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How To Bridge Divides with Simon Greer

Chris was joined by bridge-builder and social entrepreneur Simon Greer for a powerful conversation about how to bridge divides in a world where people increasingly see those they disagree with as “the other.”

Simon shared his early life, his rise through progressive politics, and the turning point when he realised he had been contributing to the very demonisation he opposed. He came to see that real change had to begin with himself. That insight sparked a decade-long journey to better understand the people his own side had cast as enemies, immersing himself in perspectives he had once dismissed.

Together, they explored why today’s conflicts may be less political than spiritual — rooted more in identity and belonging than in policy. They discussed what it really means to “get inside” the issues that divide us, why listening is a superpower, and how to enter courageous conversations with honesty and humility. They also examined how we can honour the competing truths people carry from their own histories and traditions.

The conversation dived into Simon’s work on college campuses, in prisons, and in Israel–Palestine — places that serve as laboratories for dialogue and understanding. They considered why recovering a shared story of who we are may be essential if we are to solve our problems together.

Here are some insights from the interview you don’t want to miss:

Bridging Divides Starts with Listening and Curiosity
Simon emphasised the power of deep listening, open-ended questions, and sincere curiosity as foundational tools for understanding those we disagree with. Rather than rushing in with a rebuttal, taking the time to ask “Would you tell me a little more about that?” opens doors to genuine dialogue.
Invitation and Respect Matter
Simon described the importance of the “invitation”—setting an intentional tone for conversations that signals respect and willingness to take seriously what others hold dear. This builds trust and encourages honesty, even in tense or polarised environments.
Belonging Drives Opinion and Division
Much of the conversation revolved around how a deep human desire for belonging can sometimes escalate into tribalism, fuelling division and making it harder to hear other viewpoints. Simon’s own journey illustrated how being part of a group rewarded certainty, and sometimes anger, at the expense of openness.
Facing Disagreement and Staying in the Fire
Bridge-building isn’t about dilute compromise or “kumbaya.” Rather, Simon sees it as about strong backs and soft fronts: holding to your values while remaining open-hearted and capable of respectful, skilful engagement with disagreement—like a martial arts black belt.
Personal Transformation and Courage
Simon candidly shared how he recognised his role in fuelling division, but it took personal loss (losing his job) before he found the courage to change direction and immerse himself with people he once demonised. True change often requires vulnerability and overcoming fear.
Practical Skills You Can Use
- Pause for silence to let conversations deepen.
- Practice reflective listening and feedback (“the footprint”) to show you truly heard.
- Use open-ended questions to encourage others to unpack their thinking.
- Respect what matters to others—even when you disagree—before jumping in with your own perspective.
Real Understanding Comes from Rehumanising Those You Disagree With
Whether working with corrections officers, evangelicals, or participants in the Israel/Palestine conflict, Simon emphasised that recognising each other’s humanity is far more transformative than debating facts or trying to “win” arguments.
Everyone Is More Than Their Worst Deed—or Vote
As a closing thought, Simon pointed out that extending the generosity we have for “the worst deeds” (like those on death row) to those we disagree with—including “worst comments” or “votes”—could catalyze profound progress and connection.

If we believe in ourselves and each other, the sky’s the limit in terms of what we can do together.
– Simon Greer

Join us for a timely and deeply human discussion about what each of us can do to foster understanding, rebuild trust, and bridge divides in our families, communities, and wider society.

You can listen to this Business Elevation Show interview with Simon Greer & Chris Cooper here. Alternatively on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Tunein, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio (latter US only).

More about Simon Greer:

Simon has spent the last decade seeking to bridge the gaps in our polarized nation, including conservatives and progressives, secular and evangelical college students, and corrections officers and the formerly incarcerated.

Greer speaks regularly at The Nantucket Project, on campuses across the country, and at corporate events and retreats on topics including bridge-building, listening as a superpower, and building high-performing teams.

He has hosted courageous conversations on stage with the likes of Sean Spicer, Valerie Jarrett, Karl Rove, Candace Owens, John Haidt, Juan Williams, Joe Kennedy, Andrew Yang and Glenn Beck. In 2025, he won a MidSouth Emmy® for his work as a producer on The North Carolina Listening Project, recognized in the Interview/Discussion category.

Considered to be a serial entrepreneur in the nonprofit world, Simon has also founded and led a range of organizations including founding Bridging the Gap and serving as Senior Advisor to One Voice United and Managing Director of the Fund for New Leadership. Today, he works with organizations and institutions—colleges and universities, tech, media, healthcare and fashion companies, philanthropies and purpose-driven organizations—to cross lines of difference and solve pressing problems.