Episode 164 - Peacemaking and Dispute Resolution with Colin Rule
In a world once again marked by military conflict, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The persistence of violence can make the hope for something better seem increasingly out of reach. Moments like these remind us just how essential effective dispute and conflict resolution are—not only on the global stage, but in our daily lives. They also highlight the value of those who possess the skills to guide us through conflict toward outcomes that are fair, humane, and equitable.
In this episode of Experience by Design, I’m joined by Colin Rule, CEO of ODR.com—short for Online Dispute Resolution—and author of Online Dispute Resolution for Business. Colin is a pioneer in the field, with a career that includes serving as Director of Online Dispute Resolution at eBay, where he oversaw an astonishing 60 million disputes each year across 54 countries. His work underscores the critical role fast, fair resolution systems play in maintaining trust in digital marketplaces.
Our conversation covers Colin’s journey from his early days performing as Tevye in his high school production of Fiddler on the Roof to his formative experiences on the debate team. He reflects on how debate shaped his commitment to forming genuine, well-reasoned arguments, and how mediation training opened the door to his lifelong interest in peace studies and conflict resolution as a form of peacemaking.
Colin also shares personal stories that reveal the profound impact empathetic listening can have—even resolving disputes long thought irreparable. We explore the nature of fairness and justice in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. While AI has fundamentally changed the landscape of dispute resolution, Colin emphasizes that these shifts bring both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for creating more accessible and effective systems.
At a time when the world urgently needs better tools to resolve conflict, Colin’s work offers both insight and inspiration. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance—and possibility—of designing experiences that help people find their way back to understanding.
Colin Rule: https://www.colinrule.com/
Colin Rule LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/crule
“Online Dispute Resolution for Business”: https://www.amazon.com/Online-Dispute-Resolution-Business-Employment/dp/0787957313
Episode Intro Music - The Tall Pines - “The Key”
Episode Ending Music - Ketsa - ”Dreaming Days”
