Academic Research
My work is grounded in both practice and research.
Alongside 20+ years of operational experience scaling businesses, I'm currently undertaking doctoral research at the University of York, one of the UK's leading Russell Group institutions, investigating the exact leadership challenges my clients face every day.
Phd Research
HOW LEADERSHIP PRACTICES EVOLVE AS ORGANISATIONS SCALE
Most advisory support is based on experience alone. Mine is also being continuously sharpened by live academic research.
My PhD at the University of York investigates how leadership practices evolve as organisations scale. Specifically, what changes when a founder or leadership team has to operate differently to keep pace with a growing business. It's the inflection point that almost every SME hits, and one of the least well-understood transitions in business leadership. This research directly informs every engagement I take on. The questions I ask, the patterns I help you identify, and the frameworks I use are grounded in evidence, not just instinct.
Master's Research
UNDERSTANDING THE CAREER PROGRESSION BARRIERS FOR BAME WOMEN IN UK BUSINESS
For my Master's dissertation I explored how personal development and business strategy can address the professional challenges faced by individuals in business — particularly those who face systemic barriers to progression.
Using a mixed-methods approach with 123 participants, the research found that mentoring, skills development, and inclusive leadership practices were the most significant factors in enabling people to overcome barriers and thrive.
The key recommendations for organisations were straightforward: invest in tailored development, build a culture where people feel genuinely supported, and make sure leadership strategies reflect the real diversity of your workforce.
Get in touch if you'd like access to the full research.
Would you like to learn more or be involved?
Research is most useful when it connects to the real world. If you're a founder or leader navigating growth and you'd like to explore what the research means for your business or if you're interested in contributing to the ongoing PhD study, I'd love to talk.