Turn Conflict into Connection: Mediation Secrets for Small Business Owners

5 AUGUST 2025

Brisbane Business Hub, Queen Street, Brisbane City QLD, Australia

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable, but how you respond can make all the difference. In this interactive session, nationally accredited mediator and conflict resolution expert Shiv Martin shares the proven techniques she uses to support teams across government, business, and community organisations.

This practical and supportive workshop helps you to strengthen your team dynamics, manage stress, and lead with calm and confidence. Participants will gain strategies to turn tense situations into opportunities for clarity, connection, and long-term trust—skills that directly impact retention, performance, and reputation.

Using real-life stories and accessible frameworks, Shiv will break down the common causes of conflict, providing participants simple tools to use immediately to navigate tension with confidence. She will explain how mediation, facilitation, and negotiation differ, and how to choose the right approach to get resolution early.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • How to spot the early signs of workplace conflict and intervene before it escalates
  • Tools to apply emotional intelligence and values-based leadership in tough conversations
  • Practical guidance on resolving disputes without legal processes or relationship breakdowns

The session will include a pre-course survey, a downloadable PDF of the session slides, and a link to a free conversation guide for difficult situations for attendees wanting to use these practical skills in the workplace.

Target Audience:

  • Small business owners
  • Team leaders and supervisors
  • People and culture managers
  • Start-up founders navigating team dynamics
  • Anyone responsible for managing people or workplace culture

PRESENTERS

Shiv Martin, Principal Mediator and Director, Shiv Martin Consulting

Shiv Martin is a Brisbane based small business with employees and subcontractors based in South East Queensland.

Shiv Martin is a nationally accredited mediator, trainer, and workplace conflict specialist with over 15 years’ experience supporting government, legal, and business organisations to resolve disputes and build resilient teams. She is recognised for blend of expertise in law, mediation, culture and mental health. She has advised institutions including the Fair Work Commission, QCAT, the Human Rights Commission, and Master Builders Queensland. Known for her warm, practical, and legally grounded approach, Shiv delivers training and coaching that empowers leaders to handle conflict with clarity, confidence, and care. She supports small business leaders to manage conflict both within their business and with external stakeholders, through her mediation and leadership coaching work.

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