Decode conflict.
Decide better.
Tell the story that matters.
3rd Act Stories combines research, conflict coaching and mediation, and storytelling — three disciplines woven into one purposeful venture:
Translate insights from conflict, negotiation, psychology, and
decision-making into real support for people navigating hard conversations — whether through coaching and mediation, or through stories that make these ideas come alive.
Bienvenido Friends
I’m Robert Polanco, the founder of 3rd Act Stories.
I’m a strategic communicator and conflict resolution specialist with nearly 25 years of experience helping people navigate high-stakes challenges with clarity, empathy and sound judgement. Drawing from a unique background that includes federal investigations, human intelligence, crisis counseling, crisis negotiation, mediation, community engagement and podcasting, I’m passionate about building trust, fostering understanding and helping others communicate their way through conflict rather than deeper into it.
Whether facilitating difficult conversations or designing training programs, I combine emotional intelligence and practical communication strategies to support individuals, teams, and organizations during moments of uncertainty, change, and conflict.
Education:
B.S. in Electrical Engineering (Manhattan University), M.S. in
Strategic Intelligence (American Military University), and M.S. in
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (Creighton University)
Certifications:
Community, Family Custody/Visitation and Small Claims Mediator
(New York State Unified Court System Community Dispute
Resolution Center); Divorce Mediator (The Center for Mediation
and Training); Crisis Counselor (Crisis Text Line); Podcast Producer
(International Association of Professions Career College); Ethical
Influence Practitioner (Cialdini Institute)
Services
At the intersection of behavioral research, conflict resolution, and narrative craft, Robert works with clients who want to make sense of complex human situations, navigate hard conversations, and communicate stories that matter.
Research
Robert believes that understanding people is the first step to helping them. His research explores the full terrain of human experience — conflict, communication, decision-making, and the dynamics that shape organizations and communities.
Conflict Coaching and Mediation
Hard conversations don’t have to feel impossible. Robert helps individuals and leaders find their footing — bringing clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence to the moments that feel most charged.
Through conflict coaching, mediation, and communication strategy, Robert works with you to uncover what’s truly at stake, prepare for conversations that matter, and move from reaction toward something better — understanding, agreement, resolution.
Storytelling
Robert helps clients turn complex experiences into clear, emotionally resonant narratives. Whether developing a podcast episode, screenplay, or personal story, Robert helps shape raw experience into stories with structure, meaning, and impact.
Get In Touch
Have a question or need more information? Feel free to reach out to us. Our team is here to assist you.