Research Seminar — Creative Leadership: Designing the 21st Century Organisation
Seminar
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Date
04 Sep 2025
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Organiser
PolyU Design
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Time
13:00 - 14:00
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Venue
V1101, 11/F, Block V, PolyU Map
Speaker
Prof. Rama Gheerawo
Enquiry
PolyU Design 2766 6305 sd.phd@polyu.edu.hk
Summary
How can design research and practice inspire new ways of leading in the 21st century? Rama Gheerawo argues that leadership today must be reframed around three core values: empathy, clarity and creativity. These principles form the foundation of his book Creative Leadership, published internationally by Penguin, and are already reshaping business, government and education across more than 40 countries.
Rama is a global authority on inclusive design and creative leadership. As former Director of the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art, he led one of the world’s foremost academic centres dedicated to people-centred innovation. He has collaborated with over 100 organisations, from Samsung to the UK government, turning research insights into real-world impact.
In this talk, Rama will weave together the rigour of academic research with the energy of practice. For researchers, his framework offers a way to integrate leadership into design inquiry. For students, it is an invitation to step into leadership now, not later—to see every project as an opportunity to change the way people think, act, and live.
- All PolyU PhD students and SD staff are welcome. Registration is not required.
Keynote Speaker
Prof. Rama Gheerawo
Founder of INSTILL and President of EIDD – Design for All Europe
Prof. Rama Gheerawo is a global authority on inclusive design and creative leadership, working at the intersection of innovation, business, and human-centred design. He is the author of Creative Leadership: How to Design the 21st Century Organisation, a bold book for creatives that puts empathy, clarity and creativity at the core of leadership. Published internationally in paperback, audiobook and ebook, it has resonated with leaders across 40+ countries and is rapidly redefining leadership for a new era. Rama is the Founder of INSTILL and President of EIDD – Design for All Europe. Formerly Director of the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art, he has led over 100 collaborations with global organisations including Samsung, Toyota, Tata Consultancy Services and Panasonic, turning inclusive design into business advantage and social impact. His Creative Leadership model has trained thousands, including 850+ senior civil servants, and is helping shape leadership cultures worldwide. Named a Creative Leader by Creative Leadership: How to Design the 21st Century Organisationalongside Paul Smith and Björk, and awarded the Design Week Hall of Fame in 2019, Rama brings unmatched energy, empathy and vision to every stage. A highly sought-after keynote speaker and advisor, he challenges assumptions, unlocks potential, and empowers individuals and organisations to lead with humanity. Rama sits on numerous boards and advisory committees including The Valuable 500, D&AD Awards, Dezeen Awards and the Global Disability Innovation Hub. He is also a Visiting Professor in Asia and Europe. Follow: @RamaGheerawo on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube
