Helping People Navigate Conflict with Confidence
From training senior leaders in conflict resolution to facilitating high-stakes workplace mediations, Shiv Martin supports people and organisations to handle challenging conversations with skill, care and clarity. Whether it’s coaching professionals one-on-one, leading impactful webinars, or advising complaints management teams on dispute resolution systems, Shiv brings an engaging, strategic, and deeply human approach to conflict. Her work spans public and private sectors, delivering tailored solutions that build trust, resolve issues early, and create lasting change. Explore recent case studies below to see the breadth and impact of Shiv’s work.
Training Speaking Workshops
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Conflict Leadership Skills Workshop
Shiv Martin recently designed and delivered a two-day workshop for senior leaders to help them handle conflict more confidently and support their teams during difficult conversations. The training covered practical tools to stay calm under pressure, listen with empathy, and build trust during tense situations. Leaders also learnt the difference between mediation and conciliation, and practised techniques like reflective listening, effective questioning, and de-escalation.
By the end of the workshop, leaders felt more prepared to guide their teams through challenging interactions and promote early, respectful resolution of issues. They walked away with simple, proven strategies to build a stronger, more supportive workplace culture—where people feel heard, understood, and empowered to solve problems before they escalate.
Testimonials
“The course content was in depth and comprehensive. Shiv Martin was a fantastic trainer and the coaches were patient, knowledgeable and provided constructive feedback. An excellent course to learn mediation skills or enhance existing skills."
“I had the pleasure of undertaking Mediation and Without Prejudice Training with Shiv recently through my employer! Her knowledge and experience are second to none and as a trainer Shiv is so relatable and easy to communicate with! I thoroughly enjoyed the training and left each day with renewed energy, looking forward to the following day! I would highly recommend Shiv as a trainer and in her role as a Mediator."
Online Workshop for Advocates
Shiv recently delivered a series of short, high-impact online webinars focused on conflict resolution skills and reflective practice. With over 50 participants joining from various locations, the sessions covered essential topics like negotiation techniques, managing difficult conversations, and understanding different approaches to conflict. Each webinar blended key concepts with live discussion, giving participants a strong foundation in conflict resolution.
To keep the virtual sessions interactive and engaging, Shiv used practical case scenarios, polls, breakout discussions, and other online tools to encourage reflection and real-time application. Participants appreciated the chance to practise new strategies in a safe, supportive environment and left each session with practical takeaways they could immediately apply in their work.
Testimonials
“This was great content and facilitation so easy to listen to and apply”
“Best webinar I have attended very relevant shows the complexity of advocacy work and the qualities needed to be a good Advocate”
Ombudsman Workshop
Over several months, Shiv worked closely with an Ombudsman team to support the design and implementation of a new dispute resolution function. The organisation was expanding its early resolution and complaints handling capabilities and sought Shiv’s expertise in shaping a process that was fair, consistent, and user-friendly. Shiv provided strategic advice on process design, intake and triage procedures, risk management, and resolution pathways tailored to the organisation’s jurisdiction and stakeholders.
As part of the project, Shiv also designed and delivered a series of targeted training sessions to build the team's confidence and capability in conciliation, early resolution, and communication skills. Training was informed by team consultations and focused on practical, skills-based learning—giving staff the tools they needed to handle complex and emotive matters with professionalism and care. The leadership team valued Shiv’s collaborative and hands-on approach, which helped lay strong foundations for a trusted and effective resolution function.
Testimonials
"Amazing presentation. Knowledgable, funny, engaging, informative, inclusive, reflective ,inspiring, great diverse resources, recommendations and timekeeping."
"Shiv provided some great concepts and different ways to approach the ways we work and how we can implement conciliation meetings into our toolset and I look forward to implementing them into the way I work to better address our customer complaints"
Industry Conference Presentation
Shiv was invited to present at a staff conference for a financial services organisation, with an audience of approximately 100 professionals from across the business. Her session focused on practical skills for managing difficult conversations in the workplace—an area of growing importance in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Shiv guided participants through key concepts in emotional intelligence, communication styles, and strategies for navigating tension while preserving working relationships.
The session prompted strong engagement and reflection, with many participants noting how relevant the content was to both professional and personal contexts. Shiv also provided tailored takeaway resources, including a short eBook she wrote specifically for the audience, filled with practical scripts, self-reflection prompts, and wellbeing tips for emotionally charged conversations. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees valuing the mix of insight, empathy, and real-world tools they could apply immediately.
Testimonials
"Shiv was an engaging presenter and provided food for thought in how to build happier and more productive teams. Quite useful take aways. Loved it."
"Your dynamic presentation style which encouraged questions and discussion of real-life examples was excellent. I gained many valuable insights that I'm eager to implement in my daily work practice. "
Mediation & Facilitation
Commercial customer service case study of two store managers in conflict
Shiv was engaged by HR to help resolve a workplace dispute between two team managers whose ongoing conflict was affecting team morale and performance. One manager had made a formal complaint, and tensions had begun to impact the broader work environment. Shiv began the process with one-on-one coaching conversations to ensure each manager felt heard and well-prepared for mediation. She also held a risk-focused briefing with HR to clarify expectations and ensure the mediation process was safe and constructive for everyone involved.
The half-day mediation created space for both managers to speak openly about the differences in their leadership styles and communication. With Shiv’s support, they were able to reset the relationship and agree on practical ways to work together going forward. By the end of the session, they were speaking directly to each other and had committed to regular check-ins to address any issues early. HR appreciated Shiv’s professional and thoughtful approach, which helped turn a difficult situation into a positive step forward for the team.
Conflict between executive staff in a government agency
A senior executive from a public sector agency reached out to Shiv for support in resolving a dispute between two senior managers who had reached a standstill. The disagreement centred around resource allocation and the direction of a key strategic project. The conflict had begun to delay progress and risk broader team engagement. Shiv was brought in to mediate and create a space where both parties could express their concerns, clarify priorities, and explore a way forward without further escalation.
Through a structured and impartial mediation process, Shiv helped both managers unpack their assumptions, identify shared goals, and shift the conversation from tension to collaboration. By the end of the session, they had reached a practical agreement on how to reallocate responsibilities and communicate more effectively moving forward. The project resumed with renewed clarity and commitment, and the executive who engaged Shiv praised the mediation as a timely and effective intervention that protected both relationships and outcomes.
One on One Coaching
Example of a senior lawyer seeking to transition into practice as a mediator and me supporting them through learning assessment business setup reflective practice
Over several months, Shiv supported a senior lawyer who was preparing to transition into a new career as a mediator. The practitioner was highly experienced in litigation and negotiations but wanted to build confidence and capability in the distinct practice of facilitative dispute resolution. Shiv provided one-on-one guidance tailored to the practitioner’s goals—ranging from completing formal mediation training and assessments to exploring the mindset shift required for neutral, client-led problem solving.
Together, they worked through reflective practice tools, practical strategies for setting up a mediation business, and key considerations around marketing, insurance, and client intake. Shiv also helped the lawyer identify their unique strengths and how to position them effectively within the mediation sector. The practitioner appreciated the mix of encouragement and strategic clarity, and credited Shiv’s mentoring as pivotal in helping them move from intention to action with a clear plan for their new practice.
Workplace leader in HR and people management seeking support and advice in managing challenging workplace conversations
Shiv was engaged for a two-hour coaching session by a workplace leader working in HR and people management, who was seeking practical support in handling challenging workplace conversations. The leader was navigating complex staff dynamics and wanted guidance on how to approach difficult feedback conversations with clarity, confidence, and care. Shiv provided a structured, confidential space to reflect on recent situations and explore new strategies.
During the session, they worked through specific case examples and identified tools for setting boundaries, defusing strong emotions, and staying aligned with workplace policies and values. The leader left with greater confidence, a tailored conversation plan, and practical phrasing to use in real time. Feedback from the session highlighted the value of having an external sounding board and the impact of Shiv’s calm, knowledgeable, and solution-focused approach.
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