Last week, the Sanger Leadership Center proudly hosted the 2025 New Directions in Leadership Research (NDLR) Conference at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. This prestigious, invitation-only event convened some of the world’s top scholars—alongside rising stars in the field—to explore groundbreaking ideas that push beyond the boundaries of traditional leadership research.
Held June 5–7, the NDLR Conference created a rare space for rigorous, forward-thinking scholarship, with a sharp focus on leadership and ethics. Each session was designed to promote in-depth conversation, featuring extended time for Q&A and feedback that sparked dynamic exchange among participants.
“Hosting the NDLR Conference at Michigan Ross is an incredible opportunity to showcase the boundary-pushing research that is shaping the future of leadership,” commented Lindy Greer, professor of management and organizations and faculty director of the Sanger Leadership Center at Michigan Ross. “This event reflects our deep commitment to transformational scholarship—research that not only advances academic understanding but also addresses the real, complex challenges leaders face in today’s world.”
As the field of leadership continues to evolve in response to complex global challenges, this year’s conference emphasized work that is both methodologically innovative and deeply relevant to practice. Themes ranged from ethical decision-making and identity in leadership to the integration of emerging technologies in leader development.
The conference also featured a first-of-its-kind staff track led by Jeff Domagala, managing director of the Sanger Leadership Center. This unique gathering brought together managing directors and senior staff from peer leadership centers to exchange ideas on program innovation, research partnerships, and the future of leadership education infrastructure.
“Our intellectual ivory towers withstand external ‘stress tests’ far better when those who live in them (academics) join forces with the people (staff) at their foundations,” said Hannes Leroy, professor of leadership development at Erasmus University Rotterdam. “These integrated towers not only remain standing, but also serve as lighthouses for future generations of leaders—integrating deep intellectual thought with the strength of implementation.”
By bringing together scholars and center leaders from across disciplines and institutions, the NDLR Conference reinforces Michigan Ross’s commitment to addressing the grand challenges of our time through cutting-edge, impactful research. And as part of Sanger’s ongoing investment in both scholarship and practice, the event exemplifies our role as a convener of bold ideas that shape the future of leadership.
Visit the Sanger Research Lab page to learn more about how Sanger is bridging research and practice.
