277: How We Can Survive and Thrive In An Age of Conflict

As many of us are seeing and experiencing firsthand, we’re living in a time of divisive politics and widespread conflict. While these conditions present difficult challenges, it’s also an opportunity for growth if we can find the courage and strength to engage in a new way. This is the belief of today’s inspiring guest, William Ury, who has dedicated his life to transforming conflicts from destructive impulses into opportunities for collaboration and growth. William is a renowned negotiator, anthropologist, and bestselling author whose insights and expertise have reshaped the way we approach conflict resolution. Among other top books he’s written, he is the co-author of  Getting to Yes, the world’s all-time bestselling book on negotiation with more than 15 million copies sold. William has served as a negotiator in many of the most challenging disputes of our time, having consulted for the White House, the State Department, and the Pentagon, as well as dozens of Fortune 500 companies. He is also the co-founder of Harvard’s distinguished Program on Negotiation, and has served as a negotiation adviser and mediator in conflicts ranging from Kentucky wildcat coal mine strikes to family feuds, from US partisan battles to wars in the Middle East, Colombia, Korea, and Ukraine.  His highly-anticipated new book, Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict, draws on decades of experience to shed light on some of the toughest conflicts of our time and how we can find a way forward. Today’s conversation takes us on a fascinating journey, from William’s first interest in negotiation and conflict resolution as a young child, to the central lessons he lays out in his books, to some of his most intense negotiating experiences with key figures, like Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. We learn about his Pathways to Possible method and how to transform seemingly impossible situations into creative and productive conversations before exploring the concept of self-mastery and engaging the third side in any conflict, and more. Join us as we explore William’s journey and his invaluable insights on navigating both personal and geopolitical conflicts with courage, self-mastery and compassion. Tune in to see conflict in a new light, tap into your innate potential, and approach animosity with curiosity. Key Points From This Episode: • Get to know William Ury, how he developed his interest in negotiation, and the many books he’s written on the subject. [01:58] • How to transform conflict and approach it collaboratively rather than destructively. [07:25] • The state of conflict in the world today and the courageous leadership required to move us forward. [10:55] • Key differences between geopolitical conflicts and interpersonal conflicts. [15:43] • The Pathways to Possible method for negotiating and engaging in conflict. [18:46] • Three kinds of potential we can unlock to transform seemingly impossible situations into creative and productive conversations. [20:25] • William’s account of negotiating with Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, in very difficult circumstances. [23:52] • The self-mastery and learning required to engage the third side in any conflict. [29:55] • How William prepares for intense conflict (and why he doesn’t attempt to do it alone). [34:35] • The joy that infuses William’s work, how to tap into the power of play, and the importance of taking a moment to relax before doing something difficult. [35:44]   For More Information: William Ury William Ury on LinkedIn William Ury on Facebook William Ury on X William Ury on TED Harvard’s Program on Negotiation Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict Getting Past No: Negotiating in Difficult Situations Getting to Yes with Yourself: How to Get What You Truly WantGetting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving InPath to Possible   READY TO BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE, PRESENCE, STRENGTH AND IMPACT IN YOUR CAREER AND LEADERSHIP Do you feel you’re just not confident and self-assured enough right now, or that you lack executive presence, communication strength and emotional self-mastery to thrive in your work? You are not alone. Hundreds of the professional women I’ve worked with have shared the exact same problem and have also admitted they just don’t believe in or fully trust their own capabilities. I would love to help you with this! Join me on March 1st in a new FREE webinar that addresses these challenges head-on. 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