Communication & Conflict: Leading Effectively in High-Stakes Environments
Session Summary: Success in today’s complex chemical and manufacturing organizations depends on the ability to communicate clearly, build alignment, and navigate conflict under high stakes, tight timelines, and competing priorities. This session brings together the essential skills of managing difficult conversations, influencing without formal authority, leading up, and navigating high-stakes conflict.
Attendees will learn how to approach tough conversations with confidence and clarity; communicate persuasively whether speaking to senior leaders, peers, or cross-functional partners; and build influence even without the title. We’ll explore conflict de-escalation techniques, how to rebuild trust after tension, and practical tools for gaining support in these environments. This highly actionable session equips participants to lead from any seat with credibility, emotional intelligence, and steady presence, especially when the pressure is on.
This Session is Sponsored By:
Speaker
Kaavya rathnakumar, Ph.d.
Market Development Manager, Mineral Nutrition – Custom
Solutions, Americas
Kaavya is a Market Development Manager at Jungbunzlauer, where she leads strategic growth initiatives for Mineral Nutrition. She partners across R&D, operations, commercial, and executive leadership to align priorities, influence decision-making, and deliver results under tight timelines and high-stakes conditions.
With experience spanning both B2B and B2C industries, Kaavya is recognized for translating scientific complexity into clear, persuasive communication that builds credibility and influence often without formal authority. Her cross-cultural leadership experience across North America, Europe, and Asia has strengthened her ability to navigate conflict, rebuild trust, and lead with steady composure in high-pressure settings.
She is recognized as a thought leader in food and ingredient science, she has authored over 30+ peer-reviewed journal publications, multiple book chapters, and 6 books, and has delivered more than 40+ conference talks globally. She has received 9 international research awards, including the prestigious John Brandt Award and the Women in Engineering Award.
Beyond her corporate role, she serves in leadership positions within the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and other professional organizations, and partners with Spark Careers to empower women to build confidence and executive presence in technical industries.