In this episode of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Podcast, host Brian Lofrumento sits down with Katie Kolon, a certified mediator and conflict resolution expert, to discuss how entrepreneurs can navigate conflict in business and life. Katie shares her unique perspective on turning conflict into opportunity and how understanding the human element can foster healthier workplace dynamics. As a former employment law attorney and founder of Mutual Ground Strategies, Katie's approach blends legal insight with real-world mediation skills, making this episode a must-listen for anyone dealing with team dynamics or client challenges.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🚀 Why conflict doesn’t have to be negative—how to view it as a decision point and opportunity.
• 🤝 Techniques for creating safe spaces to facilitate constructive dialogue.
• 🧠 The importance of staying curious about people's backgrounds to better navigate disagreements.
• 💼 Why mediation skills can benefit entrepreneurs in both internal and external conflicts.
• 🌍 How understanding motivations and values can lead to lasting resolutions.
• 🔑 Tips for preventing conflict by fostering open communication and proactive problem-solving.
• 🎭 How to think of people as “method actors” to better understand their actions and reactions.

📝 About Katie Kolon

Katie Kolon provides conflict resolution services for businesses and individuals to manage workplace conflict, avoid litigation, and foster healthy environments where employees thrive and businesses succeed. She creates private and brave spaces to engage in constructive dialogue, repair relationships, and guide people to discover their own solutions to conflict.

Katie is a certified mediator and mediation coach with the Center for Conflict Resolution where she has volunteered for the past 13 years. She is also certified as a Workplace Mediator and Trainer in Conflict Resolution by the Mediation Training Institute. She is a former employment law attorney with no interest in returning to practice litigation. She founded Mutual Ground Mediation, LLC (please note my name may be changed by the time we speak) in 2024 to make a positive impact on workplace communities and beyond.

🎯 Katie’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs

"Think of people as method actors—everyone brings their own backstory to the table. Understanding that can help you acknowledge their experience and move forward in a positive way."

Key Takeaways from Katie’s Advice:
✔️ Approach conflict with curiosity rather than judgment.
✔️ Create a safe space where all parties feel heard and respected.
✔️ Understand that sometimes the best resolution is simply engaging in the process.

📢 Memorable Quotes

• “Conflict isn’t inherently negative—it’s an opportunity to see what’s next.” – Katie Kolon
•  “Neutrality doesn’t mean avoiding emotion; it means holding space without judgment.” – Katie Kolon
•  “Sometimes the best solution is not an agreement but an understanding.” – Katie Kolon

💡 Actionable Takeaways

✅ Reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth and problem-solving.
✅ Practice active listening and avoid making quick judgments.
✅ Foster a culture of open communication to prevent conflicts from escalating.
✅ Use mediation techniques to address both internal and external conflicts.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit Mutual Ground Strategies’ Website
• Connect with Katie on LinkedIn