For A Baltimore Mediator, It's All About Being 'Relational'
William Senft, a CPA and attorney, has returned to Baltimore Mediation, which he co-founded with his wife in 1993. He is specializing in the mediation of disputes involving business owners, partners or corporate governance.
has an extensive resume: He graduated from the University of Virginia/McIntire School of Commerce with a B.S. in accounting/commerce, and he has a law degree from the Washington and Lee University School of Law. He has served as adjunct faculty at the Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business and at Loyola University of Maryland Sellinger School of Business He is also a Deacon in the Catholic church. He has, along with his wife, Louise Phipps Senft, founded the nonprofit Orans and the Orans Institute for Relational Institute, both of which seek to educate leaders in their relational philosophy.
What inspired you to become a mediator and to write your book?
"I was inspired to start our current enterprise by a belief that the central challenge of our time is not about better technology but about how we work together to achieve lasting positive change both for ourselves and for others. That is why my wife and I wrote 'Being Relational: The Seven Ways to Quality Interaction and Lasting Change.' It grew out of our work as mediators and attorneys, sitting in the middle of other people's conflicts."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"My education in law and business provide an understanding of the context in which issues and problems arise between people and the potential solutions available. Without that education, I feel I would have major gaps in my understanding and significant blind spots in my ability to see solutions."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"Education opened every door to me and helped me to develop."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into mediation?
"Be relational. Live your life in a way that strives not just to maximize your wealth and prosperity, but rather to maximize health and well-being for both yourself and others."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in whichshe has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.