In this episode of Mediation Matters, Adam is joined by Joanna Gosling, Senior Associate Mediator at law firm Irwin Mitchell, former BBC journalist turned mediator for a thoughtful conversation on communication, conflict, and the power of truly listening. Joanna shares her journey from decades in broadcast journalism to the world of mediation, and how years of interviewing, questioning, and holding space for difficult stories naturally evolved into a desire to help people move forward and not just be heard. Together, they explore the deep connection between journalism and mediation: objectivity, curiosity, and the ability to understand multiple perspectives. They also discuss the limitations of surface-level conversations, the importance of uncovering what’s really driving conflict, and why so many disagreements aren’t about what they first appear to be. This episode dives into practical insights on asking better questions, avoiding assumptions, and creating the conditions for meaningful dialogue. Joanna also shares why listening when done properly is one of the most powerful tools we have, not just in mediation, but in leadership, relationships, and everyday life. A compelling conversation on how we can all learn to communicate better, navigate conflict more effectively, and ultimately, find better outcomes.

In this episode of Mediation Matters, Adam is joined by Victoria Harris, CEO of the Civil Mediation Council, mediator, and former employment lawyer. Victoria shares the journey that led her from legal practice into mediation and ultimately into leadership of the CMC. Together, they explore the evolving role of mediation in resolving conflict across workplaces, communities, and the justice system. Victoria discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in mediation, why conflict can be a catalyst for positive change, and how early intervention can prevent disputes from escalating. The conversation also looks ahead at the future of mediation, including making mediation more mainstream, expanding automatic referrals within the legal system, supporting new mediators to build sustainable careers, and introducing conflict-resolution skills to younger generations through peer mediation in schools. A thoughtful and practical discussion about the human side of conflict and how mediation can transform the way disputes are understood and resolved.

In this conversation, Adam Gersch and Kelly Stricklin-Coutinho discuss the evolution of mediation as a profession, the transition from lawyering to mediating, and the importance of training for lawyers in mediation practices. They reflect on their personal experiences in mediation, the role of lawyers, and the need for a distinct identity for mediation as a profession. The discussion also touches on the challenges of establishing standards and career pathways in the field of mediation. Kelly and Adam discuss the evolving landscape of mediation, focusing on regulation, support for new mediators, the integration of mediation into the legal system, and the concept of mediation mobility across jurisdictions. They emphasise the importance of community mediation and the role of the Civil Mediation Council in fostering a supportive environment for mediators. The discussion also highlights the need for greater awareness and acceptance of mediation as a viable dispute resolution method.