Susanna Kislenko

As a social psychologist, Susanna studies leadership in the entrepreneurial context. More specifically, Susanna’s research focus is founder leadership past the founding (start-up) stage. Using qualitative research methods, Susanna’s work pulls back the curtain on the challenges and potentially darker organisational consequences of long-term founder leadership, including Founder’s Syndrome.

Susanna holds an IBBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University, an MA in Political Science from McGill University and a PhD in Organisational Behaviour from IESE Business School. Prior to entering academia, Susanna worked in the non-profit sector in Canada for 12 years, holding a number leadership roles in social service organisations. Susanna’s research is driven and motivated by her practical experience and she is always looking for ways to translate research into practice.

Expertise:

• Founders
• Leadership
• Founder leadership
• Founder’s Syndrome
• Identity
• Motivation
• Non-Profit / Mission-Driven Organisations