Conflict is often framed as something we should embrace, but former hostage negotiator Ryan Dunlap argues that conflict itself is neither healthy nor unhealthy, it simply reveals the emotional health of the people involved. Drawing from law enforcement, crisis negotiation, leadership coaching, and the often harder conversations at home, he explains why many people don’t have a conflict problem as much as a pressure problem. In this talk, he offers practical lessons for building the capacity to handle hard moments: start small, master the basics, and prioritize recovery after conflict. Healthy outcomes don’t come from healthy conflict; they come from healthier people.
Ryan Dunlap is a former Detective and SWAT Hostage Negotiator who founded Conflictish®, a conflict strategy firm dedicated to helping leaders turn conflict into their greatest competitive advantage. Drawing from his experience in law enforcement, Ryan specializes in bringing proven strategies from the interrogation room into the boardroom, transforming how leaders speak and lead during high-pressure moment. He is also the author of How to Untie a Balloon: a Negotiator's Guide to Avoid Popping Under Pressure, and has lectured on conflict strategy at many academic, corporate, and non-profit institutions.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
