In the latest instalment of our HR executive interview series, we sat down with the Leadership Psychology Institute‘s Dr. Maria Katsarou to talk about her company, industry opportunities, challenges and careers advice…
Tell us about your company, products and services.
The Leadership Psychology Institute was founded in 2007 and specializes in Leadership and Management Development Programmes, Group Dynamics for Senior Teams and Boards, Diagnosing and Changing Organizational Culture, HR Outsourcing Solutions, Development Centers, as well as Coaching Interventions at an Individual and Team level.
- We are Leadership Psychologists and hence experts in human behaviour, going beyond the obvious and under the surface of organisations, diagnosing the roots of an issue and not just the symptoms and therefore intervene and produce sustainable change.
- We combine real business experience and psychology. Most of our associates have many years of experience working in organisations in management positions, leading teams and hence understanding the realities of business daily life. This allows us to be hands-on and practical.
- We have an interdisciplinary approach: knowledge from Leadership, Psychology, and Neuroscience providing businesses with a multi-dimensional lens on challenges.
We operate internationally in countries like Greece, UK, Luxemburg, Denmark, France, USA, and others. For more information please visit our site on www.leadershippsychologyinstitute.com.
What have been the biggest challenges the Leadership Development industry has faced over the past 12 months?
Designing programmes that provide a highly practical perspective on one of today’s most pressing business issues, i.e. how to lead in a complex, cross-border, multicultural environment where change takes place at an unprecedented pace.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
The above challenge is also an opportunity because we are able to combine different sources of knowledge, skills and technology to tailor on those needs.
What is the biggest priority for the Leadership Development industry in 2020?
As organizations put sustainability and equitability at the heart of their organizations, they will need a broader range of leadership skills and attributes.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the leadership market in 2020?
A new model of responsible leadership will be required to deliver on the above combined with innovation and technology.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this year?
Artificial Intelligence.
In 2022 we’ll all be talking about…?
Despite the AI or any other technological advancement, the core essence and elements of leadership will still remain the same.
Which person in, or associated with, the Leadership industry would you most like to meet?
Leadership to me is a much more general concept, not necessarily a “privilege” of famous leaders but rather shared by people who have been leaders in their own fields. So, I would love to be sat at a table with Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and Frida Kahlo.
You go to the bar at the London/Manchester HR Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
I am really boring… it would be a nice cup of coffee or water.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
That I don’t view it as a ‘’job’’, I feel lucky I am able to earn a living through my passion.
And what’s the most challenging?
The ability to adapt on the fly to your audience, which is, at the same time, the most satisfying aspect for me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Failure sucks but it instructs!” and don’t be afraid to be a Maverick!
Baptiste or Game Of Thrones?
Baptiste, of course! I love the psychological drama and the character of Julien Baptiste.
