GLC - SOPHE Conference Keynote Address
Public health initiatives require collaboration across diverse professional cultures, from clinical providers to educators, policymakers, and community leaders. Yet these partnerships frequently stall when faced with difficult personalities, resistant stakeholders, or colleagues who seem impossible to work with. This Keynote Presentation explores how strategic communication and conflict negotiation principles can transform these frustrating relationships into functional partnerships that strengthen community resilience.
Bridging the Divide: De-escalating Conflict
I’m honored to serve as the plenary speaker at this year’s SOPHE Advocacy Summit! In a time when public health messages often meet resistance and emotionally charged responses, how we communicate matters more than ever.
In this session, I’ll share practical, evidence-based strategies to help advocates and health professionals navigate tough conversations with confidence and compassion. We’ll explore real-world tools to de-escalate tension, reframe confrontation, and build bridges across deep divides—whether you’re talking to policymakers, community members, or colleagues.
Join me to learn how empathy, preparation, and communication agility can turn difficult dialogue into powerful advocacy.
Bridging the Gap: Navigating Difficult Conversations in Healthcare
Difficult conversations are inevitable in healthcare—but they don’t have to damage relationships. In this session, I’ll share compassionate, practical strategies for navigating tough discussions with patients, families, and care teams. Whether the topic is prognosis, treatment disagreements, or systemic barriers, we’ll explore tools to foster trust, improve clarity, and create stronger outcomes through thoughtful, empathetic communication.
From Tension to Trust: Practical Strategies for Conflict Prevention, Mediation, and De-Escalation in Clinical Settings
In high-stakes clinical environments, moments of tension can quickly escalate—impacting care, communication, and team cohesion. In this session, I guided advocates and healthcare workers through actionable strategies for preventing conflict before it begins, mediating misunderstandings, and de-escalating emotionally charged situations in real time.
We explored real-world case studies and trauma-informed techniques designed to foster safety, trust, and collaboration among patients, families, and care teams. Because effective care starts with clear, compassionate communication—even when it’s hard.