Member Spotlight

Yasmin Johansen: Workz Consultant and International Relations Management

Question and Response with Member Yasmin Johansen

How do you and Workz view management consulting and its role?

As consultants, the core of what we do is embedded in storytelling. We believe that a compelling narrative can move people’s mindsets and behaviours. Our journey began in the film industry, where we took concepts from film making and used it in a corporate setting for organizational – and human development. Since then, we’ve developed a toolbox made up by simulations and gamified tools fit for organizational purposes. Our internal staff of designers have many years of experience in conveying storytelling through fiction, graphics and colours that engages professionals across functions and hierarchy.

What are your views on organization development?

At Workz, we have twenty years of experience working with complex organizations. We have seen the frictions that can arise during execution, which prevent organizations in achieving their goals. We help develop organizations with the human factor in focus. We use engaging tools to enhance skills and competences for leaders and teams.

What do you like about having an office in Coppenhagen?

Our office is located across the street from Kongens Have (the King’s Park). We use the park for breaks, walk’n talks and for exercises during workshops. The park was established in the early 17th century as the private gardens for King Christian IV. The castle inside of the park ”Rosenborg Castle” holds the heritage from that time, as well as the crown jewels. We can highly recommend visiting the park and the castle. Feel free to drop by and say hi, we’re Workz on Kronprinsessegade 20.

Yasmin Johansen
ylj@workzchange.com
Posted April 2025

Vanessa Hills, PhD: Western Michigan University, Organizational Change Leadership

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Question and Response with Member Vanessa Hills

What is the achievement you would like to share?

I recently defended my dissertation and completed the Organizational Change Leadership PhD program at Western Michigan University. My dissertation explored the unconscious processes of leaders that can impact participatory organizational change. As the many other PhD graduates in the MC division can attest, this achievement is the result of several years of learning, research, and writing!

What impact did this achievement have?

It’s impossible for me to accurately count all the ways that completing my PhD impacts my life and my work. Perhaps most notably, it has given me a stronger foundation from which to support organizations going through transformations. Whether I am aiming to contribute to the field’s knowledge or applying existing theories and frameworks with my clients, the strength of the PhD is a powerful ally.

What’s next for you following this achievement?

After completing my dissertation, I joined the Landers Consulting Group as a Senior Consultant. This is a big way for me to further connect the scholar-practitioner interests. I am able to use my research to inform my consulting work, and my practical consulting experience also improves my research and my teaching. I like to think that as a result, both aspects of my career are stronger. I look forward to a big upcoming project helping to shape the culture of a healthcare organization in the U.S.A.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for their support in this achievement?

There are several people who supported my efforts – many of whom are part of the AOM MC Division! My committee chair, Dr. David Szabla, is the MCD Scholar in Residence, and many members of my cohort belong to the division and have presented at AOM conferences. At the 2024 AOM Annual Meeting in Chicago, I presented critical early parts of my dissertation research. I am grateful to the MC division members who listened to me share my research, offered feedback, and provided positive direction – many of those suggestions made their way into the final version of my dissertation!

Vanessa Hills, PhD
vanessa.hills@wmich.edu
Posted January 2025

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