From executive boardrooms to government agencies, Sam Imperati brings over 30 years of conflict resolution expertise to the stage with a unique blend of professional wisdom and self-effacing humor that captivates audiences, transforms perspectives, and delivers practical tools that can be used the next day.
While he is a published author and has taught at grad schools (MBA and Law), Sam isn't just another "talking head" or "suit" with theoretical knowledge. As a seasoned mediator who has resolved high-stakes disputes across sectors, Sam delivers battle-tested strategies wrapped in stories that stick, humor that disarms, and insights that transform.
Learn proven techniques to navigate tensions and transform potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and innovation.
From closely-held businesses to government agencies, these skills transcend industry boundaries.
"Sam is funnier than heck! His humor continually stayed on point with the presentation. Outstanding, masterful and practical! One of the best training sessions I've ever attended!" — Workshop Participant"
Sam's performative brilliance and self-effacing humor tend to mask his more serious intellectual contributions to our field."
— Jim M., Founder and General Counsel of Mediate.com
Perfect for: Business associations, Trade groups, executive retreats, and leadership conferences
Turn destructive conflict patterns into productive collaboration
Navigate challenging personalities without losing your sanity
Transform entrenched positions into shared solutions
Develop communication strategies that prevent escalation
Perfect for: Mid and senior executives, managers, anyone who negotiates deals
Move beyond positional bargaining to interest-based solutions
Identify psychological traps that derail negotiations
Deploy strategic questioning to uncover hidden opportunities
Build agreements that strengthen relationships
Perfect for: Leadership teams, organizational transitions, mergers
Create psychological safety during challenging conversations
Turn resistance into engagement
Balance accountability with empathy
Build resilient teams that thrive under pressure
Perfect for: Any audience needing a fresh approach to conflict that actually works without buzz words
Discover how strategic humor disarms
tension
Learn when (and when not) to use levity in difficult situations
Transform perspectives through storytelling
Build rapport across differences
Sam's presentations are:
Interactive: Participants don't just listen; they engage, practice, and experience
Customized: Each presentation is tailored to your organization's specific challenges
Actionable: Attendees leave with practical tools they can implement immediately
Memorable: Complex concepts delivered through stories and step-by-step processes that work
Entertaining: Because learning should never be boring
"Sam is funnier than heck!”
“His humor continually stayed on point with the presentation.”
“Outstanding, masterful and practical!”
“One of the best training
sessions I've ever attended!"
Occupational Safety and Health Conference
"Thanks so much for the terrific presentation you gave to the Executive Officers Club... You were a big hit! You managed to combine a great deal of solid, nuts and bolts information with just the right dose of humor... As someone who also gives speeches, I take my hat off to you – you had our group in the palms of your hands. Our business executives absolutely loved you." — Chuck W., Chairman Executive Officers Club
"Mr. Imperati's funny, self-critical life stories made the conference! He is the best teacher I have ever had... not only does he change how you visualize and will handle dispute resolution, but he ultimately transforms how you deal with all
conflict in your everyday life."
— Elsie B., Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Ada County ID
Let's discuss how Sam can create a customized keynote or workshop that addresses your organization's specific challenges and opportunities.
Essential Tools for Resolving Conflicts and Making Better Decisions
Get instant access to my one-page toolkit full of practical techniques for navigating complex disagreements and making better decisions.
This handy cheat sheet includes the following:
The SWAP-LION preparation framework for successful negotiations
10 steps for decision-making success from problem identification to implementation
Proven conflict resolution model to identify, explore, and implement solutions
The VECS method for handling emotional venting
Powerful question techniques to keep conversations productive when tensions rise
Connect with Sam on LinkedIn
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