About
Hi there. Welcome to my weblog. Here’s a bit about me, Ben Ziegler.
What I do
I am a freelance mediator and collaboration consultant, based in Victoria, on the west coast of Canada.
As a mediator, I resolve disputes. Many of the disputes I handle are of a commercial nature, and involve a small- to medium-size business. I do this work both in-person and through the web, as an “online mediator”.
As a collaboration consultant, I work with people responsible for project and/or program initiatives. I help them with project coordination, analyzing needs, consensus building, and agreement writing. I do this work in-person and through virtual channels.
Specific to aging, I support boomers and seniors dealing with elder and/or inter generational-related issues; through facilitation of difficult conversations, and distance collaboration, via the Internet/web.
I write, speak, and give presentations about what I do.
Why I do it
My belief is that good things happen when people find ways to come together, respect, understand, and appreciate each other.
My credentials
I’ve worked continuously, since 2001, as a professional, certified mediator. Currently, I am a mediator and mentor in the British Columbia Court Mediation Program, a mediator with the community-based South Island Dispute Resolution Centre, consult to government on Online Dispute Resolution initiatives, and maintain a private mediation practice. Previously, I worked 3 years as an online mediator of eBay disputes.
My consulting experience spans three decades, starting as a project manager in the civil engineering field. I spent 15 years as a business consultant with large systems integration firms, in facilitator and business analysis roles, in Canada and the United States. Now, I freelance to individuals and organizations, including work as as a virtual facilitator, with IdeaConnection, facilitating global teams of problem-solvers, working on innovation challenges.
I am a certified CPCA (Certified Professional Consultant on Aging).
In a volunteer capacity, I contribute my mediation and consulting skills, locally, and internationally as a Volunteer Advisor with the CESO (Canadian Executive Service Organization).
Learn more about my background
Testimonials
“Ben is very conscientious, always prepared, very friendly, good with people, and I recommend him as a mediator in pretty much any civil/commercial dispute.” Lee Turnbull, Senior Advisor, British Columbia Court Mediation Program
“I hired Ben as a project manager for a high risk, many-faceted project. His attention to detail, realistic approach and consultative manner gave this project the boost it needed. I would hire him again unreservedly. ” Pam Wilkins, Manager Technical Communications, British Columbia Ministry of Forests
“Ben worked as an IT Consultant for us at the Distance Mediation Project, an ODR (online dispute resolution) family mediation pilot project of the BC Mediator Roster Society. He was precise in his work, able to see both big and small-picture issues, and brought many valuable ideas to our project.” Susanna Jani, Distance Mediation Project Coordinator
“Ben is a creative thinker and blogger. He pulled off a tricky assignment in the Philippines when he photographed, videotaped and interviewed people for a blog for CESO. His positive messages, actions and collaborative approach demonstrate how to work with others in projects here and abroad.” Alex Gillis, Public Engagement Manager, Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO)
Contact Me
office: 1.250.598.3513
mobile: 1.250.516.3936
skype: benziegler1
Connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter and Facebook.
Send me an email.
