Carina Rosanna Tautu
About
I balance two roles that might seem opposites: I am a professional mediator and a film director. As a filmmaker, I craft compelling narratives; as a conflict coach, I specialize in dissolving them.
In both fields, I believe in an open-ended story structure. Conflict often arises when we get stuck in a "closed" narrative—a fixed idea of who is right or wrong that leaves no room for movement. My goal is to reopen that story so creative solutions can emerge. To do this effectively, intelligence isn't enough; we also need emotional intelligence (EQ).
This perspective is informed by my background in neuroscience and shaped by years of leading international teams in high-pressure environments. My work helps leaders and creatives navigate communication breakdowns and complex interpersonal dynamics. This commitment to the field also led me to serve as the host and producer of The Mediator’s Talk webcast for the Beverly Hills Bar Association, where I explored the nuances of dispute resolution with industry experts. To know more about my artistic work: www.silkstringpictures.com
I was born in Bucharest, Romania, where I spent eight years as a member of the national figure skating team, learned resilience during Ceausescu's regime, and participated in a revolution. I have since worked across four continents, living in New York and Paris before settling in Los Angeles. This personal history has taught me to balance rigor with sensitivity and structure with openness—what I call the open-ended story experience.
I hold an MSc in Neuroscience from the University of Bucharest, an MFA in Film from Columbia University, and a Master of Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine Law’s Straus Institute. My decade-long practice of Ashtanga Yoga, and my current passion for Argentine Tango and Tai Chi (Chen style) serve as my anchor, helping me maintain the poise and situational awareness I bring to every room.
Philosophy
Beyond the freeze
Festina Lente - Make haste slowly
Mens Sana In Corpore Sano
.Unresolved conflict is like the head of Medusa; we often turn to stone when we look at it directly, paralyzed by complexity and fear. As a mediator and neuroscience expert, I guide you to look safely—transforming the 'ugliness' of a dispute into what it truly is: a call for change
Mens Sana In Corpore Sano
Festina Lente - Make haste slowly
Mens Sana In Corpore Sano
The Ancient Greeks' belief in 'a healthy mind in a healthy body' is crucial. In Argentine Tango, we say - everything is in the embrace and everything is in the body. The latest research supports this, as seen in BESSEL VAN DER KOLK M.D.'s The Body Keeps Score. As a conflict coach and neuroscience expert, my tools are simple and enjoyable,
The Ancient Greeks' belief in 'a healthy mind in a healthy body' is crucial. In Argentine Tango, we say - everything is in the embrace and everything is in the body. The latest research supports this, as seen in BESSEL VAN DER KOLK M.D.'s The Body Keeps Score. As a conflict coach and neuroscience expert, my tools are simple and enjoyable, grounded in the latest neuroscience research. I combine a kinesthetic approach with my artistic background as a film director. Instead of lecturing, I share creative solutions and techniques to help you and your team reach your highest potential through a blend of art drills and meditation-based methods, similar to what a professional mediator might employ.
Festina Lente - Make haste slowly
Festina Lente - Make haste slowly
Festina Lente - Make haste slowly
We live in a time of light-speed exchange of information, and I have no doubt we're smarter than ever as a species. But my Greek grandmother knew one thing that I find to be true: we can move faster by slowing down. My first introduction to the practice of Meditation was in the Vajrayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. One of my teachers,
We live in a time of light-speed exchange of information, and I have no doubt we're smarter than ever as a species. But my Greek grandmother knew one thing that I find to be true: we can move faster by slowing down. My first introduction to the practice of Meditation was in the Vajrayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. One of my teachers, a neuroscience expert, emphasized that 'no matter how many advanced practices one does, if we cannot remember and practice the basic teachings, it's all for nothing.' This principle resonates with my work as a conflict coach, where I guide clients towards creative solutions. As a film director, I've also seen how adopting a Zen mind, or a beginner's mind, can lead to remarkable breakthroughs. In the end, whether as a professional mediator or in any other role, remembering the fundamentals is key.