Professor Peter Hawkins, Chairman, Renewal Associates
As an Author, University Professor, and Consultant, Professor Peter Hawkins is a leading expert in Leadership, Strategy, and Culture Change. He talks to The Industry Leaders about how shifting the mindset of senior people excites him, and how he stays up to date with industry developments.
How did you end up sitting where you are today?
In the 1970s, I was a senior manager in Mental Health and trained as a Psychotherapist while running a Therapeutic Community. In the 1980s, after completing a PhD in Organisational Development and teaching at the University of Bath, I set up Bath Consultancy Group. That became a leading global consultancy in Leadership Development and Culture Change.
I have been a pioneer in Coaching, Systemic Team Coaching and Leadership Development for 40 years and became a best selling author, Professor and global thought leader in these fields - training people in over 70 countries. Also chairing several organisations, including Renewal Associates.
What kind of work does your role involve?
Coaching Boards and Senior Executive teams in many sectors and countries. Training Leaders to coach their own teams. Training Systemic Team Coaches around the world. Continually researching and writing new books and delivering transformational talks, alongside being Professor at Henley Business School.
What gets you excited about your industry?
Shifting senior people's mindsets and evolving human consciousness to address the many complex interconnected challenges of the world.
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Find out what you can uniquely do that the world of tomorrow needs.
What, or who inspires you?
The more-than-human world of ecology, plus Gregory Bateson and many great ecologists, poets, mystics, and - of course - my grandchildren!
How do you keep up to speed with what's happening in your industry?
Engaging with many conferences, webinars and development groups around the world - reading massively and continuing to do the work, teach, and write.
What was the most challenging project or situation you've overcome?
Bringing up three children and learning to be a grandparent.
You finish work today and step outside the office to find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
Expand the Renewal Foundation that is supporting work from many disciplines to help develop ways we can evolve human consciousness.
How do you switch off after a day at work?
Walking in nature and talking to my wife.
If you had one wish for the future of your industry, what would it be?
That it makes the best possible contribution to the climate crisis.
What book or podcast should everyone know about?
by Giles Hutchins and Laura Storm.
How should people connect with you?
You can connect with me via any of the following:
*Looking to level-up your leadership skills? Check out our article on the best self-help books for business leaders and entrepreneurs. Thetheindustryleaders.org participates in Amazon's Affiliate Links programme. So, if you click through the highlighted links and buy a book, we may earn Amazon commission (we hope that's a win-win!).
