The Art of Communication, Conflict, and Compassion with Shira May

In this thought-provoking episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with conflict resolution expert Shira May to explore how language, empathy, and emotional intelligence can transform the way we handle disagreements. Together, we unpack the psychology of conflict, discuss when mediation is (and isn’t) appropriate, and reveal how small shifts in language can turn confrontation into collaboration.

Topics We Cover:

• The five classic conflict styles — shark, teddy bear, turtle, fox, and owl — and how to flex between them
• Why conflict isn’t inherently bad, and how disconnection fuels most disputes
• Tools from Getting to Yes and Harvard’s negotiation framework for effective conflict resolution
• The importance of emotional self-regulation before responding in heated situations
• How empathy, storytelling, and vulnerability can bridge political or ideological divides
• Recognizing when a conversation is no longer healthy — and how to set boundaries gracefully
• The future of mediation and how AI might support (but never replace) human connection in conflict resolution

To Learn More and Connect with Shira:

CDSADR.org

E-mail [e-mail]

Support the show