Julia Minson

Many teams want open dialogue, but in practice, disagreement can still feel risky, frustrating, or time consuming. Julia Minson helps participants turn those moments of tension into better outcomes instead of bottlenecks. Drawing on two decades of research on the psychology of disagreement, this talk explores why conflict can feel uncomfortable, why our instincts tend to mislead us, and how small shifts in language and mindset can significantly improve the quality of decisions.

Through interactive exercises and real-world scenarios, participants practice specific, research-backed behaviors for disagreeing without damaging relationships. They learn how to express dissent clearly and respectfully, stay curious in the face of views they dislike, and make space for quieter voices. Teams leave with a shared, practical toolkit for “disagreeing well” that they can immediately apply to meetings and everyday collaboration, leading to decisions that are not only smarter, but also more trusted.

American teenagers have lost the skill of debating the issues of the day with both authenticity and grace. Campus upheaval around everything from religious, ethnic, and sexual identities to free speech policies and “cancel culture” exemplifies the next generation’s lack of preparation for robust and respectful dialogue in the face of new crises. Yet it’s naive to believe that young people will willingly enter conversations on hotly contested issues with those they deeply disagree with. In this talk, Harvard Professor Julia Minson will discuss how to teach the next generations of American voters to thoughtfully engage with opposing views and the approaches that parents, educators, and institutions can take to support this fundamental skill.

Drawing on her research and programs that she has developed for both university and high-school audiences, Julia will offer concrete, evidence-based, and scalable tools that can equip young people to navigate the uncertain future.

A common myth in happiness and wellness is that peace comes from getting along with others. But what if the real key to a more joyful, connected life is instead learning how to disagree? Drawing on two decades of research at Harvard Kennedy School, psychologist Julia Minson shows why disagreement feels so hard – and why our usual approaches to handling it miss the mark. She reveals how, when handled constructively, disagreement can actually strengthen relationships and support genuine wellbeing.

In this practical, uplifting keynote, Julia shares simple, science-backed tools for engaging with opposing views without compromising on what matters most. Audiences learn how to turn tense conversations at home, at work, and in their communities into opportunities for insight and growth. They leave feeling more confident, less afraid of conflict, and newly equipped to use everyday disagreements as a path to smarter decisions and a better life.