Kimberly Best

THE CONVERSATIONS YOU'RE AVOIDING MAY BE COSTING YOU MORE THAN YOU REALIZE I learned this in the ER—not just about patients, but about people. When emotions run high, even intelligent, caring people struggle with conflict. Not because they're broken, but because no one taught us how to navigate difficult conversations under pressure. I saw the same patterns everywhere: teams fractured by unresolved tension. Families torn apart by conversations they couldn't have. Organizations hemorrhaging talent because conflict went unaddressed. Here's what I realized: CONFLICT WORKS LIKE ILLNESS. We CAN BE HEALED OR HAVE MORE HARM, DEPENDING ON HOW WE HANDLE IT. I help people have the conversations they're avoiding—with courage, clarity, and compassion—so they can find real solutions without the time, cost, and damage of litigation. I WORK WITH: FAMILIES navigating elder care, disputes, estrangement, or major transitions. I create space where people can finally say what needs to be said and find their way back to each other—without the courtroom battles that destroy relationships. ORGANIZATIONS dealing with tension, leadership breakdowns, or communication failures. Not just mitigating conflict, but building conflict systems so teams can handle future challenges. INDIVIDUALS who need coaching before difficult conversations or help navigating conflict. I teach practical skills that last after our work together ends. MY APPROACH IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE: I bring the steadiness of an ER nurse to high-stakes conversations. I understand the weight of crisis without judgment. I bring calm and dialogue for better decision-making. I don't focus on who's right or wrong. I focus on what's needed, what's possible, and how to move forward in ways that preserve dignity and strengthen relationships. I don't just resolve today's conflict—I teach you skills to navigate tomorrow's challenges. There aren't "people problems," there are skills gaps. I AM: Court-listed mediator in MO & TN FINRA Arbitrator MA- Conflict Management Graduate studies- Psychology Immediate Past President, Tennessee Association of Professional Mediators Past Membership Officer, ABA Dispute Resolution Section I've created tools that codify my methodology, including the BEST CONFLICT CONVERSATION CARDS and "HOW TO LIVE FOREVER: A GUIDE TO WRITING THE FINAL CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE STORY." THE MOST IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS ARE OFTEN THE ONES WE'RE NOT HAVING Whether you're a family avoiding a painful discussion, an organization stuck in destructive patterns, or a leader who needs support—I can help.