From Economistic to Humanistic Leadership with Dr. Sheldene Simola
Discover How Humanistic Leadership is Fueling Systemic Change
Event Details
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Wednesday, January 28, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Online/Virtual
Cost: Free
Leadership Matters: Organizing into "Islands of Coherence" & The Shift from Economistic to Humanistic Leadership
Since the 1970s, the strategic orientation of business has shifted from maximizing shareholder profit with little concern for negative impacts, through forms of corporate social responsibility and value-sharing with stakeholders, to understanding business as a force for social and environmental good. Similarly, leadership in business has shifted from being hierarchical, directive and performance-oriented toward being collaborative and empowering in support of innovation. However, notwithstanding these changes, shifts in strategic orientation are incremental in nature, and therefore, inadequate to support regenerative system change in the face of the contemporary polycrisis. Similarly, many valued and commonly used leadership approaches are simply adaptive to conventional economistic paradigms in business and management, thereby also inhibiting system change.
However, a radical transition is occurring in business and management around the world, as individuals and collectives from seemingly disparate sectors, roles, locations and cultures actively organize into “islands of coherence” and begin to enact a humanizing future paradigm that is “waiting to emerge.” Drawing of the research of Pirson, Scharmer, Henderson and others, this session will discuss this transition from economistic to humanistic leadership, and describe the contemplative leadership model and practices that are inspiring hope and fueling systemic change.
Presenter:
Dr. Sheldene Simola is a full professor in the School of Business at Trent University. She teaches in the undergraduate business program and the Master of Management program. Her research and teaching are in the areas of business ethics, work-related dignity, work-related mental health, leadership, as well as corporate crisis prevention and management. She also engages in the scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education. Dr. Simola has been the recipient of numerous awards, including for research, teaching and service. She has previously served as the Associate Director of the School of Business.
Leadership Matters: Connecting Knowledge & Action
This virtual lecture series is hosted in partnership with Trent’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership and the Leadership & Democracy Lab, along with the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies and the Department of Political Studies. The series highlights diverse perspectives on leadership with the goal of sparking dialogue, sharing knowledge, and bridging leadership research with practice. Join leadership scholars, experts, and practitioners who showcase a diverse range of leadership expertise. View the full schedule of upcoming webinars.
Contact Info
Trent University Library & Archives