Michael F. Mascolo

In today’s polarized and fast-changing world, organizations often treat conflict as a problem to suppress or avoid. In this engaging and practical presentation, developmental psychologist and collaboration expert Michael F. Mascolo shows how disagreement, difference, and tension can become catalysts for creativity, innovation, and stronger relationships. Drawing on decades of research and real-world facilitation experience, Mascolo introduces a practical framework for transforming adversarial interactions into collaborative problem solving.

Participants learn how to move beyond positional thinking, uncover the deeper needs driving conflict, and create solutions no single person or group could generate alone. Through compelling examples and interactive exercises, audiences discover how courageous collaboration strengthens leadership, improves organizational culture, and fosters resilient communities.

Attendee Results

• Learn a practical framework for transforming conflict into collaboration.
• Understand the difference between positions and underlying human needs.
• Develop communication tools that reduce defensiveness and increase trust.
• Discover how productive disagreement can generate innovation and better decisions.
• Strengthen the relational foundations of leadership and teamwork.