University of Bath School of Management

My research examines the cultural dynamics of individual and collective learning, in particular learning related to responsible leadership, systems innovation and careers. I use qualitative methods, including interviews, participant observations and textual analysis to examine collective practices and discourses of learning. Currently, my work addresses the following questions:

• How can management learning and education prepare for the politically contested nature of responsible leadership? (with Judi Marshall, Lancaster)
• How can leadership development engage with organizational and institutional contradictions? (with Russ Vince, Bath)
• What are the practices and impacts of innovation labs? (EPSRC Delivery Fund, see also: Future Water Laboratory)
• Can community-based experiential learning achieve its aspirations in the face of the utilitarian logic of the ‘student-as-consumer’ discourse? (with Paul Caulfield and Darius Nedjati-Gilani, Bath)
• What is the character of embedded agency in organizational careers? (with Katharina Chudzikowski, WU Vienna and Stefanie Gustafsson, Bath)
• How do the practices of career communities influence participants’ learning? (with Michael Arthur, Suffolk, Boston, USA)

Earlier work examines ‘boundaryless careers’ and self-directed and constructionist notions of learning in organizations.

Career History. I started my career during the early days of the dot.com era as a Marketing Manager with AT&T Europe, Middle East and Africa. I have subsequently designed technology-oriented management development programmes at Management Centre Europe, conducted organizational change and HRM consulting with Accenture, and worked as an independent consultant. From 1996-2000, I was a Research Assistant at London Business School and, from 1998-2001, I taught at the London School of Economics.

Teaching. My teaching on the Bath MBA, MSc in Advanced Management Practice, and executive programmes focuses on leadership, organizations, and careers.

Consulting. I consult on change and learning, and deliver leadership development. Previously, I have worked with organizations from automotive, energy, engineering, finance, public (NHS) and non-profit sectors.

I am a certified in the use of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Organizational & Leadership Value Assessment, and the Intelligent Career Card Sort.