Finding Solutions to Seemingly Intractable Problems | Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison

How might we learn to better negotiate and navigate seemingly intractable issues? 

And what if it was possible to not only navigate these issues, but to meet all people’s needs in the process?

What if it was possible to truly find win-win solutions?

In today’s conversation with Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison, two leaders in the field of bridge building and conflict resolution we’ll address these complex, challenging, and timely questions head on. 

Questions that have been at the heart of their work for many years, and are explored in depth in their profound new book: From Conflict to Convergence Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems.

Today, they will offer up their hard-earned wisdom about how we can all get better at navigating difficult conversations, resolving challenging conflicts, and building meaningful connection in the process. 

Much of what they will share comes from their work at Convergence a leading non profit organization of which Rob is the Founder and Mariah is the CEO. 

For more than a dozen years, convergence has pioneered a distinctive approach to collaborative problem-solving across divides. 

Bringing people together across ideological, political, and identity lines to help solve seemingly intractable challenges at the intersection of national politics and policy. 

Convergence’s success offers a beacon of hope for the majority of Americans frustrated by divisiveness and toxic polarization. Their work demonstrates that change is possible under the right conditions, and that we can affect lasting, consistent changes that improve people’s lives when we come together to recognize our common humanity.

For more about Convergence, Rob, Mariah, and their book please visit convergencepolicy.org

This episode is the final conversation in our mini series that brought together leaders at the forefront of researching, facilitating, and writing about how we can:

• Engage in more constructive dialogue
• Find collaborative solutions to seemingly intractable problems
• And build bridges across difference

For more, check out these other conversations in the series: 

• Rediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien Duong
• Building Bridges Back to Each Other | Juliana Tafur

More about Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison

Rob founded Convergence in 2009 and served as its first CEO until 2020. He has spent over 45 years bridging policy differences and moving important public policy solutions forward in Washington DC, working for Congress, in the Executive Branch, and in leading non-profit organizations. Head here to learn more about Rob.

Mariah serves as CEO and President of Convergence. With decades of experience, Mariah is a seasoned consensus-builder who excels in bringing diverse groups together to address critical state and national issues. Her expertise extends to speaking and training on a national and international level, engaging with a wide range of audiences including local communities, law schools, foreign governments, and TED. Head here to learn more about Mariah.

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