Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.

🎙️ This Week’s Guest: Richard Birke

He’s helped settle billion-dollar legal cases, trained thousands of leaders, and worked with organisations like NASA, NBC and the UN — teaching them how to resolve high-stakes conflict before it becomes a disaster.

And in this episode, he shares how the best managers use mediation skills to build trust, reduce drama, and protect culture — even if they never set foot in a courtroom.

💡 Key Takeaways from Richard Birke

Conflict is inevitable. Combat is optional.
Great managers don’t avoid conflict — they navigate it. Richard breaks down the difference between productive disagreement and destructive drama.

Most problems at work aren’t legal — they’re relational.
Before HR policies or employment law get involved, there’s often a moment where a manager could step in and defuse the tension. Richard explains what that looks like in practice.

Listening is more than hearing.
The number one skill in any conflict isn’t talking — it’s listening for what’s not being said. Richard shares how to tune in and de-escalate before things go nuclear.

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