From Conflict to Conversation:
Disagreement doesn't have to divide.
Too often, community conversations turn into battlegrounds, and differences become barriers. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Disagreement isn’t just natural—it’s necessary. The challenge isn’t to avoid conflict but to engage it productively.
Civic facilitator and mediator Matt Lehrman delivers interactive keynotes and workshops that equip leaders of councils, boards, and commissions to turn division into dialogue. Grounded in courage, civility, and trust, these sessions provide practical tools to navigate disagreement, foster understanding, and transform tensions into collaboration.
Whether elected, appointed, staff, or engaged citizens, leaders of all kinds will gain strategies to engage opposing viewpoints with purpose and empathy—building trust, strengthening relationships, and guiding their communities toward meaningful progress.
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Mounting challenges to civic unity, economic uncertainty, and political pressures are making local leadership increasingly difficult. The work of local governance—navigating conflict, engaging stakeholders, and fostering confidence in decisions—is more crucial than ever, as every choice influences a community’s stability and future.
Civic facilitator Matt Lehrman helps leaders recognize the full scope of change—spanning technology, the economy, demographics, the environment, AI, shifting workforce trends, and evolving societal expectations. He delivers practical strategies to build credibility, communicate clearly, and guide well-supported decisions. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, he equips leaders to turn conflict into progress, strengthen public trust, and reinforce local government’s role as a force for collaboration and impact.
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"A shared vision is at the heart of every thriving community," says Matt Lehrman as he helps leaders champion their community’s future. Using the concept of "ideastructure," Matt shares practical strategies to bring people together, gather consensus, and plan effectively. Learn how to turn today’s challenges into opportunities, shape a bold vision, and drive meaningful progress.
As the adage says, “In the distance, all walls are low.” This talk demonstrates how communities made up of people with many different experiences and expectations can rise above their differences by focusing on a shared future. Participants learn how to guide inclusive conversations, foster collaboration, and align diverse perspectives to create lasting progress and stronger connections.
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Forget predictions. The future doesn’t just happen—you build it. This isn’t merely a speech—it’s a jolt of energy, a wake-up call wrapped in an electrifying, interactive experience. This is where leaders stop reacting and start shaping what’s next. Guided by Matt Lehrman, participants dive into a real-time, no-limits exploration of trajectories, opportunities, and bold possibilities.
With smartphones in hand, participants engage in collaborative, peer-to-peer exchanges that challenge assumptions, ignite fresh insights, and fuel deep reflection. They’ll walk away inspired, clear-eyed, and ready to take charge of the future—no matter how uncertain today feels.
If you don’t shape the future, the future will shape you. Futurecast puts you in control.
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As a civic facilitator, I help people work together courageously to explore possibilities and make strategic decisions.
What can I help you and your community or organization achieve together?
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