In today’s hyper-connected world, communication and conflict resolution are vital skills everyone must master. However, these skills can be challenging to acquire or implement effectively. In our recent podcast episode, we had the privilege of engaging in a profound conversation with Hesha Abrams—an internationally acclaimed attorney-mediator known for turning conflict into calm—who gave listeners invaluable insights on these essential life tools.

Hesha Abrams embarked on her journey as a lawyer but soon transitioned into mediation when she realized its transformative potential in resolving human conflicts. Over her extensive career, she has crafted highly creative settlements and resolutions in complicated matters and has developed an insightful toolkit that goes beyond simply achieving calmness—it promotes understanding others and fostering effective communication.

The underpinning philosophy behind Hesha’s approach is holding the calm—a strategy she developed while resolving human conflicts. By employing both logic (the left brain) and creativity (the right brain), one can approach every situation strategically to achieve desired outcomes.

Hesha also emphasizes the importance of promoting understanding and effective communication across diverse backgrounds and perspectives—a crucial skill in today’s multicultural societies where miscommunication can lead to unnecessary conflicts. She encourages us to look beyond physical appearances and take time to understand what makes individuals tick.

One of the more fascinating parts of our conversation revolved around environmental negotiations—how environmental groups have managed to broker compromises between conflicting interests, such as environmental protection versus oil and gas interests. The key lies in finding common ground based on mutual self-interests while approaching every situation from both logical (left brain) and creative (right brain) angles.

In addition, living authentically was another topic we touched on during our chat with Hesha. She reminded us that our upbringing should not dictate our choices or limit our potential—an empowering reminder for anyone feeling constrained by their past circumstances or experiences.

A significant portion of our discussion also centered around creating a Legacy—how giving back enriches those we help and ourselves. By focusing on positive aspects during challenging times, we can better manage stressors in life while leaving lasting impacts for future generations.

Lastly, one cannot overlook the importance of understanding undulation—the natural ebb and flow inherent in life—and how working with these cycles can be beneficial during challenging times.

Our conversation with Hesha Abrams was truly enlightening—a treasure trove full of Wisdom nuggets waiting for listeners eager for practical knowledge on conflict resolution, effective communication, authenticity, legacy-building, understanding undulation—the list goes on.

If you’re interested in learning more about these topics from someone who has mastered them over decades of experience—and if you’re eager for practical tools you can use immediately—don’t miss this impactful discussion!

Here is where you can listen and subscribe.

Apple link

,https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/becoming-bridge-builders/id1527559732?i=1000623660753

Spotify

,https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pxtvIR8ltk0VxArAqJXyG?si=JsZ5xNGrSuKXuKw9a0yNMg

iHeart Radio: ,https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-becoming-bridge-builders-71517036/episode/transforming-conflict-into-calm-a-conversation-120552917/

Amazon Music: ,https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96967caf-ea90-4502-975c-8e3d6af0c574/episodes/4288bde2-e39e-4715-aef4-0b6e237eb436/becoming-bridge-builders-transforming-conflict-into-calm-a-conversation-with-mediator-hesha-abrams

Originally Published on https://www.becomingbridgebuilders.org/blog

Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney

Rev. Dr. Byrene Haney is a dedicated and experienced pastor with over 31 years of service in multi-ethnic urban congregations. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA, and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. And a Doctorate of Education from Concordia Univerisity, Irvine, CA. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including Senior Pastor at Gospel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI, and Mission Facilitator for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS.

Currently, Rev. Dr. Haney serves as Assistant to the President in the Iowa District West, where he assists congregations with strategic planning, visioning, outreach, and fostering a culture of generosity and human care. His commitment to connecting faith with community needs and crises has significantly impacted the congregations he serves.