36. HR’s Secret Weapon in Conflict Resolution: Mediation and Repair with Tania Waters

Do you ever wonder if workplace conflict could strengthen relationships, instead of breaking them?

In this episode, we chat with mediator Tania Waters about how conflict shows up in the workplace and what happens behind closed doors in mediation. We break down the myths about conflict resolution, from the “personality clash” label to why grievances often fester instead of getting solved.

You’ll hear how Tania’s lived experience from high-pressure law firms to her work as a conflict specialist has shaped her unique approach to resolving tough workplace issues. She shares the real reasons relationships break down at work, how hybrid working has changed conflict dynamics, and why HR teams need to rethink their fear of grievances.

If you’re an HR leader or business leader who wants practical insights on handling conflict with confidence, this one’s for you. You’ll walk away with fresh thinking on how to move from fear and avoidance to open, honest conversations that build stronger workplaces.

Have you ever seen conflict handled well in your organisation, or watched it blow up? I’d love to hear your story. Connect with us on LinkedIn and let’s keep the conversation going.

SHOW NOTES: https://reimaginehr.com.au/hrs-secret-weapon-in-conflict-resolution-mediation-and-repair-with-tania-waters/

Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence.

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Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/

Heart at Work with Trina Sunday is a podcast for HR leaders and change-makers who believe there is a braver way to lead work and feel energised to step into it.

Hosted by human-first leadership strategist and creator of the HEART Work™ model, Trina Sunday draws on more than 25 years of experience across Australia, Asia, and global leadership communities to explore what it truly takes to build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side.

This is not about policy updates or buzzwords. It is about the conversations that matter: influence, culture under pressure, leadership courage, and the behaviours that shape how work actually feels.

At the heart of it all is one relentless question: What are the real conditions for people to experience happiness at work?

Through honest reflections and global perspectives, Trina helps HR move from compliance to courageous influence, because there is no profit without a pulse.

If you are ready to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion, you are in the right place. Because HR has a new future. And it leads with heart.

• No. of episodes: 57
• Latest episode: 2026-03-22
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