Sounds crazy, right? Most people think conflict is something to avoid. But after three decades of studying how people and organizations handle disagreement - from courtroom battles to boardroom showdowns - I've helped thousands worldwide discover something surprising: healthy conflict isn't just good for business, it's the secret that makes great companies succeed.

As a keynote speaker, I share this paradox with audiences worldwide: embrace conflict, don't run from it. Whether I'm working with Fortune 500 executives or startup founders, I show teams how to transform tension from a liability into their greatest asset. Plus, I manage to make it entertaining along the way (just ask anyone who's heard my talk). This approach, which I detail in my book "Don't Get Mad at Penguins," combines decades of practical experience with academic research into how conflict actually works.

My journey to becoming a "conflict expert" started in the courtroom, where I spent a decade as an aggressive trial lawyer - including suing other lawyers for malpractice (talk about embracing conflict). Then I took an unexpected turn into the startup world as Executive VP and General Counsel of ePrize (now Merkle).

We grew that company from a scrappy startup into the global leader in digital promotions, working with 75 of the world's top 100 brands. Along the way, I led multiple acquisitions, secured major financing deals, and personally oversaw more than 13,000 interactive promotions across 44 countries - all with zero legal challenges. Once again, the secret was creating an environment where healthy conflict could thrive.

These days, I'm an Operating Partner at Detroit Venture Partners and a Venture Partner at Lightbank in Chicago, where I help early-stage tech companies turn their visions into reality - often achieving triple-digit growth. I serve on several boards across both portfolios, working with teams to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid growth. I've negotiated hundreds of millions in deals and helped resolve conflicts ranging from canceled contracts to team dynamics.

Crain's Business named me General Counsel of the Year for Michigan, and I've had the opportunity to shape industry regulations, consulting with the Federal Trade Commission and various state legislators. What really gets me excited is helping organizations discover that conflict, when handled right, is actually their greatest untapped resource.

When I'm not in the boardroom or on stage, you might find me heli-skiing (yep, that's skiing from a helicopter) or spending time with my incredible wife Rachel and our three wonderful daughters.

Ready to learn how healthy conflict can transform your organization? Let's talk.