My passion for the role of universities in transforming individual lives and positively impacting society through their education, research, and community engagement has only strengthened over the course of my career, which began at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
My expertise, and substantial experience, lies in leading successful change. Informed by a set of principles regarding effective and sustainable change, the Lea model constitutes a process defined as “Dialogue, Decision and Delivery”© preceded by robust review, analysis and diagnosis of the issues facing an institution.
A psychologist by training, with specific expertise in community psychology, my approach to leading change is informed by a strong values proposition; a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion; and the need for authentic and effective engagement with staff, students and external stakeholders.
Sagewood Consulting Ltd was founded after I had worked for 30 years in diverse universities including Russell Group and newer institutions. I held a range of senior leadership roles and served as a member of the Executive Team in four universities ultimately leading to my appointment as Vice Chancellor (and Chief Executive Officer) of the University of Hull, a role I held until the autumn of 2022.
Since establishing Sagewood Consulting Ltd, I have worked with Heads of Institution and Board Chairs in a range of higher education establishments both in the United Kingdom and beyond. This has included supporting them in developing effective strategy and delivering evidence-based, sustainable change through meaningful and purposeful action; reviewing and developing the Executive Team in terms of impact and effectiveness; and providing a sounding board for change management, workforce and financial decisions. I have also delivered on executive leadership development programmes and mentored and coached Presidents/Principals/Vice Chancellors and members of Executive Teams. More information is available on the services pages of this website.
Beyond my work through Sagewood, I am a member of a number of Boards: The London Policing Board, LimeCulture Community Interest Company Board, Tongabezi Trust School Board.