#228. Reverse interview with Viren Thakrar on conflict

In this episode, the tables have turned and Shelley is interviewed by, friend and colleague, Viren Thakrar on conflict.

Viren, founder, facilitator and product manager of In the Game, brings 17 years of experience in psychology, collaborative design and facilitation to help organisations foster value-led cultures.

In this discussion, Shelley shares the importance of conflict—why it excites her, why it’s necessary and how to navigate it effectively. She explains that cohesion is the goal, but conflict is the vehicle that gets us there. Together, Shelley and Viren take us through the spectrum of conflict, from "playing nice"—where excessive agreeability stifles challenge and growth—to the risks of unspoken disagreements leading to resentment and disengagement. They emphasise the need for open, value-aligned conversations where differing perspectives are communicated clearly to build stronger, more engaged teams.

Connect with Viren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virenthakrar/

https://inthegame.com.au/

Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠

Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop