Catalyst for
Fierce Hope
Meet Joe Weston
Resilience Coach ℘ Executive Mentor ℘ Transformational Leadership Facilitator
Joe Weston is an international thought leader, facilitator, trainer, author, lecturer, consultant, coach, professor and—above all else—an advocate for lasting peace. With a career spanning 30+ years in the fields of conflict prevention, leadership, stress management and communication, he is a highly sought-after facilitator for individuals, as well as corporations, government agencies and nonprofits around the world.
FROM QUEENS TO AMSTERDAM
TO the U.S. CAPITOL
Born in Queens, New York, and raised in a volatile environment where problems were often resolved with arguments and fights, Joe was determined to deeply understand the roots of conflict and find another way to safely address it. This led him on a lifelong quest around the world exploring and studying diverse traditions-particularly, various forms of martial arts, meditation and contemplative practices such as Tai Chi Chuan, as well as neuroscience, communication models and other training that combines theory with somatic exercises.
While living in the Netherlands for 18 years, Joe had an opportunity to expand his vision of human solidarity that transcends borders, nationality, race, religion, political ideology and economic status. This led to creating programs in the United States, Europe, and some of the most conflict-ridden regions of the world.
Conflict Prevention Specialist
As founder and owner of the Weston Network based in Washington, D.C., Joe and his international team provide training, consulting and coaching based on his methodology, called Respectful Confrontation®. Through a network of 30+ certified facilitators, and even more allies and collaborators in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, people from all walks of life have greatly benefited from Joe’s highly effective methodology—from corporate innovators and entrepreneurs, government agencies, INGOs, educators, healthcare workers, parents and young adults. Joe has served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Department of Government, Program of Conflict Resolution.
NONPROFIT FOUNDER AND HUMANITARIAN
In 2020, Joe founded the Fierce Civility Project, a nonprofit that further carries out the Weston Network’s programs and message across all sectors by helping others reclaim and reframe the concept of civility for the 21st century, activate deeper levels of civic engagement and respectful civil discourse, and break the gridlock caused by extreme polarization—resulting in a renewed sense of self in these unique and challenging times.
Joe’s work with women’s rights and other humanitarian organizations in the Middle East and United States focuses on empowerment and leadership. He has also worked with various social and justice groups in the United States, veterans’ organizations in processes of integration and healing, and was a volunteer facilitator for the Liberation Prison Project, teaching meditation and leadership to inmates.
Author, Writer and Speaker
Joe is a prolific writer and the author of two groundbreaking books. Mastering Respectful Confrontation: A Guide to Personal Freedom and Empowered, Collaborative Engagement (2012) has sold well worldwide to individuals, corporations, government agencies and humanitarian organizations. It continues to catch peoples’ attention when looking for empowered ways to have difficult conversations.
The Amazon #1 bestseller Fierce Civility: Transforming our Global Culture from Polarization to Lasting Peace (2023) provides a clear, step-by-step pathway into a dynamic new human story with hope at its foundation.
Click here to learn more about Joe’s books. His popular advice column, “Ask Joe”, is published in the U.S.-based online magazine, The Fulcrum, which reaches more than one million readers per month.
Joe is a sought-after keynote speaker, lecturer and guest for podcasts, panel discussions and educational institutions on issues pertaining to personal and professional communication, leadership for the 21st century, self-empowerment and resilience, conflict prevention, and stress and energy management.
Authored
Books
Weaving a golden thread of unrelenting hope throughout the world.
Amazon #1 bestseller in 14 categories,
including Leadership Training, Business Conflict Resolution & Mediation, and Stress Management
Founded
Organizations
The Weston Network
Joe and his international team provide training, consulting and coaching based on his innovative Respectful Confrontation® methodology to clients ranging from corporate innovators and entrepreneurs, government agencies, INGOs, educators, healthcare workers, parents and young adults.
The Fierce Civility Project
The nonprofit Fierce Civility Project further carries out the Weston Network’s mission by helping others reclaim and reframe the concept of civility for the 21st century, activate deeper levels of civic engagement and respectful civil discourse, and break the gridlock caused by extreme polarization.
