Biology, Brains, and the Business of Forgiveness
Tim Phillips has witnessed firsthand how forgiveness reshapes lives—whether in high-stakes negotiations that ended apartheid and sectarian violence, or in the emerging science that shows forgiveness can literally rewire the brain.
As a leader who has supported reconciliation processes from South Africa to Northern Ireland, Tim shares wisdom from figures like Desmond Tutu alongside insights from neuroscience and trauma research. He reminds us that forgiveness is not only a liberating personal choice but also a biological necessity: By understanding ourselves better, we begin to understand others — even our oppressors. Leadership, brain plasticity, and extraordinary stories of reconciliation all come alive in this wide-ranging conversation.
#TimPhillips #Beyond Conflict #BrainScience #Neuroplasticity #Leadership #PoliticalForgiveness #Forgiveness
Tim Phillips
Tim Phillips is the founder and CEO of Beyond Conflict, a nonprofit organization that works with leaders to address conflict and promote social change in the United States and abroad. Tim has led efforts to catalyze the peace and reconciliation processes in several nations, including Northern Ireland, El Salvador, and South Africa, and has advised the United Nations, the US Department of State and the Council of Europe. Building on this body of experience, Beyond Conflict has partnered with cognitive and behavioral scientists to generate insights at the intersection of behavioral sciences and real world experience.
Where to Find Tim Phillips
LinkedIn: Timothy Phillips
Website: https://beyondconflictint.org
Dr. Eileen Borris
Dr. Eileen Borris is a clinical and political psychologist who has pioneered the concept of political forgiveness on the individual, community and national level. She has addressed the United Nations and has worked for over 30 years to build peace in areas of conflict around the world, including Rwanda, South Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Middle East. Eileen is the author of Finding Forgiveness: A 7 Step Program for Letting Go of Anger and Bitterness and the creator of Healing the Divide, a program that trains leaders and other individuals interested in applying the principles of political forgiveness to transform their lives and create social change.
Be Part of Eileen’s Community
Subscribe to Political Forgiveness: Voices of Peace podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Subscribe to Political Forgiveness newsletter:
https://www.drborris.com or on LinkedIn, @Dr. Eileen Borris
Eileen’s book: Finding Forgiveness: A 7 Step Program for Letting Go of Anger and Bitterness
Timecodes
00:00 Introduction to Political Forgiveness
00:27 Meet Tim Phillips: Founder of Beyond Conflict
01:11 Exploring Post-Communist Europe
04:07 The Legacy of Apartheid in South Africa
08:36 The Miami Show Band Massacre
14:17 The Neuroscience of Forgiveness
20:58 Political Forgiveness in the Modern World
33:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
