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 is a non-executive director and governmental advisor.
Since 2007, Laura has been a Professor at Bayes, developing a strong interest in professional organisations. Her initial move into academia stemmed from her experiences as an investment banker and strategy consultant, where she encountered poor leadership. This motivated her to explore why capable individuals often make unwise decisions.
After three decades of research, Laura remains intrigued by professional organisations, which often defy conventional management and leadership principles and thrive in complexity and ambiguity. She is dedicated to applying insights from her research to help these organisations and their employees tackle significant challenges.
In her session, Laura Empson delves into the collective leadership ecosystem, addressing many professionals' reluctance to embrace leadership roles. Often, individuals believe leadership is confined to formal titles, viewing their primary responsibilities as serving clients and managing teams. Empson challenges this notion, exploring how leadership can thrive in such environments. Attendees will learn how to recognise their leadership purpose and foster a culture of shared leadership within their organisations.
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.
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.
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.
