Zara Whysall's Inaugural Lecture

Overview

Join Professor Zara Whysall for her inaugural lecture, as she explores a question many organisations struggle to answer: Why does so much effort, investment, and good intention fail to translate into real change at work? Integrating psychology, organisational research, and her experience working closely with organisations, Professor Zara Whysall unpacks this paradox, revealing why good intentions and grand strategies often fall short of producing genuine change.

Drawing on her research, Professor Whysall will challenge the mistaken belief that organisational culture is defined by values statements rather than by everyday behaviours and the invisible levers that shape them. Her research into presenteeism management provides another powerful example, exploring why employees often show up unwell, even in organisations that publicly champion wellbeing.

The lecture offers a fresh perspective on why organisational change so often disappoints, offering a psychologically informed approach to organisational culture and behaviour change - inviting leaders and practitioners to look beyond rhetoric and ask what truly makes people change.

Biography

Zara Whysall is a Chartered Psychologist and Professor of Business Psychology at Nottingham Business School with over 20 years’ experience spanning academia, consultancy and organisational research. She partners with public and private sector organisations to deliver evidence based solutions in talent management, organisational culture, leadership, and employee wellbeing.

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Host or Publisher Nottingham Trent University