Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Gordon.
Hi Joshua, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began as a student-athlete, running competitively in college. The rigors of competitive sports opened tremendous doors for me both academically and professionally. Being part of a team not only sharpened my discipline and perseverance but also provided a foundation for success in my studies. Unfortunately, things took a challenging turn when my coach passed away, and a new coach came in who drastically shifted the environment, derailing both my athletic and academic experience. It was a difficult moment in my life, but it taught me resilience.
I ultimately made the decision to transfer to the University of Massachusetts, where I was fortunate to discover my passion for dispute resolution. It was at UMass that I trained as a mediator, and I began to see the transformative power of conflict resolution skills in sports. The ability to navigate and resolve disputes struck a chord with me, as I saw how these processes could preserve opportunities that are invaluable to athletes and others involved in the sports world. This realization set me on the path that led to my career today—where I focus on sports conflict resolution, helping individuals and organizations in the sports industry navigate challenges and protect the opportunities that sports can create.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, my career path has been anything but smooth. In fact, it only looks linear when viewed in hindsight. There have been many challenges along the way. I didn’t come from a wealthy or well-connected family, so I had to work extremely hard to build opportunities for myself. Throughout college, I was often working three jobs while competing in my sport and taking 21 to 27 credits per term just to graduate a year early, as the cost of education was a significant concern.
This work ethic carried through into graduate school and law school, where I continued to balance multiple jobs to stay afloat. There were many moments of doubt, but I maintained a firm belief that I was building a unique skill set and perspective that would ultimately serve others well. The constant hustle, coupled with my passion for both sports and dispute resolution, helped shape my path and allowed me to carve out a career that blends both of those worlds.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sports Conflict Institute?
The Sports Conflict Institute (SCI) specializes in helping sports organizations navigate and resolve challenges that can undermine performance and success. We focus on assessing, preventing, and resolving conflicts in sports, offering services like mediation, negotiation strategies, strategic planning, and team facilitation. What sets us apart is our unique blend of expertise and dedication to fostering high-performing teams through a structured, systemic approach.
Our Sports Playbook Culture Model and DISC Behavioral Profiles allow us to deeply assess team dynamics and create customized solutions that address the root causes of underperformance. We work with sports teams at all levels—professional, collegiate, and youth—ensuring they have the tools needed to overcome internal and external barriers, preserve critical opportunities, and build cultures that support sustained success.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust our clients place in us, and our relentless commitment to providing high-integrity, confidential solutions. Whether it’s rescuing a season, addressing a high-profile crisis, or preventing conflicts before they escalate, we are driven by the same competitive spirit as our clients.
In addition to our consulting services, I’ve co-authored two books that are central to our approach. The Sports Playbook: Building Teams that Outperform Year after Year (Routledge 2019) provides a blueprint for teams to align their culture, talent, and goals for sustained success. Strategic Negotiation: Building Organizational Excellence (Routledge 2023) outlines how organizations can harness the power of alignment to achieve excellence through effective negotiation and conflict resolution practices. Both books offer key insights for leaders aiming to enhance performance in both sports and business environments.
Readers should know that SCI is ready to support any organization seeking to enhance their team’s culture, optimize performance, and resolve conflicts through our expert services.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important quality behind my success is an unwavering passion for helping others and solving complex problems. This involves a blend of cognitive empathy and emotional intelligence (EQ), which allows me to deeply understand different perspectives. I approach the world through a relationship-based lens, recognizing that success in sports conflict and resolution requires trust, genuine connections, and a commitment to navigating difficult situations with clarity and care. This drive fuels everything I do, from mediating disputes to fostering high-performing teams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sportsconflict.org/
- Facebook: @joshuagordon
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuagordon/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sportsconflict