My life has been quite an adventure—spending 8 years in Namibia doing human rights work during the UN-led Resolution 435 peace process; being detained by guerrillas in the south of Angola during a river trip on the Kavango River; working with and representing San living in the Kalahari Desert. These experiences, and others, have deeply shaped my approach to life.

         I’m John Ford, originally from South Africa where I studied law at the University of Cape Town. I began my career practicing law in Namibia before moving to the USA, where I transitioned into conflict resolution and workplace mediation, building a successful practice over the past 30 years.

         In my work, I’ve discovered that effective conflict resolution hinges on two key conversations: addressing feelings to acknowledge and heal past pain and identifying needs to foster a collaborative future. This insight has inspired the suite of tools I’ve developed, including The Empathy Set of feelings and needs flashcards, a comprehensive dictionary, a versatile app, and talking sticks—all designed to simplify and enhance interpersonal communication.

• The Empathy Set, in particular, has transformed my work as a mediator and coach. It aids clients in safely naming and prioritizing their feelings and needs without escalating conflicts.

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