Clarity. Stability. Resolution.
In times of disruption, high emotion or structural change, it becomes harder—not easier—for internal stakeholders to lead the resolution process. Whether you are a high net worth family managing sizeable assets and navigating internal conflict, or an organisation or business confronting cultural, structural or personnel issues, Conflict Manager acts as your impartial change agent—ensuring the foundations for long-term resolution and progress are established and implemented.
- Dennis Benjamin, Founder & Principle Conflict Manager
The Conflict Manager Point of Difference
Your Advocate
We function as an extension of you, acting as your personal conflict manager (not an outside mediator).
Our goal is your optimal outcome, not merely a middle ground.
Strategic Navigation
We provide clarity when conflict feels unfamiliar, isolating and all-consuming.
Our expertise transforms uncertainty into actionable strategy.
Relationships
Conflict more often than not kills relationships. It doesn't have to be that way.
We advise on pathways to preserve relationships wherever possible.
Impartial Change Agent
We step in when emotions run high and internal resolution becomes challenging.
Collaborative Approach
Working alongside your people, not over them. We respect existing structures.
Practical Outcomes
Focused on long-term goals and shared aspirations, not quick fixes.
Constructive Change
We recommend necessary changes when they serve your best interests.
When To Engage Us
Organizational Change
During restructuring, mergers, or significant transitions that create uncertainty.
Leadership Challenges
Following executive changes that cause alignment issues or direction conflicts.
Team Performance
When persistent conflicts impair productivity or threaten important initiatives.
Crisis Prevention
Before conflicts escalate to formal grievances or during recovery from misconduct.
Adversarial Conflict
A sounding board and strategist to combat the isolation, stress, and uncertainty of conflicts.
Family Matters
Family conflict involves many complexities and intergenerational baggage that threatens relationships.
Conflict Project Management
Managing the many resources involved in a conflict, and ensuring the advice received meets your goals, is a challenge in and of itself.
Our Methodology
Listen & Review
Comprehensive analysis of current state
Objectives Clarity
Confirmation of long term objectives
Recommendation & Planning
Strategic intervention design
Implementation
Executing change initiatives
Evaluation
Measuring outcomes and sustainability
Roadmap Creation
Customized conflict resolution plan with clear milestones
Leadership Alignment
Workshops and communication planning for key stakeholders
Mediation Services
Direct conflict resolution with professional guidance, when appropriate
Resource management
Managing other entities involved in your matter, including lawyers, financial advisors, tradespeople, etc
Implementation Support
Measurable outcomes with confidential documentation
Organisational Conflict: The Hidden Costs
Productivity Loss
Employees spend over 2.8 hours weekly managing conflict, costing billions in lost output annually.
(Source: CPP Inc 2008)
High Turnover
Replacing employees costs 30-150% of their annual salary when conflict drives them away.
(Source: Society for Human Resource Management)
Increased Absenteeism
Conflict-related stress significantly raises absence rates, harming team continuity.
(Source: Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development)
Poor Decision Making
Teams in conflict adopt groupthink or avoid addressing issues, stifling innovation.
Reputational Damage
Ongoing conflict can harm an organisation's reputation internally and externally, especially if it spills into public view or leads to legal issues.
Financial Impact
Beyond productivity, conflict generates legal costs, compliance issues, and settlements if a conflict escalates.
Low Morale and Engagement
A conflict-heavy culture often results in disengaged employees who are less committed to organisational goals.
Family Matters: How we help
Relationship Preservation
We guide family members through difficult conversations without damaging bonds that span generations.
Succession Planning
Our experts facilitate smooth business transitions while addressing underlying family dynamics.
Estate Advisory
We help prevent inheritance disputes through transparent communication frameworks and fair process design.
Estrangement Navigation
Our specialized approach rebuilds communication pathways between family members who've grown apart.
Our Team
Dennis Benjamin
Founder & Principle Conflict Manager specialising in family and organisational disputes.
- 35+ years experience in complex conflict navigation & resolution.
- Former member of the Family Law Executive Committee.
- As a lawyer Dennis has acted against the world's largest corporations in Australia & USA.
Rod Butterss
Senior Conflict Manager focused on corporate environments, executive support & family matters.
- Highly successful entrepreneur and business turnaround specialist, with three separate startups and exits totalling $220m.
- Helping families navigate the impact of addiction.
Ariella Gild
Senior Conflict Manager specialising in matters of intergenerational family discord.
- Background in law and psychology and experience in family and financial mediation.
- 15+ years experience as a lawyer and mediator.
Danny Leddin
Senior Conflict Manager focussed on inter-organisational conflict and team alignment.
- Extensive experience in successfully leading State and Regional teams.
- Has led successful businesses of up to 550 people and revenues of $400m+.
Dr Joshua Coleman
Key Strategic Partner - Family Estrangement
- Author, Rules of Estrangement (why adult children cut ties & how to heal the conflict).
- Senior Fellow with the (USA) Council on Contemporary Families.
- Psychologist in San Francisco Bay Area.
Charles B. Kovess
Strategic Partner - Executive Advisory
- Master of Laws with a background in commercial and international tax law
- 30+ years executive coaching and professional speaking.
- Works with leaders and organisations on ethics, leadership, passion, accountability & problem solving strategy
Dr Melissa Weinberg
Strategic Partner - Psychology
- Head of Wellbeing & Mental Health, AFL Players Assoc.
- Psychologist, academic, and research consultant with particular expertise in subjective wellbeing, resilience, trauma, and performance psychology.
David Werdiger
Strategic Partner - Succession Planning
- Director of Nathanson Pearson, providing practical solutions for high net worth families.
- Author, Transition (Navigating the complexities of succession planning, intergenerational wealth transition & family governance)
Geoff Bloch
Strategic Partner - Legal
- 45+ years experience as a legal practitioner, 38+ years as a commercial barrister.
- Extensive experience as a trial advocate in superior jurisdictions.
- Experienced commercial mediator.
Rob Savage
Strategic Partner - Financial Analysis
- 30+ years experience across defence, automotive, engineering, construction, medical, mining, food, and financial services.
- Overseen the sale of over 30 businesses.
Ash Butterss
Strategic Partner - Addiction & Mental Health
- Holistic transformational coach, Podcaster, Yoga teacher & breathwork practitioner.
- Helping families, particularly young adults, navigate conflict stemming from addiction & self-esteem issues.
Gil Benjamin
General Manager, Strategic advisor
- Background in law, advertising, and multiple startups.
- Experienced in uncovering the root causes of conflict, and devising strategies to secure resolution and progression.
Client Success Stories
* Identities hidden to preserve anonymity
Shareholders' Dispute
Dennis obtained injunctive relief and ensured that the lawyers were accountable in driving further proceedings and obtaining a favourable settlement against much wealthier other parties. Again it was strategy, planning, strength and persistence that were the key to Dennis’ success in this matter.
Matrimonial Matter
Conflict Manager did an assessment of what he considered should be the payout in a property settlement of a matrimonial matter. It was approximately 20% less than other legal advice obtained. This resulted in saving of millions of dollars in the final settlement.
Building Dispute
Advice from expert lawyers was that the matter could settle for a sum that was approximately 30% less than Dennis was able subsequently, together with the lawyers, able to obtain in a negotiated settlement.
Commercial Dispute
Large international corporation would not come to the table to negotiate. Conflict Manager worked to advise legal team to drive preparation of proceedings to achieve anticipated outcome required that justified the legal proceedings.
Patent Infringement
Matter settled for a multiple of what the other side was proposing. Again it took focus and patience that was worthwhile by Dennis.
Matrimonial Matter
This was a difficult situation where a husband was making it as difficult as possible for his ex wife in a property settlement. With advice from Conflict Manager in strategy the ex wife advised by Dennis was able to exert pressure on her former husband to progress an acceptable settlement.
Partner With Us
Initial Consultation
Connect within 48 hours
Custom Proposal
Tailored plan within 5 business days
Engagement
Project-based or retainer options available
Ready to transform conflict into opportunity? Our team is standing by to help with your specific challenges.
Email Us
Send inquiries to dennis@conflictmanager.com.au and we'll be in touch as soon as practicable.
Call Directly
For urgent matters, reach our team at (03) 9510 2322 during business hours.
All inquiries are strictly confidential. Our conflict management specialists will contact you within 48 hours to begin your journey toward resolution.
Conflict Manager
620 St Kilda Road Melbourne AUS 3004
+61 3 9510 2322
dennis@conflictmanager.com.au
© 2025
Conflict Manager