Humanistic Management Network

The aesthetic side of crisis leadership
2024-04-19 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Amsterdam) | Online
Short bio
Cheick Diaby did his Master’s studies in Communication & Change Management (IAE Aix-en-Provence, France). His doctoral studies took place at the Department of Management of the Faculty of Business Administration (Laval University, Quebec, Canada). His research investigates the aesthetic side of crisis leadership. His research interests revolve mainly around the ways of knowing from our bodily senses, our emotions and feelings, intuition and imagination.

Webinar Topic
I will try to share with our friends a piece of work which gives an overview of the interaction inside a crisis management team and tracks how leadership emerges at a micro temporal scale in this context. We will focus on direction specifically and see that contrary to the accepted view, it is continuously produced and negotiated by the members instead of the sole designated leader. The micro processual view will highlight the specific role of the body and linguistic devices in the construction of meaning and the production of direction, and how these are surrounded by a constant reorganisation of the group. That will set the stage for our discussion.

Question for the audience
How would you describe crisis leadership in your own words? (one or two words or concepts which do not need to pertain to the domain of Management and Organisation Sciences)

Webinar registration
Please register by sending an email to danae.huijser@phd.uvh.nl

MOKSA, SEEKING A HUMANIZING WAY OF BEING
2024-06-21 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Amsterdam)
Short bio
LauraLynn Jansen, Ph.D., PCC, is an author and innovator in humanizing leadership. LauraLynn’s rich background as a Co-Active coach and leadership facilitator spans nearly twenty-five years. She is a maven who encompasses both introspective and highly interactive delivery styles.
At the core of LauraLynn’s work is a commitment to the value of dignity, a principle that guided her to her doctoral research exploring how humanization occurs. Recognizing her foresight and contribution to the field, she received the prestigious Academy of Management’s 2023 Promising Dissertation Award. She is also a Fetzer scholar and a fellow of the International Humanistic Management Association.

Webinar Topic
Moksa, Seeking A Humanizing Way of Being, delves into the intricate dimensions of humanization by shifting the analytical focus from denial and exclusion of one’s humanity to affirmative aspects of inclusion. The central aim of this research was to unravel the mechanisms underlying the process of humanization, elucidating how individuals perceive and internalize their being recognized as human beings. The research question was: what are the psychological elements that comprise a humanizing relational interaction? By investigating the reverse of denial and exclusion, this research contributes to the burgeoning field of humanization studies, human-centered leadership, and inclusive leadership by providing a nuanced understanding of the dynamic nature of the humanization process.

Question for the audience
In what moment(s) in your life have you experienced Moksa yourself?

Registration
Please register by sending an email to danae.huijser@phd.uvh.nl topic ‘Webinar registration’.

AI, Ethics, and Inclusivity: Insights from African Perspectives for Human-centred Workplaces
2024-11-28 18:00 - 19:30 (Africa/Johannesburg)
AI, Ethics, and Inclusivity: Insights from African Perspectives for Human-centred Workplaces
This webinar will delve into the world of artificial intelligence and its impact on creating inclusive and human-centred work environments. Learn about the ethical considerations and best practices for incorporating AI in your work while prioritising inclusivity.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage with experts in the field and gain valuable insights into navigating the intersection of AI, ethics and inclusion.
Recording
You can watch a recording of the event on our video channel under: AI, Ethics, and Inclusivity recording

Challenge-Based Learning as an educational tool
2024-11-29 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Amsterdam)
Challenge-Based Learning as an educational tool to create Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Higher Education
In this webinar Vincent will show that Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) can be a strong tool to develop Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) processes, for example in an International Classroom or Innovation Space.
CBL offers a framework for an innovative and creative approach based on the diversity of the group of students involved in solving a societal challenge proposed by the industry or other stakeholders. Students develop their intrinsic motivation, learn and pull all their diverse forces and talents together to solve societal challenges that match their interests and motivation. By doing so, they not only gain theoretical knowledge, but also develop many professional skills: Working together, dealing with insecurities, problem-solving thinking and designing, brainstorming, organizing, planning, and communicating – thus all kinds of inclusive skills that they will need in their future careers.
Vincent will argue that there is a strong convergence between CBL and DEI processes, a chance for educators and their students to develop a true diverse and inclusive community in academia and beyond.

Short bio:
Vincent Merk worked for 38 years as a senior lecturer in intercultural management, trainer in professional skills and Community advisor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). In addition, he has worked as an independent trainer and consultant in intercultural communication, management and professional mobility for about 35 years. He currently focuses on issues of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in education and business and on the gender issue in STEM disciplines in higher education in Europe and beyond. He is a regular presenter in academic conferences in Europe and Asia and an active member of SIETAR. He holds dual nationality French and Dutch.

Question for the audience
Vincent invites the audience to discuss whether this educational approach embedded in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines based on materialistic and economistic perspectives idealising logic, calculation and objectivity also matches the human and moral concepts of Humanistic Management and human dignity.

Registration
Please register by sending an email to danae.huijser@phd.uvh.nl topic ‘Webinar registration’.

Leading in a post-quantum world
2025-03-14 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Amsterdam)
Leading in a post-quantum world
Short Bio
Troy E. Dunn is a retired Major General in the United States Air Force with more than 30 years of leadership experience where he successfully led initiatives in emerging technologies, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence and talent management. Troy sits on several boards, including a quantum technology company where he provides insights into quantum computing and artificial intelligence and their impact on talent management, economic security, and national security. At the core of Troy’s leadership philosophy is the multiple intelligences requisite for global leadership and human dignity in a post-quantum world, known as Quantageddon. Troy has delivered multiple keynote presentations internationally on leadership with his current one titled “Start with Yes.” He serves as an adjunct staff member at the RAND Corporation and a Senior Fellow at the Center for Naval Analyses.
Webinar Topic
How does leadership thrive in a post-quantum world? When organizational pressure begins to seek survival during the existential threat from quantum technology, leaders and managers may be forced to make trade-offs between the dignity and respect for labor and the urgency for technological solutions, which may come at the expense of the workforce. This webinar extends an invitation to meet at the intersection of leadership, talent management, human dignity, and the emergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence by exploring the future of the workplace in a post-quantum world. This discussion contributes to Gallup’s latest study, Global Leadership Report: What Followers Want, launched at the World Governments Summit and builds on decades of research conducted in 52 countries.
Question for the audience
How does leadership thrive in a post-quantum world?

Registration
Please register by sending an email to danae.huijser@phd.uvh.nl topic ‘Webinar registration’.

Art as a Way of Leading: Inspiration, Presence, and Human Meaning
2025-09-19 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Amsterdam)
Art as a Way of Leading: Inspiration, Presence, and Human Meaning
BIO: Stefano Olcese is an artistic consultant, opera singer and composer with international experience across the performing arts and executive education. He holds a Master’s in Leadership and Humanistic Management from Roma Tre University and a Master of Arts in Modern Letters from the University of Genoa. His work focuses on the role of voice, artistic presence, and inspiration in leadership and communication. Combining stage experience with ongoing research — including doctoral studies in Educational Sciences — he supports professionals and organizations in developing authentic, engaging, and impactful ways of connecting with others.

DESCRIPTION: What if art could teach us not only how to express, but how to lead?
In this session, Stefano Olcese draws from his experience as an opera singer, composer, and artistic consultant to explore how the practice of art – especially the embodied presence cultivated on stage – can offer new insights into leadership.
Moving beyond strategy and technique, he reflects on inspiration as a human process, presence as a relational act, and leadership as a search for meaning.
Blending personal experience and conceptual exploration, the session invites participants to reconnect with the aesthetic and existential dimensions of leadership, where voice, emotion, and authenticity become tools for engagement, resonance, and transformation.
QUESTION FOR THE AUDIENCE: Can you recall a moment when a work of art — a performance, a piece of music, a film — helped you see something differently or moved you to act? What does that say about the power of inspiration in leadership?
Please register by sending an email to danae.huijser@phd.uvh.nl topic ‘Webinar registration’.

Animal Dignity: Is it appropriate to talk about the Dignity of the Animal?
2026-03-13 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Amsterdam)
BIO: Prof. dr. Matthijs Bal is a Professor of Responsible Management at the Lincoln International Business School. His research interests concern workplace dignity, individualization, workplace flexibility, psychological contract, fictional narratives and critical approaches to HRM and management studies. He is also active around the theme of the Future of Work and Organizational Psychology. See https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthijsbal/

ABSTRACT: Dignity has traditionally been attributed to humans, for a variety of reasons, such as the capability for rationality. However, recently, pleas to attribute dignity to nonhumans have questioned whether dignity could only be a characteristic of human beings. In this talk, I outline the necessity and relevance of using the concept of animal dignity, especially in relation to workplaces. In extension, I will argue for the concept of planetary dignity. The talk discusses the elements of these concepts, the link with organizations, workplaces and psychology.
PUBLICATION: What role do animals have in Industrial and Organizational Psychology? While some have argued that animals could be perceived and treated as workers, in this commentary, we argue for Animal Dignity. See https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/industrial-and-organizational-psychology/article/animals-laboring-for-humans-integrating-animal-dignity-into-io-psychology/A5291A0CC92B21126433B79E7B5C2E7E
You can view a recording of the webinar here: Animal Dignity

Authentic leadership and critical realism: what’s authentic and real?
2026-06-05 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Amsterdam)
BIO: Dr Anthony Thorpe is an Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Education at the University of Roehampton, London, where he previously led the PhD and professional doctorate programmes, and established the MA in Education Leadership and Management. He previously worked in a variety of roles in schools and colleges. He writes on a range of leadership and management topics including critical realism.

ABSTRACT: Authentic leadership theory claims to offer a more effective form of leadership, though critics question its utility in practice. In this webinar, Anthony Thorpe asks, first, what insights are provided by authentic leadership theory into the current problems in the practice of leadership; and second, in what ways can authentic leadership theory offer guidance to improve day-to-day leadership practice and leadership development? The analysis draws on critical realism and its implications for leadership in discerning what is authentic and real. Participants are invited to consider what the responses might be from the perspective of humanistic management.
QUESTION FOR THE AUDIENCE: How do you know that the important things in your research exist?
PUBLICATION:
The introductory chapter of ‘Educational Leadership and Critical Realism’ by Anthony Thorpe and Jean Pierre Elonga Mboyo (Routledge, 2026) can be read for free through https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=NJN3EQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA2005&dq=Educational+Leadership+and+Critical+Realism&ots=kgHHOzLr3X&sig=FTUMdy47vYood2P1vIyLeJYB68g.
Please register by sending an email to danae.huijser@phd.uvh.nl topic ‘Webinar registration’.

Delegation as Care
2026-07-10 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/Zurich)
Watch the Webinar Recording

Delegation as Care
How 21st Century Leaders use Empowerment, Strengths and Purpose to Unlock Human Capital
The session will explore the evolution of delegation from a basic administrative tool for efficiency into a humanistic practice focused on individual growth. It contrasts traditional management styles, which prioritize control and task distribution, with modern approaches that emphasize psychological empowerment and alignment with personal values focusing on a central framework; Situational Leadership II, which suggests that effective leaders must adapt their guidance based on a subordinate’s competence and commitment levels. Furthermore, the session will highlight contemporary methods such as strengths-based delegation and stewardship, where authority is granted to foster autonomy and purpose.
Ultimately, the presentation argues that 21st-century leadership must treats delegation as a profound act of care that is designed to unlock human potential. This shift is meant to redefine the manager’s role from a task distributor to a steward of talent and personal flourishing.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, CCA, PhD currently serves as the Chief Operation Officer (COO) of Henry Karll Company Limited and Henry Karll Technical Training Centre, an indigenous industrial engineering services provider and human capital development firm, respectively.
Facilitator Bio:
Nomaxabiso Maxham is a project manager in financial services, known for delivering structured, impactful initiatives that unite people and ideas. With a degree in Project Management, she excels in stakeholder alignment, seamless delivery, and creating meaningful engagement experiences.
You can watch a recording of the Webinar here: Delegation as Care – Humanistic Management Webinar
Event poster: http://humanisticmanagement.network/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HMN_Webinar_Poster_Delegation_as_Care.pdf

Diagnosing and Reimagining the Business School
2026-09-11 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Zurich)
One Click Registration on LinkedIn

Diagnosing and Reimagining the Business School
Three decades of calls for business school reform. Still waiting. UNESCO’s 2026 higher education roadmap made it official: business as usual is no longer viable.
This interactive webinar workshop asks whether we finally have the intellectual instruments to act. Bringing together Humanistic Management and the Five-Dimensional Metatheory (5D), we diagnose the business school at the level of its foundations — purpose, values, knowledge, and practice — and co-design what genuine transformation could look like.
A working session for the Humanistic Management Network. Come ready to think.

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Mohammed Raei is an independent scholar working at the intersection of metatheory, transdisciplinary methodology, and innovation studies. He is the originator of the Five-Dimensional Metatheory (5D), co-editor of three Routledge volumes, Guest Editor at JMSR and host of the Epistemic Alchemy Podcast.

Event link and registration here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7484123034816184321
Event poster: http://humanisticmanagement.network/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/HMN_Webinar_Poster_Reim_Biz_School.pdf
