The Case for Early Mediation: Preventing Conflict Before It Escalates with Collin Williams
Eps. #143 OCTOBER 7TH, 2025
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Collin Williams, founder and chairman of New Era ADR, to explore the critical role of transparency in conflict resolution within organizations. This conversation is timely as many companies grapple with fostering a positive employee experience while managing risks associated with traditional HR practices. Collin emphasizes that viewing conflict as navigable rather than fearsome can transform workplace culture, making this discussion both unique and insightful for HR leaders.
Listener Takeaways:
Learn how transparency can significantly reduce workplace conflict and build trust.
Discover why rigid rules can stifle creativity and how flexible policies can enhance employee engagement.
Explore strategies for implementing effective mediation and arbitration processes to resolve disputes amicably.
Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can reshape your approach to HR!
Guest(s): Collin Williams, Founder and Chairman, New Era ADR
Guest(s): Collin Williams, Founder and Chairman, New Era ADR
Collin is the Founder and Chairman of New Era ADR. Collin was previously General Counsel at Reverb.com, the preeminent digital marketplace for the buying and selling of musical instruments, gear and equipment. Reverb was one of Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing companies in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Collin ran Reverb’s acquisition by Etsy in 2019 for $275M. Prior to Reverb, Collin was the first attorney at a healthcare technology start-up in Chicago that was also one of Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing companies in the country, as well as Corporate Counsel in the first cloud computing legal department of Oracle, a Fortune 100 company.
The inspiration for New Era came from the first 11 years of Collin’s practice which was spent as a litigator at Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Butler Snow, LLP where he litigated hundreds of cases, many of which he took fully through trial or arbitration/mediation.
Collin has also been a Director for Streetwise, one of the largest homeless aid organizations in the Midwest, an Associate Board Member of Make-A-Wish Illinois and a mentor with Real Industry. Collin holds a B.A. from Middlebury College and a J.D. from Tulane University School of Law.
