ROUNDTABLE BREAKFAST: A Neuroscience Approach for Navigating Change Through the Lens of Conflict

ACR-GNY & CUNY Dispute Resolution Center at John Jay College present

A Neuroscience Approach for Navigating Change Through the Lens of Conflict

Change can create conflict and conflict requires change. In this virtual session designed specifically for mediators and conflict resolution practitioners, we’ll explore how resistance to change isn’t just behavioral—it’s biological. Through a neuroscience-informed lens, we’ll unpack how the amygdala, basal ganglia, and habenula shape our instinctual reactions, and how these brain responses can escalate conflict when change is on the table. Understanding these hardwired responses gives us powerful insight into the behaviors of the parties in conflict as well as our own in the face of transition. We’ll then dive into a practical framework drawn from change management called the Power/Interest Matrix to anticipate friction points, surface unspoken concerns, and foster buy-in. Whether you’re working with individuals, teams or organizations, this session offers a brain-based toolkit to enhance your conflict resolution practice, especially through the turbulence of change.

SUSAN LEVIN

Susan is the president of Dialogue for Solutions, a global consulting firm dedicated to unlocking human potential and driving meaningful change and concrete organizational outcomes. She is a certified mediator and coach, and also has expertise in facilitation, training, leadership development and change management. She has provided her human-centered approach to strategic planning, strengthening teamwork and envisioning the future in more than 40 countries. Partnering with her clients, she’s mindful that her projects are culturally relevant. She focuses on amplifying individual and organizational strengths to create lasting, impactful results. She teaches at the Columbia University Negotiation and Conflict Resolution graduate program on the complexity of conflict and change management, which includes the study of neuroscience.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Roundtable Breakfasts are online meetings via Zoom. The link will change each month and will be distributed to all registrants the day before and the morning of the event. All listed times for ACR-GNY events are for Eastern Time. 8:00 am – 8:30 am | Join call to network with attendees 8:30 am – 10:00 am | Presentation and Discussion About the Roundtable Breakfasts The Roundtable Breakfasts are organized by ACR-GNY and the CUNY Dispute Resolution Center at John Jay College. They take place the first Thursday of the month and are ongoing since 2001. Views expressed in connection with any Roundtable event publicity or at sessions are those of the speakers and participants and not of the CUNY DRC or ACR-GNY. This program is supported by ACR-GNY's 365 Sponsor: