A Breakthrough Leader Knocking Down Barriers to Peace and Profits
Dr. Debra Dupree stands as a beacon of transformative leadership, renowned for her adeptness in navigating complex conflicts and fostering growth within individuals and organizations. With a rich tapestry of talents and experiences, Debra’s journey is not just a story of personal triumph but a testament to the power of empathy, communication, and unwavering commitment to positive change.
Embracing Flaws and Rectifying a Solution
Raised in the crucible of a family-owned business and amidst the tumultuous dynamics of a large household, Debra saw firsthand the destructive impact of unresolved conflict and the toll it took on relationships. Determined to break this cycle, she embarked on a path of education and self-discovery, driven by a profound desire to have influence in the lives of others.
Along the way, she’s faced her own adversities and risen from the ashes. Many can probably relate to the devastation of divorce, the grief and pain of multiple family deaths – often due to cancer, financial devastation due to market changes – ultimately leading to bankruptcy, and the challenges of raising two children as a single parent through it all.
Loss is real and painful with the recovery slow and challenging. But these own experiences have cultivated a perspective of compassion and determination in her to help people, and organizations, learn from the past and rise again – this time even stronger, smarter and better.
A Trailblazer in her Field of Work
Today, as the CEO and Founder at Relationships at Work, Inc., Debra’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom through her roles as a Mediator, IPM Facilitator, Conflict Coach, Podcast Host, Author, and Consultant. Her innovative approach to conflict resolution and leadership development has earned her accolades and recognition from peers and industry experts alike.
In 2020, with the pandemic era upon the world, Debra founded the podcast “Decoding the Conflict Mindset” to transcend the barriers induced by Covid-conditions and reach the listening minds of people world-wide to break down the barriers around change and conflict. Now in its fourth season, Debra and her guest speakers have spawned an array of topics from “Conflict in Our Schools” to “Rising Above Narcissistic Abuse” to “How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 seconds” to “Breaking the Blue Wall.”
Cherishing a Compassionate and Collaborative Company Culture
At the heart of Debra’s philosophy lies a belief in the transformative power of effective communication, empathy, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. She understands that true leadership is not just about achieving results but about inspiring and empowering others to reach their full potential.
A Faceoff with Challenges
Embracing her own flaws and drawing from her firsthand experiences, Debra has cultivated a unique perspective on conflict resolution—one that prioritizes understanding, empathy, and collaboration over confrontation. Through Relationships at Work, she has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that revolutionize how individuals and organizations approach conflict, transforming it from a source of division into an opportunity for growth and connection. Her goal is to help leaders understand the sources of conflict within their organizations, the levels of intensity of conflict among their people, and implement a strategic plan to turn toxic cultures into transformative and collaborative cultures, making the workplace a great place to be for learning, growing, and contributing to all.
Striking a Good Work-Life Balance on the Pair of Scales
Debra’s visionary leadership has not gone unnoticed. From successfully mediating complex employment disputes to recognition as one of the top trainers worldwide, her achievements speak volumes about her dedication and expertise. Moreover, her commitment to serving on various boards and championing causes close to her heart underscores her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Debra’s Source of Inspiration
Beyond her professional endeavors, Debra prioritizes work-life balance, finding solace and inspiration in activities such as sailing, kayaking, yoga, tennis, and dancing. This integrated approach to life reflects her belief in the importance of nurturing one’s well-being to achieve sustained success.
Her role models are many, ranging from Daniel Goleman, the Father of Emotional Intelligence, Dr. Robert Cialdini and his 7 Factors of Persuasion & Influence, Dr. Wayne Dyer and his focus on changing the way we look at things, and her favorite is Harold Coleman, Jr., known for his exceptional leadership in Dispute Resolution. Harold is the Senior Vice President Professional Education & Development of the American Arbitration Association and has been instrumental in bringing the head and the heart into the world of mediation, particularly in civil and commercial disputes. She admires his vision and ability to lead with integrity, influence others, make tough decisions, and inspire positive change.
The Wall of Achievement
At the core of Relationships at Work is a compassionate and collaborative company culture—one that prioritizes employee well-being, professional growth, and open communication. Debra leads by example, fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. An array of recognitions showered upon her include the following:
• Super SMART Mediator ~ Federal Executive Board of Los Angeles
• Top Ten Trainers ~ SkillPath Corporate Strategies
• Mediation Thought Leader ~ Southern California Mediation Association
• Advanced Professional in Mediation ~ Association for Conflict Resolution
• Volunteer of the Year ~ Assemblyman Jack O’Connell
• Top Ten Psychologists of San Diego ~ Newsweek Magazine
And most recently, she appeared on the red carpet at TEDx Taft Avenue through her talk on “We’re Talking but Are We Really Communicating?” Recognition of her contributions and accomplishments is surely to continue.
A Future, A Movement
Looking to the future, Debra envisions Relationships at Work as a global leader in conflict resolution and leadership development. Inspired by the words of Albert Einstein where he saw opportunity in the middle of difficulty, she sees every challenge as an opportunity for growth and innovation—a philosophy that guides her company’s mission to have influence in the lives of people around the world.
Debra’s goal is to continue to advance the education and awareness of professionals as leaders in the revolutionizing characteristics of conflict.
She serves as faculty and a member of the Employment Mediation Panel at the American Arbitration Association, where her focus is to bring to leaders, lawyers, and mediators the psychology and neuroscience behind people in conflict. The goal is to expand their awareness and skills to redirect the mindset in conflict towards both-gain resolution options.
She also contributes to the board of the non-profit organization called ‘Kids Managing Conflict,’ which was founded under the Southern California Mediation Association, where she previously served as a board member for several years. The mission of ‘Kids Managing Conflict’ is to foster a conflict resolution mindset in the youth of the world. Imagine a world of future leaders equipped with the mindset and skillset to foster collaboration and resolution rather than instigate confrontation and polarization.
An Excerpt of Golden Advice from Debra’s Entrepreneurial Journey
“Entrepreneurship is more than financial success; it’s about personal growth. Stay true to your values and prioritize continuous learning. Invest in understanding your emotional intelligence and communication styles to enhance leadership abilities. Look at conflict as opportunities to embrace different conflict resolution strategies and as vehicles for growth. By honing emotional intelligence, refining communication, and mastering conflict management, you’ll positively impact your business and those you work with, fostering both personal and financial prosperity.”
In conclusion, Debra’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of effective leadership, empathy, and a commitment to personal growth. Through her unwavering dedication to fostering positive change, she continues to inspire others to embrace conflict as an opportunity for growth and connection, paving the way for a brighter future for individuals and organizations alike.
Debra’s goal is to guide you through FEAR and CONFLICT to PEACE and PROFITS!
