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Sophie CallanderConsulting

About Me

My Journey

Whilst I enjoyed advocating and problem solving for commercial and real estate clients, I found myself increasingly drawn to the human side of my work.

  1. 1998 — Melbourne

    Called to the Victorian Bar

    Having graduated with a B.A. / LL.B. (Hons.) from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, I was called to the Victorian Bar (Australia) in 1998. I practised real estate and commercial law in Australia, Dubai and the U.K/EU for over 25 years.

    Sophie Callander in conversation, listening warmly and attentively

  2. The turning point

    Searching for alignment

    At some point I began to search for greater alignment between my work, my values and my sense of purpose.

    Looking back, I realise I wasn’t searching for a different career. I was searching for increased human connection.

  3. Justice Institute of British Columbia

    Learning conflict as a practice

    That search led me to complete the Certificate in Collaborative Conflict Resolution at the Justice Institute of British Columbia where I enhanced my conflict competency and conflict literacy.

    The JIBC equipped me with increased conflict competency and resilience and taught me how to show up through my work as a whole human being connecting both mind, heart and spirit.

    Sophie Callander hiking outdoors on a sunny trail

  4. Workplace Fairness International

    A framework for fairness

    Soon afterwards, I completed the Certificate in Workplace Fairness Assessment and Workplace Restoration through Workplace Fairness International. I am grateful to be a Workplace Fairness Analyst and a member of the Workplace Fairness International Community of Practice.

    When I look back over my career, I see that practising law honed my “big picture” analytical thinking whilst deepening my awareness of commercial imperatives. It also instilled in me a deep understanding of risk management. Workplace Fairness International brought these experiences together within a fairness philosophy and framework. Together, they shape my ongoing practice.

    A racing sailboat crew working together on the water

What Inspires Me

Some of my greatest teachers

Some of my greatest teachers have been clients, colleagues, friends, family members and pets. Together they remind me that becoming a better practitioner begins with becoming a better human being.

  • Workplace Fairness International

    A philosophy and community of practitioners that has profoundly shaped the way I understand fairness, workplace culture and human dignity.

    workplacefairness.ca

  • The Justice Institute of British Columbia

    Teaching me that conflict can become an opportunity for growth and deepening relationships, and that curiosity often achieves what “being right” cannot.

    jibc.ca

  • Brené Brown

    Brené’s unique research on shame resilience provided me with a deeper understanding of the connection between courage and vulnerability, shame and empathy.

    brenebrown.com

  • Yoga and Meditation

    Teaching me presence, humility, breath and surrender to the discomfort of change and uncertainty.

  • Nature

    Reminding me that we are all part of something much larger than ourselves.

  • Sailing

    High performance team racing enables me to foster reliance on others in extreme situations and continually practice a growth mindset.

Begin with a conversation

If something you’ve read resonates with you, I would be happy to hear from you.

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