, effective communication, and conflict resolution strategies. Maria and Paul discuss the significance of understanding...

In this case study episode, Maria, facilitates a pre-meeting discussion between two board members, Sean, an executive director, and Mark, a non-executive director, to address the underlying tensions affecting their board meetings. The conversation reveals a fundamental disagreement regarding the hiring process for a new team member, with Sean advocating for an internal candidate and Mark pushing f...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes Patrick Dunne, a seasoned expert in conflict management with extensive experience working with boards and social enterprises. Patrick shares insights from his diverse background, including his work with intergenerational and cross-cultural teams, and discusses the recurring themes of conflict, such as self-awareness, communication, and...

In this special episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria and Robin Shohet engage in a profound conversation about the complexities of forgiveness. They explore the misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, emphasising that it is not about moral superiority or condoning harmful actions, but rather a personal journey towards self-liberation. Robin shares a personal story that highlights the importance...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria engages in a profound conversation with Abdul Karim, a multifaceted individual with a rich background in athletics, spirituality, and community leadership. Abdul shares his journey from the Bronx to becoming an imam and the founder of "Cultivate Mercy," a movement aimed at fostering mercy in people's hearts through knowledge, experience, and action....

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes Gio Notarbartolo, who shares her transformative journey navigating conflict within her family's multi-generational business. Gio discusses her initial reluctance to embrace her inherited wealth and how discovering impact investing in 2015 shifted her perspective, allowing her to take ownership of her family's legacy. The conversation delves...

In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria Arpa engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Robin Shohet, a pioneer in the field of supervision within the helping professions. With nearly 50 years of experience, Robin shares his journey and the transformative power of supervision, emphasising its role in personal growth and professional development. The discussion explores the importance...