Having direct knowledge of the public sector, private sector, non-profit, and government business perspectives gives Barkes a solid base for workplace and business mediation, negotiation, and arbitration. Also, skilled in handling mediation concerning child custody, divorce, children with special needs, domestic violence, and mediation agreement modifications.
It can be hard to imagine someone would choose to surround themselves daily with conflict, yet that is exactly what Carol Barkes does. Not only does she work with conflict, she positively glows about it. Those who work with Carol immediately find her approachable, kind, and spirited style both engaging and effective. As a result, she has become a sought-after conflict resolution leader who dynamically guides people through conflict in a more efficient and empowered manner.
Carol’s ability to transform difficult situations and positively change lives is her absolute passion. This passion drives her goal of helping clients, whether organizations or individuals, prevent conflict before it begins and embrace conflict as a portal to positive change and progress when it cannot be avoided. But her goal doesn’t stop here; she also intends to reshape how the world approaches conflict. Her motto, RETHINK CONFLICT, embodies her purpose.
A lofty purpose such as changing the world is not new to Carol. As an American Academy of Achievement Golden Scroll Award recipient, Carol received the award with the promise of achieving success like the famous personalities present at the award ceremony. This was no small promise, as past attendees included wine mogul Robert Modavi, the prince of Bavaria, Henry Heimlich, President Ford, Walter Peyton, Elizabeth Taylor, astronaut Chuck Yeager, several Nobel peace prize recipients and many others.
Throughout life, Carol’s promise has driven her as she pursued a diverse variety of careers in search of the most meaningful way to make her contribution. For instance, she managed financial institutions, was a firefighter/engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area, directed a therapeutic riding center, was a hospice caregiver and became an entrepreneur who created a manufacturing company, lifestyle store, and wine bistro.
While all very rewarding in their own way, these careers did not completely lend themselves to the higher purpose she knew was within her; until now. Her latest chapter arose from a difficult period in life which shook every aspect of Carol’s world. In search of insight derived from the experience, she discovered neuroscience. In neuroscience, she found answers; answers that helped her and ultimately help those whom she serves. Carol has observed first hand how the knowledge of our brain (and how it processes information) can be life-changing. Consequently, she crafted a spirited and scientifically-based approach to conflict resolution that is refreshing and powerfully informative, while also straightforward and enjoyable. Her presentations are engaging and powerful additions to anyone’s toolbox.
Professionally, Carol is a certified professional mediator, peak performance specialist, public speaker, and educator focused on neuroscience and conflict resolution. She runs a private practice/consulting business while also serving as the Mediation Services Coordinator for the Idaho’s largest District Court. She also teaches at Boise State University.