Shift the Conversation:
Navigating Charged Environments

A Generative Conversational Learning Lab
for Impact Leaders & Changemakers

Designed and Facilitated by BreakBread World

Four sessions: Tuesdays, Feb 25, Apr 8, May 13 & June 17; 4-6 PM ET

Through conversational discovery, learn to navigate difficult conversations with people coming from different perspectives, values, and frameworks.

All the technology, legislation, and money in the world cannot begin to solve our most pressing global problems –

without genuine supportive communication capable of bridging conflict and division across the weave of our common humanity.

We see conversation as a profoundly fundamental yet often overlooked human technology.

Our theory of change revolves around helping people and organizations use this technology more effectively.

Woman with long brown hair listening attentively to a friend indoors

An Asian man is having an informal meeting with his colleague, discussing ideas for the co-project.

Crucial to the resilience and sustainability of our living planet is healthy human relations –

all of them – including those that are challenging, triggering and adversarial.

This program is less about solving or resolving our differences and more about coming into a more complex and balanced relationship with difference so we can work together to make a better world.

How it works?
Sessions will be a mix of presentation and conversational practice. You will be invited to work with a partner between sessions. During fall 2025, we will have an in-person gathering. Details for the in-person gathering to come.

Topics will include:

The invisible conversation – bringing awareness to the unseen, unheard parts of conversation
Conversational context – We all live in our own contextual bubbles. Learn to transform conversation by shifting context.
Slowing down – We live in a hyperfast world. How is speed getting in the way of communication and connection?
Liberating the righteous mind – How do we navigate righteousness with openness and integrity?
Fear of fear – Fear is a part of challenging conversations. Rather than reacting by lashing out or shutting down, how do we make room for it to help us take chances, bridge divides, and create connection?

Edited 09302022_Photo Mar 31, 2 34 14 PM

Martha Williams & John Scilipote

Martha Williams and John Scilipote developed the BreakBread process and Embodied Conversation and have worked with hundreds of people to bring insight into how they show up to conversation and what it means to build cultures of trust and belonging. They bring their decades of experience in facilitation, coaching, nondual healing, mindfulness, culture & sustainability, and the arts & movement to all their work. Martha is a Co-Active Coach, facilitator, long-time culture-maker and award-winning filmmaker and choreographer. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from The George Washington University and an M.F.A. in Film Directing from the California Institute of the Arts. John’s foray into the art of listening and conversation was initially through his experience as a jazz musician. After an early music career, he focused on entrepreneurship and business, starting a record label in the early 90s and then moving on to founding a digital technology company in the mid 90s while he raised his children. John is a 20 year practitioner of nondual healing and men’s work facilitation as well as a certified soulful facilitator. He studied at Wesleyan University and holds a B.A. from the New England Conservatory.

Testimonials

This experience was 100% above and beyond. I have so many tools to use now, that can be used in so many contexts.

Lindsay Q, Ever-Present Conversation Lab

I am more present in conversations and more aware of multiple layers going on at once. I learned it is ok to slow down or lay back in a conversation, even if I don’t do that often enough.

Harvey, Mindful Conversation Workshop

I feel expanded from this experience, I wasn’t expecting that!

Michael G, Ever-Present Conversation Lab

I am more present and participate more intentionally in conversation

Becky, Mindful Conversation Workshop

Cost

Regular Cost: $250 or 3 installments of $85

Discounted Cost for members of the Living Planning Working Group and Social Venture Network: $200 or 3 installments of $67

For the member discount code, check for emails from your organization or email us directly.

Shift the Conversation: Navigating Charged Environments

A Generative Conversational Learning Lab for Impact Leaders & Changemakers