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Speaker & professional services expert

Laura Empson

Effective Leadership

Leadership Development

Future of Work

Transform leadership dynamics with Laura Empson, speaker and professional services expert. Laura works with organisations to enhance governance, manage change, and develop effective leadership strategies, delivering research-backed insights trusted by Harvard, Cambridge, and global professional firms.

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Trusted by Thomson Reuters, Harvard, Cambridge

Laura Empson

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£11–25k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Speaker Biography

Harvard University

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Academic

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Business Leader

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Professor of Management at Bayes Business School
Director of the Centre for Professional Service Firms
Research Fellow at Harvard Law School

Laura Empson is a Professor in the Management of Professional Service Firms at Bayes Business School, University of London, and Director of the Centre for Professional Service Firms. With 30 years of research funded by prestigious government awards, her work focuses on leadership, governance, organisational change, mergers, professional careers, diversity, partner evaluation, and the future of professional work. Laura aims to translate her academic findings for practitioners. In addition to her role at Bayes, she holds Research Fellowships at Harvard Law School and the University of Cambridge's Judge Business School. She advises leading professional organisations and serves as a non-executive director and governmental advisor. Since 2007, she has developed a strong interest in professional organisations, motivated by her experiences as an investment banker and strategy consultant, where she encountered poor leadership. This led her to explore why capable individuals often make unwise decisions. Laura remains intrigued by professional organisations, which often defy conventional management principles and thrive in complexity. She is dedicated to applying insights from her research to help these organisations and their employees tackle significant challenges.

Prof. Laura's Showreel and Videos

Topics, Sessions and Talks

Collective Leadership Systems

Change Management - Navigating Growth

Laura Empson addresses the challenges of change management, highlighting the delicate balance between rapid growth and maintaining organisational integrity. Leaders often fear that exponential growth may jeopardise their success. Through her research, Empson presents a model that illustrates how firms evolve through various stages, where each crisis can catalyze transformation. Attendees will learn how to navigate these challenges and leverage opportunities for sustainable growth.

Future Of Work: The Generational Divide

Laura Empson highlights the profound changes in the professional landscape, where traditional norms are being questioned and new realities emerge. Leaders often express frustration with older colleagues resistant to change and younger professionals with differing values. This generational divide poses significant challenges for the future of work. Empson aims to equip attendees with insights into these challenges and strategies for fostering collaboration, ultimately preparing their organisations for an uncertain future.

Rebuilding Collective Culture and Purpose

In her session, Laura Empson will explore the importance of rebuilding collective culture within organisations. She will discuss how senior professionals can reconcile individual needs with those of the collective, fostering a thriving workplace in today’s evolving professional landscape. The pandemic has led many to reassess their connections with their organisations, prompting a reflection on the beliefs and behaviours that unite their communities. Attendees will learn strategies to strengthen their organisational culture and enhance collaboration.

Why We Recommend Booking Prof. Laura

Book Laura Empson to gain unparalleled insights into leadership and organisational change. Her extensive research and practical experience will empower your team to navigate complexity and ambiguity effectively, driving success in professional service firms.

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Trusted by Thomson Reuters, Harvard, Cambridge

Testimonials

Laura is one of a small handful of academics in the world who can speak with genuine authority and credibility about what makes professional service firms tick. Her ability to bring well-researched insights to relatable real-life issues and to speak about them in an inspirational way makes her an ideal choice for audiences of 'hard-to-impress' professionals.

Global Senior Partner, Law firm

Prof Empson's speech was excellent. It was not full of jargon or 'consultant' speak. Refreshingly honest. She understands our firm dynamics. Practical and directly applicable to the way we work with one another. I walked away with action points that will definitely change how I manage my practice and interact with colleagues and clients.

Partner, Law firm

Definitely the best speech I have ever heard at our partner conference.

Partner, Big Four

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What topics does Laura Empson specialise in?

Laura Empson specialises in discussing leadership, governance, organisational change and more.

What is Laura Empson's speaking style like?

Laura delivers insightful, jargon-free presentations with authority and credibility. Her honest, practical approach resonates with professionals, offering actionable advice that inspires change and directly addresses real-world business challenges.

Does Laura Empson offer virtual speaking engagements?

Yes, Laura Empson offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.

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