BAM Human Resource Management SIG Committee Elections

I am pleased to offer strong support for this candidate’s nomination to the SIG Committee. She brings dedication, insight, and a collaborative mindset that would significantly enhance the committee’s work. Through her academic and professional journey, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build community, foster engagement, and create meaningful connections across diverse groups.

During her PhD, she has played a particularly influential role in supporting collaborative initiatives and strengthening networks among emerging researchers. She has taken the initiative to connect PhD students and early-career researchers, creating spaces where individuals can share their work, exchange ideas, and develop confidence in their academic identities. Whether organizing informal discussions, coordinating research-focused events, or linking peers with senior academics, she has consistently demonstrated leadership rooted in generosity, encouragement, and vision. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers reflects the values that the SIG Committee seeks to uphold.

What sets her apart is her ability to turn ideas into action. She is someone who not only identifies opportunities but also mobilizes others to participate and contribute. Her approach is grounded in collaboration—she listens carefully, appreciates diverse perspectives, and works to build consensus that leads to effective outcomes. These qualities make her well-suited for committee work, where thoughtful communication and shared decision-making are essential.

Her commitment to inclusivity is another significant asset. She understands the importance of creating welcoming environments where members feel seen, supported, and encouraged to participate. Her efforts to connect students and researchers—particularly those who may feel isolated or uncertain—demonstrate her belief in equity and accessibility within academic and professional communities.

Above all, she is motivated by a genuine desire to serve the community. Her participation on the SIG Committee would not be symbolic; she would bring energy, commitment, and follow-through. She is eager to contribute to initiatives that advance knowledge, support professional development, and strengthen collaboration across the field.

For these reasons, I strongly endorse her nomination. Her leadership, experience, and dedication make her an excellent candidate, and I am confident that she will bring valuable insight and meaningful contributions to the SIG Committee.

Biography:

I am a Human Resources professional with dual accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. With over 15 years of experience in HR management and employee relations, I have consistently delivered outstanding results in the field. I hold a master’s degree in human resources management from the University of Bradford and am an alumna of esteemed institutions including Lagos Business School (Nigeria) and Emlyon Business School (France).
 
Research Interest:

My research focuses on Leadership, with particular interest in crisis leadership within emerging economies. I am currently conducting a study titled “Crisis Leadership in an Emerging Economy: A Study of Nigerian Insurance Companies.”

Involvement with BAM:

I have been an active member of the British Academy of Management (BAM) since 2024. During this time, I have attended multiple virtual sessions, chaired a session, and presented a paper at the recently concluded BAM Conference 2025.

 Plans if Selected:
 If nominated  as Doctoral Representative, I intend to:

• Support the recruitment of new PhD students to the Institute
• Contribute actively to the implementation and delivery of the BAM strategy
• Foster collaboration and engagement among doctoral researchers to strengthen the BAM community.

As a PhD researcher specialising in women’s leadership development, I am deeply committed to advancing inclusive and equitable organisational cultures. My academic focus on gendered institutional practices, combined with extensive professional experience in HR, people development, and change management, equips me to make a meaningful contribution to the Human Resource Management SIG Executive Committee as a Doctoral Student Representative.

In this role, I would prioritise representing the doctoral community by actively seeking feedback from peers and ensuring their voices inform the SIG’s activities. I understand the importance of creating spaces where doctoral students feel heard, supported, and connected. Drawing on my experience as a People of Global Majority Ambassador and Mental Health First Aid supporter, I have developed skills in advocacy, mentorship, and fostering inclusive environments. These experiences will enable me to engage doctoral members effectively, gather insights on their developmental needs, and liaise with the Executive Committee to address these priorities.
My research expertise offers a strong analytical foundation. I bring critical thinking and a passion for connecting conceptual work on gender, leadership, and organisational systems with practical challenges faced by HR professionals. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the SIG’s research agenda by sharing insights, supporting initiatives that highlight impactful scholarship, and helping shape discussions that advance equity and representation in HRM.

From a practitioner perspective, my background in HR and transformational change allows me to bridge theory and practice. I have designed and facilitated programmes that develop talent, build capability, and shift organisational culture. This practical orientation positions me to support the SIG in strengthening research-practice integration, enhancing engagement with HR professionals, and contributing to events or workshops that create meaningful dialogue between academia and industry.

Community-building is central to my approach. I am passionate about organising events, shaping outreach activities, and creating opportunities for doctoral students to connect, collaborate, and thrive. I recognise the value of supportive academic networks, particularly for early-career researchers, and would work to ensure the SIG fosters an environment where diverse voices are elevated and valued.

What I offer the HRM SIG Executive Committee is multifaceted:

• Rigorous scholarly insight grounded in research on gender and leadership.
• Practical HR and change management experience to strengthen research-practice links.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and wellbeing, informed by advocacy and ambassadorial roles.
• Energy and enthusiasm for community-building, event organisation, and doctoral engagement.

It would be a privilege to bring my experience, curiosity, and sense of purpose to this role. I am motivated to contribute to impactful HRM scholarship, support doctoral development, and help create spaces, both academic and professional, where diverse perspectives are recognised and celebrated. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the HRM SIG and advance its mission.

Right at the beginning of my doctoral journey, Isabeau Schmidt had the pleasure of volunteering at the BAM Conference held in September this year at the University of Kent. This experience allowed her to engage closely with academics and doctoral students from diverse universities and countries. The opportunity to connect with so many inspiring scholars was deeply motivating and helped shape the early stages of her PhD.

Experiencing such a vibrant academic community opened her eyes to the immense value of belonging to a network of like-minded individuals. She  witnessed first-hand how constructive discussions, collaboration, and the sharing of experiences can broaden one’s academic horizons and foster both personal and professional growth. This early experience strengthened her desire to play an active role in supporting and connecting doctoral students within the HRM field.

It is for these reasons that she is  eager to serve as the Doctoral Student Representative for the HRM SIG. She is passionate about contributing to a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring community where doctoral students feel empowered and valued.

If selected, she  would approach the role through three key commitments: active engagement, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving.

First, she  would prioritise creating accessible and inclusive platforms for doctoral students to share their experiences, challenges, and development needs. Alongside monthly virtual catch-ups—which would offer an informal space to discuss research, seek advice, and share insights—she would introduce short periodic surveys to ensure that feedback is collected consistently and represents students across institutions, research stages, and backgrounds.

Second, she would establish a direct and easy feedback channel, allowing students to raise concerns or suggestions at any time. To ensure transparency and continuity, she would prepare monthly summary reports for the HRM SIG committee, highlighting key themes and actionable recommendations. This structured communication would help her maintain an open dialogue between students and the committee, while ensuring that initiatives remain aligned with the real needs of the doctoral community.

Third, as a representative in meetings and events, she would aim to be a clear and reliable voice for doctoral students. She would bring well-organised feedback to committee discussions, advocate for accessible development opportunities, and collaborate with colleagues to develop activities such as workshops, mentoring events, or networking sessions based on what students identify as important.

In essence, her goal as a representative would be to strengthen the bridge between the doctoral student community and the HRM SIG. She wants every doctoral student—regardless of their institution, background, or stage of study—to feel supported, connected, and part of a thriving academic network. Through consistent engagement, open communication, and a solutions-focused approach, she would work to enhance the doctoral experience and champion the voices of students across the SIG.