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UCL Connect: Dealing with Difficult Conversations

17 May 2023, 6:30 pm–8:45 pm

Two people discussing matters facing each other

Mediator, facilitator and UCL alumna Mia Forbes Pirie hosts this in-person UCL Connect session on how best to approach a challenging discussion.

This event is free.

Event Information

Open to

All

Availability

Yes

Cost

Free

Organiser

UCL Alumni Relations

Location

Jeremy Bentham Room
Wilkins Building
Gower Street
London
WC1E 6BT
United Kingdom

Tricky conversations are a fact of life. Whether in a personal or professional setting, knowing what to say and how to say it is not always easy, and you can often come away from a conversation feeling frustrated with how it was handled. Being rude and abrupt can damage trust and be a barrier to building meaningful relationships, but being too polite can often result in an undesired or unfavourable outcome.

At this talk, we are delighted to hear from UCL alumna and expert mediator Mia Forbes Pirie (LLB Law with French Law 1998) who will be teaching the art of skilful and meaningful conversation. As one of the UK’s leading international mediators, Mia is perfectly placed to offer realistic advice and insight to help give you the confidence to manage conflict.

At this in-person event, you will learn:

  • the skills required to navigate difficult conversations
  • how having the challenging conversations we dread can lead to better working relationships in the long term
  • how tackling a fear of conflict can help you with your career goals

This in-person talk will be followed by a Q&A and networking.

Please note timings are in British Summer Time (BST). 

About the Speaker

Mia Forbes Pirie

Mediator, facilitator and coach

Mia Forbes Pirie (LLB Law with French Law 1998) is one of the UK's leading international mediators and winner of the UK Independent Mediator of the Year 2022 Corporate International Award. Her work ranges from dealing with personal matters like divorce and neighbour complaints to mediating on a global scale for G7 countries, the Government of Mongolia, the EU, the Church of England and Members of Parliament. She has advised the US Department of Energy on using facilitated negotiation to develop legislation, enabling them to reach peaceful solutions and positive transformation. The subject matters she has dealt with include space, chemicals, oil and gas, sustainability, refugees, same-sex marriage, race, competition law and property law. Described as “a quiet storm”, Mia is trilingual, holds both a Masters of Law and Science, has spoken at Chatham House on Conflict Resolution and hosted the European Union Commission's Business Awards for the Environment.

Picture of speaker Mia Forbes Pirie

Find out more about Mia on her website