A Book, a Coffee and a Mediation Business
When I am asked why I became a mediator, I often struggle with the answer. The title of Ben's last post Are you a Mediator without knowing it? got me thinking about my journey into mediation.
In the Beginning
My professional career commenced in allied health, working for Minas Coroneo AO, followed by a move to information technology at IBM, then a move to Transport for NSW for over 13 years.
In all these roles, I was profoundly interested in the well-being of others, whether physical, environmental or emotional. At work, I volunteered for roles as Grievance Officer, Work, Health and Safety Officer, Health and Safety Representative, and Union Delegate so I could advocate for well-being in the workplace.
So strong was my passion for promoting well-being that I completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and took on many more volunteering roles, including with Lifeline.
A Book and a Coffee
During my latter years at Transport for NSW, my mum became unwell and I decided to leave work and care for her full time. Prior to leaving I met with Human Resources and talked about my eventual re-entry to the workforce. After a chat and a look at my CV she said, “Why don’t you become a mediator?” I didn’t know what that was, so I looked it up and realised I had already been doing some ‘mediation-type’ work through my volunteering roles. I signed up for the training course at Resolution Institute and then left my job.
Shortly after, I realised I needed to return to the workforce for my own well-being, even if only on a casual basis. I met with Steve Lancken of Negocio Resolutions when I interviewed for a job he had advertised. I didn’t get the job, and instead I borrowed a book from him.
Two weeks later, I invited Steve for a coffee, to return and discuss the book. While I was trying to summon the courage to tell Steve that I wanted to emulate his mediation and restorative justice work, he asked, “So, why are we really meeting?” I shared my thoughts about work and values and suggested a collaboration. Steve’s values seemed to match closely with mine and I wanted be involved in the mediation world. He said he would think about it, and ten days later he contacted me with a proposal for a project. I gratefully accepted. Since then I have learnt a great deal from Steve's training and mentoring.
A Mediation Business
Fast forward to 2026 and I have been running my mediation and conflict coaching business for a few years, with the support of many. Having mediated and conciliated over 2000 disputes I have clarity of my business and recently rebranded to ResolutionWise.
Steve and I still collaborate across a number of projects, most recently on Right Mediator with Ben Lee. I am heavily involved in the mediation world, as a director, a volunteer, a presenter and a judge of local and international mediation competitions.
Parties in mediations sometimes say I have a terrible job, managing so much conflict. I often tell them that I, in fact, love my work. When parties reach an agreement, it is so satisfying seeing the relief on their faces, and the change in the way they carry themselves afterwards, knowing I played a small part in facilitating that process. When they don’t, it's reassuring to know that they have discovered new information about their matter and that these learnings have been known to pave the way for a future resolution.
Who knew where a book and coffee would lead - I never thought I would ever run a business, yet everyday I look forward to supporting other people and businesses manage their disputes in productive ways.
Lynette Edwards authored this article as part of Right Mediator’s professional practice series. Lynette is a member of Right Mediator along with Steve Lancken and Ben Lee. You can find out more about Lynette’s mediation and conflict management coaching business at resolutionwise.com.au.
Originally published on LinkedIn.