Meet Sam Imperati

Conflict resolver, professional mediator, celebrated trainer, and accidental stand-up comedy champion.

Hi there! I'm Sam Imperati, Executive Director of ICMresolutions and expert conflict resolver.

For over 30 years, I've been helping organizations untangle their knots of tension, all while keeping the process surprisingly enjoyable.

When I'm not strategizing in the boardroom, I'm perfecting my zone defense against four energetic granddaughters and chasing glory as a midfielder on my over-65 soccer team where my competitive fire burns much brighter than my actual speed on the field.

If we aren't the best at what you need, we have a fully vetted group of colleagues at our disposal... Just ask.

Ian Wilson said, "No amount of sophistication can allay the fact that all your knowledge is about the past and all your decisions are about the future."

What We Do

We at ICMResolutions help clients and stakeholders find a resolution, not just a settlement where everyone walks away unhappy.

That’s why my goal is to transform destructive conflict patterns into productive collaborations that:

Drive sustainable growth

Strengthen valuable relationships

Create lasting solutions where others see only deadlock

I've worn many hats in my career: ADR professional, Judge pro tem, trainer, author, coach, and even Nike's Assistant Corporate Counsel (where I learned that "Just Do It" doesn't always apply to conflict resolution).

When I'm not mediating disputes, you might find me in the classroom. I've taught everything from public policy facilitation at University of Oregon Law to leadership and negotiation at Willamette MBA, and environmental dispute resolution at Lewis & Clark Law.

Our Approach

“You can either build a relationship & fix the problem or build a case & fix blame.”

– Sam Imperati, Executive Director, ICMResolutions

Sam believes in using straight talk to uncover hidden agendas and his capacity to speak truth to power in a way that is heard and acted upon so.

Whether you're navigating the delicate dance of family business succession, partner disagreements that have escalated beyond polite coffee conversations, or leadership teams that have forgotten how to lead together, I bring a unique blend of:

Deep conflict resolution expertise

Practical business acumen and insight

A refreshing sense of humor that keeps even the tensest rooms engaged As one colleague put it:

"Sam's performative brilliance and self-effacing humor tend to mask his more serious intellectual contributions to our field." (I'm choosing to take that as a compliment!)

How I Can Help You

My work spans several areas:

Expert Mediation: Resolving high-stakes disputes and litigation matters with a structured approach

Expert Private Facilitation: When your team faces critical decisions complicated by competing priorities or relationship dynamics

Public Policy Facilitation: Guiding government agencies and their stakeholders through complex stakeholder engagement

Executive Coaching: Helping closely-held businesses, organizations, and leadership teams move from dysfunction to dynamic collaboration

a) Resolving Business Conflict Permanently: Preserve relationships while righting the ship

b) Custom Interventions: Use a customized approach to your fuss

Keynote Speaking: Presenting industry-specific, entertaining talks on managing conflict and better decision-making with practical tools for success.

Training: Delivering engaging captive and open-enrollment programs that build conflict resolution and decision-making capacity

WARNING: But please don't use our services if you want to be manipulative. You'll be disappointed, and we won't like each other! Please use us if you want to be your best and most successful self!

What People Say About Working With Me

"Part of growing in my profession has meant examining my beliefs that I had to tame my personality to be good at this work. Sam, you're a role model in showing me a path where my own humor is a tool in my toolbox, coexisting with my expertise and experience. Knowing you're out there being you and being great shows me how to be my authentic self." — Francesca J., Project Manager

"Thank you for your dedication and professionalism while facilitating my Vehicle Emissions Workgroup. Your patience, hard work and commitment are deeply appreciated by my staff and me." — Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski

"Sam did an excellent job in mediating a case which was very contentious. His wit, wisdom and easy nature put me immediately at ease in a very stressful situation. Ultimately putting a stop to further wrangling was priceless." — Mediation Client

Representative Clients

Check Out Our Process for Finding the Right Service Fit for You

"Mr. Imperati is, without a question, the best trainer I have encountered. His ability to understand his audience's working environment and adapt his material accordingly is amazing. His energy, humor, and rapport with his audience make him remarkably effective."

— James C., First Vice President, Institute of Internal Auditors

"Imperati should create a weekly syndicate TV Mediation show - it would sell - our country needs it!!"

— Stanley M.,

Lawyer/Mediator

"Outstanding, masterful and practical! One of the best training sessions I've ever attended!"

professionalism, dedication, and humor."

— Training Participant

Resolve Business Conflicts Permanently

Business Drama Eating Your Profits?

Download our proven Conflict Resolution Navigator (CRN) guide to transform costly business conflicts into growth opportunities - without expensive lawyers or endless therapy sessions.

How to get to the heart of every argument (including the exact words to use)

30 questions you can ask to turn any business drama into a growth engine

The exact communication blueprint I use to help closely held businesses make tough decisions that increase profits

Try it yourself. I hope it works, but please contact me if you need coaching or someone impartial to help your business. Many wish they would have called sooner… Just Sayin’!