Build the confidence and skill to lead difficult workplace conversations

The Resilient Leader Series

Level 1 cohort begins April 21, 2026!

Small cohort. Limited seats.

The Resilient Leader Series is a small, practice-based leadership cohort for managers responsible for navigating difficult workplace conversations.

It focuses on performance tension, cross-functional misalignment, and moments where pressure can quickly escalate conflict.

Participants bring real situations into a structured, confidential setting and practice how to manage themselves under pressure and guide others through tension with clarity and steadiness.

Who this is for

Mid-level managers in fast-faced organizations
Leaders navigating performance issues or cross-functional tensions
People responsible for hard conversations without formal training

what you'll practice

Managing your own emotional response under pressure
Preparing for difficult performance conversations
Navigating cross-functional tensions
Naming boundaries without escalating tension
Moving conversations from defensiveness to action
Intervening earlier before conflict escalates

how it works

Small, confidential cohort limited to 8 participants
Real workplace scenarios brought by participants
Facilitated rehearsal and peer feedback
Progressive skill development across sessions
Between-session application
Five live, 90-min virtual sessions
Two optional 60-min office hours
Sessions are not recorded

Level 1: Managing self,

Leading by Example

Outcome

Participants can stay grounded and confident while navigating difficult conversations at work.

This cohort focuses on how leaders listen, orient themselves, and respond under pressure. The emphasis is on presence, curiosity, and self-regulation so leaders can engage tension constructively rather than reacting or shutting conversations down.

7 weeks | Small cohort format

$1,500

Level 2: Managing Others, Leading Like a Mediator

Outcome

Participants can intentionally guide difficult conversations with clarity and purpose.

This cohort focuses on how leaders structure and guide conversations once tension is present—helping people surface concerns, understand each other’s perspectives, and move toward decisions or resolutions they can confidently stand behind.

7 weeks | Small cohort format

$1,500

Enroll in both cohorts

Participants who enroll in both levels receive a combined price of $2,700.

what you walk away with

Greater control over your reactions in high-pressure moments
Clearer awareness of your conflict patterns and triggers
The ability to separate fact from interpretation before responding
Practical language for shifting from positions to underlying interests
Stronger listening for boundaries, values, and what is driving tension
De-escalation techniques when others are reactive, defensive, or emotional
A repeatable structure for navigating conflict without withdrawing or taking over

request a seat in the next cohort

The next Resilient Leadership Series, Level 1 cohort begins

April 21, 2026.

Submit the form below if you’re interested in participating. I’ll follow up personally with next steps.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

How would you describe your current role?

I agree to receive communication from Mutual Ground Strategies. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Captcha

Credibility and Experience

Mutual Ground Strategies has supported professionals, leaders, and mediators through mediation, coaching, mentoring, and training in conflict resolution skills — including work with the Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR) in Chicago and other local organizations.

Katie’s workshop on Advising in High Stakes Moments was incredibly valuable. She equipped our team with practical, repeatable tools for navigating tough, emotionally charged conversations with clients. We’re excited to put these insights into action to better support our clients—especially when the stakes are high and the choices aren’t easy. If your team works with clients navigating transitions or high-pressure decisions, I highly recommend connecting with her.

Ken Orth

Partner, CJG Partners LLC

Katie and I have co-mediated and have been part of reflective practice groups. These two perspectives have given me a clear sense of who she is as a as a conflict resolution professional. When Katie and I co-mediated, the two things I took note of were her level of both care and calm. Her presence and pace created an environment that invited people to slow down and participate thoughtfully. In the reflective practice groups she has shown her commitment to leading compassionate process – interested in ways to better inform clients during intake, understand confidentiality and participating in good faith.

Lauren Asher

Mediator, Center for Conflict Resolution

Katie did a great job presenting to our group. Her insights apply in so many professional and personal situations, and I took away several great nuggets from her talk. Wonderful presentation!

Johnny DiVito

President, IX Solutions

As a peer mediator, I greatly value Katie’s wisdom and deeply admire her work ethic and the skills she has developed over the years. Having co-mediated with her, I find her inspiring, pushing me to be the best mediator I can be. Her demeanor and expertise set a powerful example, encouraging me to ensure that all parties are treated with dignity and respect. Whenever possible, I seek opportunities to work with her so that we can continuously learn from each other and exchange feedback.

Yehemy Zavala Orozco

Mediator, Center for Conflict Resolution

Katie's presentations are outstanding. She represents a point of view that makes your audiences think.

Lynn Hazan

President, Lynn Hazan & Associates

Katie's feedback was very insightful!

Anonymous

Mediation Skills Training Participant

[Katie] was patient with me when I needed more help.