Helping Leaders Navigate High-Stakes Business Disputes with Understanding and Resolution

When business disputes erupt or high-level negotiations reach an impasse, the stakes are high. Emotions run deep, and the wrong approach can lead to ongoing costly litigation, damaged reputations, and missed opportunities. My practice is dedicated to helping founders, executives, and organizations find resolutions through mediation.

Mediation: Resolving Business Disputes with Dignity and Fairness

I specialize in interest-based mediation, guiding C-level leaders and founders through disputes with a focus on preserving relationships, protecting reputations, and securing equitable outcomes. My approach ensures that underlying emotional dynamics are recognized and addressed, paving the way for practical, lasting agreements that avoid ongoing legal battles.

Why Work With Me?

Over 30 Years of Experience as a CEO, Entrepreneur, and Lawyer – My diverse background as a founder, CEO, and legal professional allows me to bring a real-world, holistic perspective to complex business disputes and high-stakes negotiations.

Led Companies from Startup to Successful Exit – As the co-founder and CEO of Cherwell Software, I built and scaled a company that raised hundreds of millions of dollars and achieved a successful exit backed by KKR and Insight Partners. I also was CEO of GoldMine Software and led the company from a $40 million valuation to unicorn success in four years.

Extensive Negotiation & Leadership Experience – From leading the National Cybersecurity Center to co-founding Exponential Impact (a high-tech accelerator), I’ve been at the forefront of negotiating major business and governmental initiatives. Throughout my career, I have led the negotiation of over $1 billion in transactions across various sectors, including software, cybersecurity, real estate development, and venture-backed enterprises. My experience enables me to balance strategy, emotion, and relationships to create lasting value for all parties.

Legal Expertise, Academic Excellence & Mediation Training – As a Wake Forest University summa cum laude graduate and University of North Carolina Law honors graduate (Law Review, Order of the Coif), I bring deep legal insight to every mediation and negotiation. I’m a licensed attorney in North Carolina and the District of Columbia. I began my career with the North Carolina law firm of Parker Poe. I received my mediation training at Duke Law School.

Proven Success in High-Stakes Mediations – I’ve successfully mediated deeply entrenched disputes, including between two brothers co-owning a multi-million dollar business who had stopped communicating and were already in heated litigation. We reached a settlement that preserved both their interests and the ongoing health of the business. I also mediated a separation between two founders of a construction and development firm who were at an impasse; through my facilitation they were able to craft an agreement that honored both individuals and left them energized for their next chapters in life. 

Recognized Entrepreneur & Business Leader – Honors include EY Entrepreneur of The Year™, Wake Forest University Entrepreneur of the Year, one of Goldman Sachs’ “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs,” and “Business Citizen of the Year.” Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper proclaimed November 3, 2018 as “Vance Brown Day” in Colorado in recognition of my contributions to business and community leadership.  

Whether you’re facing a founder or business breakup, an executive disagreement, or a dispute between two organizations, I provide the guidance to turn conflict into healthy resolution.

Let’s discuss how I can help you move forward.