SydDT #123: From Conflict to Co-creation with Authenticity

We're lucky to have Sarah Stokes and Shari Elle kicking off SydDT for 2026 with a workshop on moving from conflict to co-creation... how to structuring hard conversations with nonviolent communication.

This will be a practical workshop-style session on using authentic communication methods to navigate conflict and the difficult situations we face as designers. Things like saying no to a feature request, receiving pushback on design implementation, and the age-old speed vs quality conversations.

In the workshop you'll get to use a simple, repeatable process for turning difficult conversations into opportunities for deeper connection and collective problem-solving.

Come join us for some fun conversations with interesting people in and around the design thinking community. New members are welcome!

SPEAKERS
Sarah Stokes
Design Leader, Atlassian
Sarah is a Design Leader at Atlassian with over 20 years of experience in digital and service design. She’s spent her career building design teams, coaching people to do their best work, and facilitating the kind of strategic thinking that leads to products customers actually love.

As a qualified coach, she’s genuinely invested in helping both individuals and teams grow. Sarah leads teams focused on creating products and services that make a real difference for the people who use them.

Shari Elle
Founder, The Communication Group
Shari Elle works with purpose-driven leaders who know their real edge is navigating human friction while creating better futures.

Founder of The Living Work and a globally recognised expert in leadership and human relationships, she helps leaders stay grounded, relational, and effective in moments of tension.

With 25+ years experience, Shari has supported over 10,000 people and organisations including CSIRO, CommBank, PwC, and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment to turn conflict into clarity and co-creation.

Co-founder of Nonviolent Communication in Australia, she integrates NVC with contemporary leadership and design practice.

EVENT SPONSORS
This event is brought to you by Atlassian, Sh8peshifters, and Dynamic4.

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