Debbie Bayntun-Lees

Debbie is a Professor of Leadership & Organisational Development. She specialises in developing organisations’ capacity for change, innovation and equity’, working largely with boards, senior teams, HR practitioners, and often whole system interventions. Employing a range of theoretical perspectives, experiential learning, and 'real time' practical interventions, Debbie works at the intersection of leadership, strategy and cultural change. She has a track record of successfully supporting clients develop collaborative and inclusive leadership, lead strategic and cultural transformation initiatives, and develop high performing teams in large, fast-paced, complex organizations, including the UK National Health Service and local government, and global corporations.

Debbie’s approach is informed by her practical business and organisational development experience. Previously she was Managing Director of Connecting for Change Ltd, Education & Business Development Director of Doctors.net.uk and has held several senior management positions in the UK National Health Service.

Debbie has recently led cultural change, leadership development and organisational transformation projects, in the UK, Europe, Egypt, and the Middle East. Her recent clients include British Land, Lowell, BP, Signify, Pearson, Euroclear, Swarovski, The American University in Cairo, Novartis (UAE), Bayer Health Sciences, Astra Zeneca, DB Schenker, Deutchebahn, Coca Cola Icetek, UK National Health Service.

Debbie has a first-class degree in Education from Manchester University, a Masters in Organisational Change & Consulting and a Doctorate in Organisational change. She has a special interest in the strategic and systemic development of gender balance, strengthening women’s leadership, and leveraging the benefits of diversity in organisations through inclusivity.

Debbie’s doctoral thesis explores the phenomena of women being “socially silenced” in everyday conversational life. She is passionate about working with forward thinking organisations to achieve cultures of belonging where inclusive conversations and ways of working are the norm. She has recently completed research projects exploring the leadership challenges of hybrid working, and the experience of senior businesswomen during the pandemic and their current challenges in the workplace.