Several Hamline University professors shared their expertise at the 27th International Leadership Association (ILA) Global Conference held October 15-18 in Prague, Czech Republic.
Dr. Linnette Werner, a professor of Leadership Studies at Hamline University, presented as part of a panel titled “Navigating Emergent Challenges through Asynchronous Leadership Learning.” The session brought together leadership educators from Kansas State University, Gonzaga University, and Florida State University to explore how leadership development can remain experiential and relational in asynchronous online learning environments. As more universities expand digital programs, the panel examined how emergent pedagogies such as Case-in-Point and Intentional Emergence can be effectively translated into time-delayed spaces. Werner and her colleagues discussed how educators can preserve spontaneity, trust and real-time learning in online environments; the impact of AI on leadership development; and ways to create psychologically safe online “containers” for leadership experiments and group dynamics. Werner highlighted her work on intentional emergence focusing on strategies for cultivating authentic reflection and applied practice in asynchronous formats.
Dr. Lovina Bhavnani-Akowuah, an assistant professor of Management, also presented at the conference in a session titled "Navigating Leadership Transitions: The Role of Self-Awareness, Feedback, and Coaching in Goal Setting.” At the conference she shared how her paper examined the impact of self-awareness on goal setting during leader role transitions and addressing a research gap identified by London, Sessa and Shelley (2003). The study also explored feedback seeking and coaching as developmental interventions to foster self- awareness and enhance leadership development, supporting more effective transitions and performance outcomes for emerging leaders.
Dr. Marcela Kostihova, a professor of English at Hamline, contributed to the conference in multiple ways. She was part of a session titled “Humanities Leadership: Transferring Humanities Skills into Leadership Practice" and co-presented a poster session with Werner titled “Antidotes to Toxic Leadership: Acting Together for the Good of Our Organization” which explored understanding and preventing toxic leadership.
The ILA Global Conference brings together scholars, educators, and practitioners from around the world to share research and innovative approaches to leadership development.