When tension arises, how do we lead from a place of integrity rather than reactivity? In this session, we’ll explore how to recognize emotional triggers and build the internal capacity to stay grounded in the face of conflict. Through reflection and guided practice, we’ll explore how to reconnect when relationships feel strained, laying the foundation for trust, empathy, and repair. This is about becoming the kind of leader who builds bridges, even in moments of rupture.

This session is part of the learning series Practicing Justice as Coaches & Trainers, intended for coaches & trainers of the People, Power, Change framework. We’re opening early registration to those joining the full series. Space is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot soon.

If you are interested in joining for part of the series, please reach out to Community of Practice Lead Sachiko Osawa at sachiko.osawa@leadingchangenetwork.org.

*This session is adapted from Session 3 of The Liberation Lab: A Course on Agency, Identity, and Restoration, a program to explore democratic public leadership, focusing on reflection, restoration, and race dynamics, developed by Arc of Change LLC and led by trainers Abel Cano and Kortni Malone.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how our emotional triggers impact conflict and communication 
• Explore best practices for navigating challenging relational dynamics 
• Practice restorative communication in moments of rupture

As the founder of The Arc of Change, Abel R. Cano is a leadership expert and trainer on a mission to ignite transformational breakthroughs that empower leaders at all levels to drive social change. With over 15 years of experience organizing and building people power, he masterfully trains leaders in the craft of public narrative, a storytelling-based leadership practice, mindful leadership, and community organizing to catalyze change on a global scale. 

A proud Dominican-American and Dorchester native, Abel served as regional organizer on the Obama campaign for Greater Boston and as field director on meaningful political campaigns for BIPOC candidates. He holds a master’s in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and has worked closely with Professor Marshall Ganz at the Harvard Kennedy School, strengthening the public narrative and community organizing frameworks, developing a vast network of leadership coaches, and leading global projects. 

Abel’s leadership work spans nonprofits, foundations, universities, governments, and grassroots campaigns, training over 10,000 leaders and leading hundreds of workshops.

For more information about this event please contact Sachiko Osawa