From War-War to Jaw-Jaw
Meet Ian Rigden, the former General now training international mediators
To say Ian Rigden has been on a journey is an understatement.
He joined the British Army in 1980 as an ordinary soldier and, rising to the rank of Brigadier-General, saw active duty around the globe – including in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He has lived in nine countries, visited over 70 and has spent 33 years overseas.
But during his military career he came to view dialogue, understanding and empathy as essential tools in the soldier’s kitbag. He took steps to highlight the importance of developing those tools for the Army before he left in 2017, then further honed his own skills in the humanitarian sector.
This stage in his journey saw him mediating, conducting security transition capacity-building and facilitating dialogue with, amongst others, armed ethnic groups in Myanmar during the Myanmar Peace Process.
Now Director of the International Mediation Campus, he draws on his deep experience to train mediators from around the world. He believes strongly that communication is the river of life and that the better we communicate, the better we can manage our conflicts.
Book your place now to meet Ian on 8 December and learn more.
The show about talking and listening better – at home, at work, everywhere
This is a regular online event featuring guests whose real-life experience highlights the power of talking and listening – in all its forms – to strengthen human connection and bridge divides.
And it's different from other talk shows, as everyone gets a chance to talk.
After the conversation with the guest, you – the audience – get to reflect on what you've heard in small breakout groups. And then we come back together to hear your thoughts and widen the conversation.
So be prepared to meet some new people!
The Talk Show is a free and open event, so please share this page with friends, family, colleagues – anyone you think might be interested.
