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Ian C. Woodward

Emeritus Professor of Management Practice in Organisational Behaviour

Biography

Professor Ian C. Woodward specializes in Leadership and Communication. He lectures in a range of INSEAD programmes and was Co-Program Director for the INSEAD Master of Finance degree. He also lectures and consults in leadership and management practice for high performance, as well as leadership and strategic development in organizations as diverse as financial and professional services, utilities, energy and the public sector. He was guest faculty at leading international business schools including Associate Faculty Director for Columbia Business School’s Senior Executive Program.

Ian brings a unique combination of global business, government, communication and arts experience to executive education. His business career includes Board Directorships, Chief Executive, Senior Executive and Executive Consulting roles in financial and energy sector organisations including: The Australian Gas Light Company; Natural Gas Corporation of New Zealand; the Australian Gas Association; Macquarie Bank; and Asian Development Bank. In government, he was the first Australian to serve on the staff of a US Cabinet Secretary (Minister) as well as being Chief of Staff to an Australian State Premier and Minister. From 2005 to 2010 he was a Commissioner of the Australian Energy Market Commission and the inaugural Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Partnership Energy Regulatory and Market Development Forum. He is currently a Board member of The Gas Company of Hawaii. He is also the Associate Conductor of Singapore’s Metropolitan Festival Orchestra.

Developing exceptional communication proficiency in leaders is a particular passion. Ian developed the concept of “communication intelligence” in leadership communication. He designed the Communication Preference Styles Survey (CPSS) as a development tool to assist leaders to become more aware and effective communicators. In parallel with his business career before academia, he designed and delivered courses in effective leadership and communication around the world, as well delivering major keynote conference speeches and media appearances. He was Chairman and broadcaster on Sydney’s classical music radio station and co-produced a special series of Deutsche Grammophon recordings dedicated to the legacy of conductor Arthur Fiedler. He also combines leadership development with the arts through innovative learning experiences using orchestras and musicians. His recent published research includes articles in the Journal of International Management and Australian Communication Journal.

Ian is an alumni of the University of New South Wales, the Australian Graduate School of Management, University of New England and Columbia Business School.

Latest posts

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Leadership & Organisations

Jacinda Ardern and Andrew Cuomo Are Crisis Comms Champions

Leaders should test their crisis messaging against three checklists.
2 comments

Leadership & Organisations

The Powerful Drivers and Blockers of Leadership

Exploring the hidden forces that motivate and hinder you can make you a better leader.

Leadership & Organisations

Leadership Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Ian C. Woodward

Every context requires different talents and skills, so leaders must stay deeply aware and learn to adjust themselves along the way.
15 comments

Leadership & Organisations

The Three Altitudes of Leadership

Leaders must cultivate the seamless ability to mix forward-vision thinking, tactical execution and self-awareness – across the altitudes of leadership.
16 comments

Leadership & Organisations

“INVOLVE” – A Toolkit For Fair Process Communication

L. Van der Heyden, I. C. Woodward

“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.” - Ancient Chinese proverb

Leadership & Organisations

The Values of “Insightfully Aware” Leaders

The ability to identify and communicate values is critical to self-awareness and leadership development.
8 comments