28. Exploring the Magic of Conflict with Jane Gunn

It Starts with YOU

DISC Profile: Yellow (I) | In this episode of It Starts With You, host Vic O'Farrell sits down with Jane Gunn, The Barefoot Mediator, to explore the often misunderstood power of conflict. A lawyer turned mediator, Jane shares her unique perspective on what she calls the "magic of conflict"—the idea that conflict, when managed effectively, can be a catalyst for positive transformation.

Jane dives into why conflict is inevitable in all areas of life and the importance of addressing it early before it spirals out of control. She reveals why many shy away from difficult conversations and offers practical tips like using tentative language and creating space for the other person to respond. The episode also explores how non-verbal cues, assumptions, even road rage and social media can contribute to escalating conflicts.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to approach conflict in a more proactive, constructive way—whether at work, at home, or in everyday life.

“It Starts with You” podcast is available everywhere on Wednesdays every fortnight.

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Thank you, Vic.

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About the Guest

Jane Gunn

Jane Gunn, is an expert in the field of conflict resolution, a trained mediator and facilitator, known to her clients as “The Barefoot Mediator”. Listed as a Global Leader in Who’s Who Mediation and featured in Legal 500 Hall of Fame, she is a past President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and is a former director and board member of the Civil Mediation Council of England and Wales

Author of 3 popular books “How To Beat Bedlam In The Boardroom And Boredom In The Bedroom”, “The Authority Guide To Conflict Resolution” and “The Mole and The Mountain”, she has spoken at the United Nations, The White House and the European Commission.

As the world in which we live becomes increasingly focused on the global unrest created by the rise of a pandemic virus, racial inequality, terrorism, climate change, financial instability and more, people everywhere are dealing with both the external and internal sense of conflict, constant fear and uncertainty this is creating, Jane is asking:

• What can we, as individuals, do to understand and transform this conflict?

• Are we being woken up to a deeper meaning and message?

• How do we find harmony and balance in a crazy world?

Connect with Jane

LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/collaborativeculturespeaker

Website: https://janegunn.co.uk

Here are links to the mini video series for managing in times of change, challenge and crisis.

• Change, challenge and crisis https://vimeo.com/400202513

• Bring love into the room https://vimeo.com/401460539

• What’s in your cup? https://vimeo.com/400370738

• The injection theory https://vimeo.com/402506247

• Why do you care? https://vimeo.com/402657392

• The bubble theory https://vimeo.com/402656118

• I will survive https://vimeo.com/401460050

• Can you sing and dance? https://vimeo.com/401302259

• 17 Camels https://vimeo.com/400203111

Let’s keep dancing https://vimeo.com/404615310