For leaders working to foster trust and engagement

From Conflict

to Conversation

Creating Space for Courageous Civic Dialogue

“Disagreement isn’t just natural—it’s necessary.”


At a time when public discourse so often collapses into division, Matt Lehrman delivers a compelling, non-partisan approach to helping community leaders embrace disagreement as an essential part of progress. He equips civic leaders—elected officials, appointed board members, and professional staff—to turn opposing viewpoints into opportunities for connection, problem-solving, and trust-building, even when tensions are high and trust is low.

With vivid storytelling, thought-provoking prompts, and real-time interaction, Matt shows audiences how to transform conflict into understanding. Practical tools like his “Tell me more” technique give leaders a clear framework for reducing defensiveness, fostering trust, and making space for the hard conversations that move communities forward.


Why This Keynote Stands Out

  • Non-partisan and practical – Models respectful dialogue that works across political, cultural, and organizational divides.
  • Built for real-world challenges – Equips leaders to reduce defensiveness, lower the temperature, and keep conversations productive when tensions are high.
  • Action-ready tools – Delivers memorable techniques like “Tell me more” that participants can use immediately to foster trust and make space for constructive disagreement.


CHAT WITH MATT

For leaders working to foster trust and engagement

From Conflict to Conversation

Creating Space for Courageous Civic Dialogue

“Disagreement isn’t just natural—it’s necessary.”


At a time when public discourse so often collapses into division, Matt Lehrman delivers a compelling, non-partisan approach to helping community leaders embrace disagreement as an essential part of progress. He equips civic leaders—elected officials, appointed board members, and professional staff—to turn opposing viewpoints into opportunities for connection, problem-solving, and trust-building, even when tensions are high and trust is low.


With vivid storytelling, thought-provoking prompts, and real-time interaction, Matt shows audiences how to transform conflict into understanding. Practical tools like his “Tell me more” technique give leaders a clear framework for reducing defensiveness, fostering trust, and making space for the hard conversations that move communities forward.


Why This Keynote Stands Out

  • Non-partisan and practical – Models respectful dialogue that works across political, cultural, and organizational divides.
  • Built for real-world challenges – Equips leaders to reduce defensiveness, lower the temperature, and keep conversations productive when tensions are high.
  • Action-ready tools – Delivers memorable techniques like “Tell me more” that participants can use immediately to foster trust and make space for constructive disagreement.


CHAT WITH MATT

Would you like to bring this conversation to your community?

From Conflict to Conversation is ideal for leadership development, governance training, and board workshops that strengthen public trust by turning disagreement into dialogue and building collaboration across differences.


Who It’s For

Well-suited for local government contexts — municipalities, counties, and school districts — and designed for leaders, whether elected, appointed, or staff.

I wish all my colleagues were here to listen to Matt. It’s common sense but we need to hear this explained as he did it—well done!

Attendee, New York State Association of Counties

Matt spoke to immediate needs for not only our community, but our nation. Differences seen as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to overcome.

Attendee, Arkansas Municipal League

Great interactions with crowd. Made it more about people feeling welcome, rather than government control.

Attendee, Ohio Municipal League

This guy gets it. We have similar goals. He can help us facilitate difficult conversations. I want to learn more.

Attendee, Georgia School Boards Association

Grounded in empathy, humility, and common sense. Thank you!

Attendee, Tennessee School Boards Association

If you have an opportunity to sit in on a session with Matt do so. Don’t let that opportunity pass. You will be engaged, informed and connected, respected and heard.

Attendee, Michigan Association of School Boards