Deidre Combs is the author of two books, The Way of Conflict and Worst Enemy, Best Teacher. Through her consulting firm Combs and Company Deidre provides communication and conflict skills, coaching, strategic planning and team building services. She has worked with a variety of corporate, non-profit and government clients including Landmine Survivors Network, US Forest Service, Aveda Corporation, Allina Hospitals and Clinics and Young Presidents Organization.

Dr. Combs is a core instructor in Montana State University’s Leadership Fellows Certificate Program.  Since 2007, she has taught intensive leadership training to State Department-selected student and professional leaders from throughout the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America and Pakistan’s FATA region.

Combs was previously employed nine years by IBM as a software development project manager and vendor liaison specializing in healthcare solutions. Combs also served as marketing director for the electronic medical record provider SolCom Incorporated from 1998 through 2002 leading its corporate re-branding effort.

She holds a BA in Mathematics and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin — Madison, a master’s degree in Information Systems Technology from George Washington University, and a doctorate focused on world religions from UCS/Naropa University.

Listen to Deidre’s interview with Portland-based radio show host, Paul O’Brien for an overview of the Way of Conflict philosophy.