Dr. Lize Booysen is an internationally recognized scholar-practitioner in the field of leadership, culture and diversity. She is a Clinical and Research Psychologist and Leadership Consultant. With 37 years of experience in leadership and research. Lize has served thousands of leaders in corporate organizations, government agencies, educational institutions and nonprofits, in her capacity as facilitator, consultant, trainer, teacher or coach. Prior to relocating to the USA end of 2008, Lize was full professor at the Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL), University of South Africa (SA) since 1992. She served on the SBL Board of directors as Director Human Resources Development, and Academic Director. She was also the Research Manager and Editor of the SA Journal of Labor Relations. Lize has been involved with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), since 2004, and worked on the 12 nation Leadership Across Differences (LAD) research project. She also participated in the multi-award-winning GLOBE 65-nations leadership research project, during 1994 – 2003 steered by Wharton Business School. Lize started her career in 1983as a researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), SA, she worked at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital as a Clinical Psychologist, and also served as a Captain in the SA Police Service’s Institute of Behavioral Sciences.
Lize is full professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior and core faculty on the PhD program in Leadership and Change (Phd in L&C), at The Graduate School of Leadership and Change, Antioch University. Antioch’s PhD in L&C is focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. She is also adjunct faculty at the CCL, extraordinary professor at the Business School of University of Stellenbosch, South Africa and a Leadership Consultant. Lize does research, consults and teaches in the fields of leadership, culture and diversity. She serves on review panels, editorial committees and advisory boards and as external examiner of doctoral degrees in Leadership. Lize is a past fellow of the International Leadership Association (ILA), and a past Chair Elect for the Business Leadership Member interest group of the ILA.
Lize uses a strength-based focus, and particularly enjoys working with organizational leaders optimizing their own potential and sphere of influence as they move into broader leadership roles. She focuses on the development of authentic and relational leadership practices utilizing a systems and contextual approach to the leadership process. Her coaching approach draws on her understanding of leadership and change theory and practice, cross-cultural and global leadership development, organizational culture, systems thinking, individual change and business practice.
Lize has an ongoing coaching practice that serves a diverse group of senior and executive leaders across industries and different sectors in the USA, Europe and Africa. She has a special interest in working with leaders in Higher Education, Health Care and Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Financial Services, and the Arts. Lize is also particularly interested in working with marginalized groups in leadership and mainstreaming social justice and Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work in multicultural organizations in her coaching practice.
Facilitation, much like team coaching, requires Lize to balance the development goals of the individuals with the development goals of the group. Providing both structure and clarity while also remaining flexible and adaptable is paramount. Lize has a professional yet warm style that helps individuals engage with the content.