Empowering People. Navigating Conflict. Advancing Results.

Executive Coaching | Conflict Resolution | Management Consulting

ELEVATED CONVERSATIONS

Executive Coaching & Conflict Resolution for Leaders and Organizations

About

I’m Erik Hokanson, a PCC-certified executive coach (ICF), conflict resolution consultant, and founder of Elevated Conversations.

I partner with HR and People leaders to support senior executives and leadership teams navigating high-stakes conversations, interpersonal conflict, and increased leadership complexity—particularly during moments of growth, transition, or pressure.

My work helps organizations address leadership friction early, strengthen trust, and restore clarity and momentum—before misalignment impacts performance, engagement, or retention.

What I Do

Through Elevated Conversations, I support organizations by working directly with leaders to:

Resolve interpersonal conflict that slows execution
Navigate difficult conversations with confidence and discretion
Strengthen leadership presence, communication, and influence
Restore alignment across teams and stakeholders

My approach blends deep listening, strategic insight, and practical action. The result is leadership that feels steadier, more decisive, and better equipped to lead through complexity—without creating disruption or HR risk.

Experience & Credibility

Since 2007, I’ve worked across Fortune 500 organizations, higher education, and international environments, with a career foundation in Human Resources and Talent Management.

I hold a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois and advanced certifications in executive coaching, conflict coaching, and mediation.

This background allows me to work comfortably at the intersection of leadership development, organizational dynamics, and HR priorities—with a clear understanding of confidentiality, boundaries, and business impact.

Client Experience

Clients often describe me as attentive, grounded, diplomatic, and highly attuned to organizational context—a trusted partner who brings clarity to complex situations and helps leaders move forward with confidence.

Services

Executive Coaching

I work with senior leaders to elevate effectiveness, navigate pressure, and address interpersonal challenges that may be limiting impact.

Coaching engagements focus on:

Leadership presence and decision-making under pressure
Navigating conflict and difficult relationships
Communication, influence, and stakeholder alignment
Leading effectively through change or expanded scope

The coaching process is confidential, structured, and outcome-oriented, providing leaders with a trusted space to think clearly, strengthen judgment, and act with greater confidence—while supporting organizational goals.

Best when a senior leader is stepping into greater scope, navigating pressure, or needs to strengthen leadership effectiveness and influence.

Conflict Coaching

As a certified conflict coach, I support leaders and organizations in addressing complex interpersonal dynamics that impact collaboration and performance.

Through a discreet, strategic process, we:

Surface root issues and competing perspectives
Reduce tension and emotional drag
Design practical approaches to address conflict constructively
Strengthen trust and working relationships

This work is particularly effective when organizations want to get ahead of issues before they escalate into performance, engagement, or retention risks.

Best when one leader is experiencing interpersonal friction or tension and needs a strategic, confidential approach to address it constructively.

Mediation & Facilitated Dialogue

As a certified mediator, I work with leaders and teams to resolve conflict through structured, facilitated dialogue designed to surface core issues and move conversations forward productively.

By clarifying interests, identifying shared goals, and guiding focused discussion, I help parties reach durable agreements that restore alignment, reduce tension, and prevent ongoing disruption to performance.

This process not only improves collaboration and rebuilds trust—it protects working relationships, accelerates decision-making, and creates a stable foundation for sustained execution and organizational effectiveness.

Best when two or more parties are in active conflict and a neutral, structured process is needed to restore alignment and move work forward.

Outcomes You Can Expect

Through engagement with Elevated Conversations, organizations and leaders typically experience:

Leadership Effectiveness

Stronger executive presence and communication
Increased self-awareness and recognition of blind spots
Meaningful progress on leadership and development goals
Renewed focus, clarity, and strategic direction

Team & Culture

More effective, trust-based working relationships
Improved collaboration in high-pressure environments
Greater adaptability during transitions, role changes, or organizational shifts

Conflict & Communication

Clearer, more strategic approaches to conflict
Enhanced conflict resolution and negotiation capability
More constructive dialogue across teams and stakeholders

Performance & Sustainability

Reduced stress and improved work-life integration
Practical strategies leaders can apply immediately
Measurable progress on the organization’s most important priorities

benefits

Process

HOW WE WORK TOGETHER

Initial Consultation
We begin with a 30-minute consultation to understand your goals, challenges, and priorities—whether individual, team-based, or organizational.
Clarify Outcomes & Scope
We define the current state, desired outcomes, and success measures, then co-create a clear strategy aligned to your context.
Engagement & Delivery
Coaching or consulting sessions typically occur weekly or bi-weekly and may be delivered virtually, in person, or—when appropriate—through walking sessions that integrate movement and nature.
Focused, High-Impact Work
Each session centers on the highest-leverage priorities, using insight-driven dialogue, practical frameworks, and strategic guidance to drive momentum.
Clear Action & Progress
Leaders leave with clear actions, new thinking, and tailored solutions—whether the focus is leadership effectiveness, team dynamics, or broader organizational initiatives.

Sustainable leadership effectiveness isn’t about fixing people—it’s about supporting leaders in navigating complexity well.

When executives are equipped to handle conflict, pressure, and critical conversations effectively, organizations gain clarity, momentum, and resilience.