10 years ago I met Michael in his role as the founding co-Chair of the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI), and I, the first Executive Director.
Once we were on our way to a meeting at Maxwell Chambers. He introduced himself. “Hi I’m Michael Leathes”. I didn’t know at that time who he was or his immense contribution to the mediation world – including setting up the IMI – International Mediation Institute.
He had no airs – only ideas. Infectious ones. As a budding young mediator, I only remember having a great and frank conversation exchanging views on mediation and the mediation profession.
At one point he asked: “What do you think is the biggest benefit of mediation?”. Like any good student, I said “Why cost savings of course!”. He laughed and said “But if we lead with that, then people will always think that mediation has low-value. We should endeavour to change the narrative. Focus on the value that mediation brings. Value-creation. Not cost-savings”.
Thank you Michael for your willingness to share your experience and guidance. It was an honour to have had the opportunity to work with you in the years that followed.
I will endeavour to keep your ideals for mediation burning for as long as I can.
Marcus Lim
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Mediation and Negotiation at the NUS Faculty of Law
Former CEO and Executive Director, Singapore International Mediation Institute.