Professor Sukhsimranjit Singh Leads Campus-Wide Conversations on Navigating Conflict

On September 29, 2020, Professor Sukhsimranjit Singh, the Judge Danny Weinstein Managing Director of the Straus Institute, presented, Managing Difficult Conversations: Leading Conversations in Difficult Times, a virtual conversation for the campus-wide community of alumni, students, faculty and staff. Professor Singh spoke about the importance of listening actively--with empathy and without judgment--to open the door for dialogue. He shared his experience mediating cross-cultural conflict and offered best practices individuals may employ to excel in their workplaces. He also addressed audience questions related to the polarized nature of political discourse as Election Day approaches, and he stressed the importance of self reflection and approaching conflicts with curiosity, rather than predetermined opinions, which can lead to impasse.

On October 7, 2020, Professor Singh also shared his inspiring journey to Pepperdine at Stories of Hope, an online event put forth by the Seaver Faculty Association and Pepperdine University Chaplain's Office. Professor Singh spoke about his humble beginnings in a small town in India, ways he persisted against adverse circumstances, and the role his Sikh faith plays in navigating challenges in the present-day. He was joined by faculty from across Pepperdine's five schools, and Caruso Law Dean Paul Caron commented on the positive impact Professor Singh has had during his time at Pepperdine and for the campus community.

The conversation may be viewed at the link here