Transform conflict interactions into opportunities for growth, connection, and dialogue
Transform Conflict Interactions
Develop Self-Awareness
Expand Understanding
About Henry Yampolsky
Henry Yampolsky is a mediator, educator, TEDx speaker, and lawyer who serves as the Assistant Director for Education, Outreach, and Conflict Resolution at Virginia Tech’s Office for Equity and Accessibility. He also teaches Mediation, Conflict Resolution, and Peace Building as part of Virginia Tech’s Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention. Henry has worked with hundreds of complex conflicts and has taught and lectured around the world, including at: Columbia University School of Law, the New York Peace Institute, the National Museum of American Jewish History, Bellevue Mediation in Zurich, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samidi (International Gandhi Center and Museum) in New Delhi, Bharathiar University in Coimbatore, India, and at the Sattva Summit in Rishikesh, India.
Henry is also a master-level instructor of Sattva Yoga, having studied yoga in Rishikesh, India. Henry’s TEDx talk about what crossing the Himalayas on a motorcycle taught him about conflict, connection, and dialogue is available on TED.com. Prior on embarking on a career in peace-building and conflict resolution Henry was a trial lawyer in Philadelphia. Henry has a Juris Doctorate from Temple University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Studies from the University of Scranton.
The Book
Dis-Solving Conflict from Within presents a new paradigm for looking at conflict. Written by a professional mediator (and an occasional adventure motorcyclist), this book presents a mindfulness-based framework for understanding conflict, and more importantly, responding to conflict with strength, clarity, and ease as opposed to reacting to it with fear, avoidance, or aggression. The first part of the book takes the reader step by step through the method, drawing on famous teachings in both conflict resolution and mindfulness, real-life examples from the author’s own practice, and colorful anecdotes from his personal adventures, which included riding a motorcycle across the Himalayas. The rest of the book is a very practical application for how these teachings can transform the way we live our lives – in conflicts ranging from arguments with your spouse and debates about current affairs at your dinner table to greater societal conflicts and existential challenges facing us.
TEDx Talks
Henry is an inspiring and insightful speaker who has taught, lectured, and spoke around the world included from the TEDx stage.
In this talk Henry discusses what he learned about conflict, connection, and dialogue by crossing the Himalayas on a motorcycle.
What if we realized that we know a lot less about people than we think we do? Then, the idea that we can ever be in another’s person’s shoes is an illusion. So, it is time that we move away from empathy and towards radical compassion.
In this thought-provoking talk, Henry defines radical compassion as an intimate and infinite connection with another person’s humanity combined with the knowledge that we can never truly know or experience what someone has lived through.
Testimonials and Endorsements
Services We Offer
Conflict Resolution
We offer a range of conflict resolution services which include: conflict coaching, facilitation, mediation, and organizational development. Whether it is a conflict among close family members, business associates, or among multiple stakeholders around the world we have the tools to transform even the most difficult interactions into opportunities for growth, connection, and dialogue.
Consulting
With a background in law and experience in mediation; civil rights; public policy; higher education; diversity, equity and inclusion; change management; organizational development; and conflict resolution process design we offer consulting services to organizations around the world interested in creating space for a meaningful dialogue and committed to transforming teams into vibrant, inclusive, and productive communities.
Training
Our trainings are engaging, practical and deeply transformative. We have presented our signature Dis-Solving Conflict from Within ™ course around the world and have trained multiple professionals as mediators through our Mindful Mediation ™ training. We have taught mindfulness, conflict de-escalation, mediation, compassionate communications and transformative negotiation skills to law enforcement personnel, senior UN diplomats, lawyers and business leaders. We are happy to custom design thought provoking training experiences that fit the needs of modern organizations.
Speaking
Henry Yampolsky is a prolific speaker with a unique ability to engage with his audience. He has taught and lectured around the world and is a multi-time TEDx speaker whose TEDx talks have garnered thousands of views. Henry’s prior speaking topics included: Dis-Solving Conflict from Within, Moving from Conflict to Collaboration, Top Secrets of Mindful Negotiation, Moving from Problem-Solving to Empowerment, the Dangers of Our Quest for Truth, and Do We Really Want Civility and Tolerance. Henry is happy to custom design a speech or a presentation which will move the audience while leaving it with lasting insights.
Living Peace Podcast
Contact Us
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or proposals.