Dr. Joanne Murphy, Chair of Inclusive Leadership at Birmingham Business School, shares her insights on navigating conflict in politically volatile environments. Growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland shaped her understanding of leadership amid strife. She discusses the legacy of John Hume and his commitment to nonviolence. Highlighting the dynamics between Catholic and Protestant communities, Joanne emphasizes the importance of relationship-building and dialogue as tools for peace and conflict resolution, urging leaders to respect diversity in their approaches.
32:55
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Growing Up in Conflict
Joanne Murphy grew up during the conflict in Northern Ireland, also known as "The Troubles".
This experience significantly shaped her research focus on leadership in conflict.
insights INSIGHT
Reframing the Conflict
John Hume, a Northern Irish leader, reframed the conflict as a relationship issue rather than a binary, irreconcilable difference between two sides.
This innovative approach allowed for the resolution of conflicts.
insights INSIGHT
Stakeholder Cultivation
John Hume prioritized building relationships with key figures across different factions, including American politicians like Ted Kennedy.
This stakeholder cultivation was crucial to his success in navigating the conflict.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
How Organisations Navigate Conflict and Build Peace
Joanne Murphy
John Hume
The Persuader
Stephen Walker
This book by Stephen Walker presents a detailed portrait of John Hume, a former history teacher who became a titan of Irish political history and a Nobel laureate. Through over 100 interviews with Hume’s colleagues, critics, family members, and never-before-published interviews with Hume himself, Walker examines what motivated Hume to reach beyond political lines, how he sustained himself during years of violence, and how he convinced the IRA to end its long-running campaign. The book also delves into how Hume persuaded presidents and prime ministers to support his vision for Northern Ireland and how he should be remembered.
Say Nothing
A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland
Ariel Font Prades
Patrick Radden Keefe
The book delves into the bitter conflict in Northern Ireland and its aftermath, focusing on the lives of key figures such as Dolours Price, Brendan Hughes, Gerry Adams, and Jean McConville's children. It explores the civil rights movement, the Provisional IRA's bombing campaign, the 1981 hunger strike, the peace process, and the post-conflict struggle to understand crimes like McConville's murder. The narrative also incorporates the Belfast Project, a secret oral history endeavor that collected stories from former IRA members. The book is a panoramic history that captures the complexities and tragic consequences of the Troubles[1][2][5].
The Testaments
Margaret Atwood
Set 15 years after the events of 'The Handmaid’s Tale', 'The Testaments' is narrated by three women: Aunt Lydia, Agnes, and Daisy. The novel delves into the inner workings of Gilead, revealing the complexities of its theocratic regime and the resistance against it. Aunt Lydia, a former judge turned Aunt, secretly works against Gilead from within, while Agnes and Daisy become embroiled in a plot to topple the regime. The story is presented through a manuscript and testimonies, culminating in a metafictional epilogue that discusses the authenticity and impact of these accounts in a future where Gilead has fallen.
Dr. Joanne Murphy is Chair of Inclusive Leadership at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. Her research explores leadership, change and organisational development in political volatility, including environments affected by ethno-political conflict. Her latest book is Management and War: How Organisations Navigate Conflict and Build Peace.
A Few Quotes From This Episode
“I grew up in Northern Ireland and was part of this ‘troubles generation.’ That has defined, to a very large extent, the work that I do, because conflict and violence became a big part of my reality.”
“What I’m really interested in—and I suppose the connective tissue through my work—is leadership. How do we get people to understand conflict and then lead them out of it?”
“When we talk about things like war or these intractable, wicked problems, they seem to be more prevalent rather than less. And that’s why understanding conflict—and how leaders can help resolve it—matters so much.”
A Quote From Hume's Nobel Speech
"All conflict is about difference, whether the difference is race, religion or nationality...Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace – respect for diversity."
About The International Leadership Association (ILA)
The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Plan for Prague - October 15-18, 2025!
The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, rese
♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast! ⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice. ➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech. 📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles. 🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.
Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott J. Allen, Ph.D. 
