Description
This Leadership and Leadership Development Special Interest Group forum is designed to navigate the complexities of the modern academic landscape.
For doctoral students and ECRs, the journey of knowledge production is rarely a straight line. It is often a high-pressure environment where the rigors of complex methodology meet the isolation of independent study. Without a robust framework of mentorship and a proactive approach to mental health, even the most promising researchers can face burnout. This event acknowledges that a researcher’s greatest tool is not just their data, but their own well-being and support network.
This session aims to bridge the gap between academic output and researcher resilience by:
- Demystifying the Mentor-Mentee Relationship: Discussing how to seek and cultivate developmental relationships that go beyond basic supervision.
- Methodological Confidence: Addressing the "imposter syndrome" often associated with complex research methods through peer sharing.
- Prioritising Wellbeing: Providing actionable strategies to manage the unique stressors of the PhD and postdoctoral phases.
The goal of this event is to move beyond the 'survive to thrive' narrative. Participants will leave not only with practical academic strategies but with a renewed sense of agency, including to normalise conversations around mental health in academia.
Provider Information
Leadership and Leadership Development SIG
Who Should Attend?
The event speaks to Sections D1 and 2, and E1 and 2, as detailed in the BAM Framework
Speakers
Dr Karen Maher, CPsychol, FHEA
Dr Karen Maher is a Chartered Psychologist and Lecturer at Aston Business School whose work specialises in Occupational Health and Work Wellbeing. She completed her PhD in Work Psychology at Loughborough University in 2018, which focused on employee wellbeing and shift working in the Fire and Rescue Service.
Prior to moving to Academia, Karen was a Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing practitioner with expertise in GP Exercise Referral, exercise rehabilitation, and weight management. Previous roles included Health and Wellbeing Advisor within the Fire and Rescue Service where she was responsible for behaviour change programmes in fitness, stress, and weight/disease management for operational and support staff using one-to-one coaching and group programmes.
Her research is currently centred on behaviour change within the workplace to improve safety and health of workers with projects exploring maladaptive coping behaviours in the workplace (substance use, counterproductive work behaviours), and adherence to safety policies and procedures.
Professor Christian Harrison
Christian Harrison is a Professor of Leadership and Enterprise at the University of Greater Manchester UK and the Director of the Centre for Leadership and Empowerment. He is also the Head of the Research and Doctoral College of the Off Campus Division. He leads the Research Excellence Framework (REF) for Business and Management in the Business School and is a well-known scholar in leadership, contributing to media outlets like STV, Scotland Tonight, and the Guardian Nigeria. He has authored numerous research papers and books, including the bestselling Leadership Theory and Research: A Critical Approach to New and Existing Paradigms.
Christian is Co-Vice Chair for Communities at the British Academy of Management and is Chair for the Academy for African Studies. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Certified Management and Business Educator, and a Fellow of the Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management. He serves on several editorial boards and panels, and as an external examiner for many UK universities.
An expert consultant and speaker, he has delivered leadership training to the Scottish Government Directors, NHS, SMEs, and a host of others. Professor Harrison’s accolades include an Honorary Doctor of Innovation in Leadership, 2024 Distinguished Leadership Award and multiple Excellence Awards. He is also the founder of The Leadership Mould Initiative International, championing leadership development globally.
Facilitator
Benefits of attending
- Move beyond 'crunch culture' by learning how to integrate mental health practices into your daily academic workflow, ensuring long-term productivity without burnout.
- Gain practical strategies for managing your relationship with supervisors and building a diverse 'mentorship board' that supports both your technical skills and professional growth.
- Turn 'methodological anxiety' into confidence by discussing common research hurdles and setbacks in a supportive peer environment.
Contact
Please contact the BAM Office at [email protected] with any queries.
Event Fee
BAM Member: Free
Non-Member: £60
If you are booking multiple paid events as a Non-Member, it may be cheaper for you to purchase a BAM Membership as nearly all BAM Events are free or at a discounted rate for Members.
For more information, please visit BAM Membership
Registration closes on 16th June 2026 at 23:59 BST
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Payment for the event must be received before the start date of the event concerned. Access will not be permitted to the event if full payment has not been received.
Cancellations
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Cancellations received within 14 days of booking your place on the event will receive a full refund.
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Cancellations received after the 14-day cancellation period and later than 14 days before the start date of the event will not be eligible for a refund.
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Although we endeavour to run all events as advertised, BAM reserves the right to cancel any event if, for example, there are not enough people to justify running the event or if other significant unforeseen circumstances arise.
To cancel a booking a cancellation request must be submitted via your BAM Account, to do this:
- Go to your BAM Account
- Click 'My Events'
- Under 'Upcoming Events' will be the booking, please click Cancel Booking
- Follow the steps and complete the request