About
Our mission
At Cause and Conflict, we know that civil society organisations are far more effective when they can work together with clarity, trust and respect.
Founded by experienced practitioners in leadership, activism, and conflict resolution, we bring proven tools and human-centered approaches to help organisations navigate difficult conversations, restore trust, and turn conflict into a catalyst for change and impact.
The premise of resolving conflicts for higher movement impact and social good
Civil society organisations (CSOs) are on the frontlines of justice, equality, and democracy. They are the drivers of change. Yet, beneath the surface of their missions, conflict often festers—and when left unmanaged, it quietly drains resources, weakens impact, and even threatens organisational survival.
Every meaningful relationship experiences conflict. According to research by John Gottman, 69% of relationship problems are perpetual, meaning they are never fully resolved. What is critical is learning techniques to manage discord by holding courageous dialogue. But most conflicts in CSO last over 2 years. In our experience of having worked with in various resolution processes we see 3 key stages of conflict…
The Cause and Conflict philosophy
At Cause and Conflict, conflict is not a sign of failure, but a natural part of human collaboration. In civil society and social movements, where passion and purpose run deep, infighting is inevitable, yet too often left unresolved. This erodes trust, weakens impact and leads to burnout. Our philosophy is grounded in the conviction that conflict, when recognised and skillfully addressed, can become a catalyst for cohesion and understanding, in turn allowing people to fully focus their energy on the original cause.
We work with organisations and movements to surface the unseen dynamics that hold collaboration back, creating spaces where courageous conversations strengthen relationships instead of breaking them. By blending proven methodologies with a deep understanding of the civil society context, we help leaders and teams turn discord into alignment, stress into harmony, and division into collective strength.
Our mission is simple: We equip changemakers with the insight, tools, and confidence to transform conflict into understanding and lasting impact.
Meet
Deepa & Luke
Deepa Natarajan and Luke Holland form a unique partnership at the intersection of leadership development and global justice. Together, they bring more than 45 years of experience in guiding leaders, organisations, and movements through complex challenges and change.
Deepa, a senior leadership coach, has pioneered the Rethink Leadership Methodology (RLM), helping teams and executives lead with courage, clarity, and conviction. Luke, a seasoned human rights activist and communicator, has spent two decades building international coalitions across human rights, climate, and economic justice.
Their combined expertise bridges inner transformation and external impact: Deepa creates spaces for courageous conversations and organisational change, while Luke amplifies shifts through strategic communications and global advocacy.
Having worked with corporations, international institutions, and activist networks alike, they empower leaders and communities to strengthen relationships, resolve conflicts, and mobilise collective action for lasting, systemic change.
