Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.
Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Thursday deep-dive with a workplace expert.
🎙️ This Week’s Guest: Richard Birke
Mediator. Negotiator. Law professor. Neuroscience nerd.
This week we’re joined by Richard Birke, Chief Architect of JAMS Pathways — the premier training and development platform for alternative dispute resolution.
He’s helped settle billion-dollar legal cases, trained thousands of leaders, and worked with organisations like NASA, NBC and the UN — teaching them how to resolve high-stakes conflict before it becomes a disaster.
And in this episode, he shares how the best managers use mediation skills to build trust, reduce drama, and protect culture — even if they never set foot in a courtroom.
💡 Key Takeaways from Richard Birke
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Conflict is inevitable. Combat is optional.
Great managers don’t avoid conflict — they navigate it. Richard breaks down the difference between productive disagreement and destructive drama.
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Most problems at work aren’t legal — they’re relational.
Before HR policies or employment law get involved, there’s often a moment where a manager could step in and defuse the tension. Richard explains what that looks like in practice.
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Listening is more than hearing.
The number one skill in any conflict isn’t talking — it’s listening for what’s not being said. Richard shares how to tune in and de-escalate before things go nuclear.
🔗 Resources & Links
Richard Birke – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-birke-3840741/
JAMS Pathways: https://www.jamsadr.com/what-we-do/pathways
🎧 Enjoying the show?
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🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk
📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work/
Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
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