Dr. Francisco Espejo
Drawing on a distinguished United Nations career and an understanding of how the brain responds to conflict, Dr. Francisco Espejo helps individuals and organizations strengthen leadership, trust, and psychological safety. His practice integrates neuroscience with mediation, coaching, and organizational development to support fair, respectful, and productive workplaces.
About Francisco
Dr. Francisco Espejo is a former United Nations Ombudsman with extensive experience in workplace conflict resolution, organizational effectiveness, psychological safety, and leadership development.
During his United Nations career, Francisco served in ombuds roles supporting WHO Europe, the United Nations Secretariat, and the World Food Programme. He assisted more than 3,000 staff members representing approximately 100 nationalities as they navigated complex workplace concerns, interpersonal conflicts, and organizational challenges.
His international experience gives him a strong understanding of the cultural, relational, and organizational factors that influence workplace conflict. He brings this perspective to his work with employees, leaders, teams, and organizations operating across diverse and complex environments.
Approach
Francisco integrates neuroscience-based tools and models into mediation, conflict resolution, executive coaching, and leadership development. His approach helps people better understand the human responses that can shape communication, decision-making, trust, and behavior during challenging workplace situations.
He supports individuals in exploring concerns, considering available options, and identifying constructive ways forward. In his work with leaders and organizations, he focuses on strengthening psychological safety, improving workplace relationships, and building the capacity to address conflict fairly and effectively.
Francisco is committed to creating workplaces where people can raise concerns, engage in candid conversations, and participate fully without fear of disrespect or retaliation.
Training and Organizational Development
In addition to his work with individual visitors, Francisco has designed and delivered conflict resolution and psychological safety training to more than 6,000 employees.
His programs help leaders and employees understand how workplace dynamics affect trust, communication, collaboration, and performance. He translates research and neuroscience into practical tools that participants can apply in everyday workplace interactions.
His work supports organizations seeking to strengthen leadership practices, encourage respectful communication, and create conditions in which employees feel safe speaking up and contributing their perspectives.
International Consulting Experience
Since retiring from the United Nations in 2024, Francisco has served as a consultant and executive coach for international organizations and institutions.
His clients have included the Pan American Health Organization, WHO Europe, the International Monetary Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank, the European Central Bank, and the NeuroLeadership Institute.
Through these engagements, he continues to help organizations build fair, respectful, and psychologically safe workplaces while supporting leaders in managing conflict, strengthening trust, and improving organizational effectiveness.
