Victoria Harris, CEO of the Civil Mediation Council - Making Mediation Mainstream
In this episode of Mediation Matters, Adam is joined by Victoria Harris, CEO of the Civil Mediation Council, mediator, and former employment lawyer. Victoria shares the journey that led her from legal practice into mediation and ultimately into leadership of the CMC. Together, they explore the evolving role of mediation in resolving conflict across workplaces, communities, and the justice system. Victoria discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in mediation, why conflict can be a catalyst for positive change, and how early intervention can prevent disputes from escalating. The conversation also looks ahead at the future of mediation, including making mediation more mainstream, expanding automatic referrals within the legal system, supporting new mediators to build sustainable careers, and introducing conflict-resolution skills to younger generations through peer mediation in schools. A thoughtful and practical discussion about the human side of conflict and how mediation can transform the way disputes are understood and resolved.
