The Fear of Ugly: Reframing Conflict in Family Enterprise Communication

In this episode, Jane Beddall, founder of Dovetail Resolutions, helps us reframe how conflict shows up in family enterprises. Drawing on her experience as a mediator, consultant, and conflict coach, Jane shares why not all conflict is the same—and how the fear of escalation often prevents families from addressing tension early. We explore the distinction between healthy disagreement and deeper dysfunction, and why timing, environment, and tone matter more than we often realize.Jane offers a fresh lens on how families can turn conflict into connection. From the “ugly kind” of conflict to the kind that builds trust, she shares insights that might shift how you approach tough conversations. Whether you're navigating legacy, leadership, or long-held patterns, this conversation opens up practical, surprising ways to move forward—without losing what matters most.About Jane BeddallJane Beddall, M.A., J.D., is the founder and principal of Dovetail Resolutions, LLC. She is a seasoned mediator, consultant, and certified CINERGY® Conflict Management Coach. Jane works with legacy families, family enterprises, and family offices to help individuals and families handle communication and conflict better. Her expertise in using conflict coaching with transformative mediation is especially effective in these circumstances.In January 2019, Jane launched the weekly podcast Crafting Solutions to Conflict, providing a practical and positive perspective on conflict. She graduated from Trinity College (Hartford, CT) with a B.A. in Economics. She earned her law degree, cum laude, and her M.A. in Public Policy Analysis, with a concentration in Conflict Resolution, from the University of Pennsylvania. Jane is a Conflict Dynamics Profile® Certified Practitioner and holds Family Firm Institute Certificates in Family Business Advising and Family Wealth Advising. She lives in Naples, Florida.Resources discussed in this episode:Crafting Solutions to ConflictDovetail ResolutionsCinnie NobleContact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.comLinkedIn: Cory GagnonLinkedIn: Beacon Family OfficeEmail: [email protected] Jane Beddall | Dovetail Resolutions, LLCWebsite: dovetailresolutions.comPodcast: Crafting Solutions to ConflictLinkedIn: Jane BeddallEmail: [email protected]: (203) 887-1160 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.