"Business is about relationships. Many businesses fail due to differences in relationships that are not resolved. When you collaborate openly and honestly from the beginning, this can be prevented and your business performance and well-being can be enhanced."

Kate Keddell (formerly known as Kate Hesson) is a Dunedin-based Senior Resolution Practitioner at FairWay Resolution who works with organisations wanting to build or repair relationships. Her skills come from her varied background - former commercial lawyer, mediator, facilitator, director, trustee and workplace investigator.

Kate particularly focuses on the relationships among owners, directors, co-workers and/or family members when they have different points of view. Kate recommends sorting out differences early, to prevent misunderstandings from escalating into disputes. Better still, Kate promotes collaborating openly and honestly from the outset to avoid misunderstandings happening in the first place.

“It’s difficult - near impossible - to resolve conflict from within an organisation. You need an independent skilled person with an objective perspective. That’s where I come in. And the earlier, the better.  People are human.  Conflict happens - but, handled well, it can lead to positive outcomes".