Stories of Impact
The Theory and Practice of Mediation
From healthcare CFO to working mediator
Thomas Walker
CAREER TRANSITION • LACK OF MEDIATION TRAINING
Thomas Walker had a career as a CPA, attorney, and healthcare executive, but to transition into mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), he needed the necessary skills and practice.
Participant
Thomas Walker
Organization
Walker Dispute Resolution Group, LLC
Title
CPA, Attorney, Sole Member
Sector
Private, 1-10 people
Program
The Theory and Practice of Mediation (TPOM)
The Challenge
CAREER TRANSITION
LACK OF MEDIATION TRAINING
After a long career in healthcare leadership, including serving as a CFO, Thomas was exploring a transition into alternative dispute resolution. He wanted formal mediation training that would provide both a strong foundation in mediation principles and extensive hands-on practice. His goal was to use his skills as a mediator, arbitrator, and neutral in a professional capacity.
Thomas was ready to transition into ADR, so after researching numerous mediation training programs across the country, he selected NCRC for its reputation, practical focus, and emphasis on hands-on learning.
The Goal
Thomas wanted a structured process to help people and organizations resolve disputes collaboratively and the practical conflict resolution skills to mediate. As a CPA, attorney, and healthcare executive, he wanted to take his mediation skills into court-connected, healthcare, and commercial settings alike.
Goals Going In
- Build practical, repeatable conflict resolution skills
- Launch a new professional path as a mediator and neutral
- Prepare for different types of dispute resolution
Inside the training
Foundations first
NCRC’s widely respected, 6-stage mediation process, and interest-based negotiation were taught in an accessible way for participants to follow easily.
Ample practice time
Extended role-plays with a mixed cohort of staff and TPOM participants, so each person could practice their skills in real-time.
Experienced trainers
Trainers are present throughout the process to offer real-time feedback, support, and answer questions.
Immediately applicable
Engaging and supportive, but built for use, mediation and conflict resolution skills can be used in the workplace, community, or serve as the foundation for a career change like Thomas’s.
Outcome
The training significantly impacted Thomas’s professional direction, giving him the confidence and the foundational skills to pursue mediation and ADR as a meaningful part of his career.
Since completing TPOM, Thomas became a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitrator, joined several ADR organizations, and launched a mediation and third-party neutral practice.
Since Completing TPOM
Became a FINRA arbitrator
Professional Standing
Joined several ADR organizations
Practice
Started his own mediation practice in Indiana
Why he recommends the program
Asked whether he would recommend TPOM to other individuals and organizations, Thomas gave an emphatic “YES!” Here is why: