Open lectures: thinking about organisations – May 2026
Join our livestream to hear Dr Sharon Horowitz present on ‘Succession dilemmas: From founder to next-generation CEO’
In this series of open lectures, our Consulting and Leading in Organisations DProf (D10D) team welcome eminent external speakers to present on a range of themes related to organisational and social dynamics.
In this free lecture, taking place on Thursday 14 May 2026, Dr Sharon Horowitz will present on ‘Succession dilemmas: From founder to next-generation CEO’.
Students and members of staff at The Tavistock and Portman are invited to attend the lecture in-person, while others are welcome to join this livestream via Zoom.
About this lecture
Succession is one of the most significant challenges facing leaders in contemporary organisations, and in this talk Dr Sharon Horowitz will explores certain of these succession issues head on. Her presentation will specifically address the succession dilemmas facing organisations that have a charismatic founder, and it will also examine how the next generation CEO leads in the shadow of that founder. Through case examples, she will illustrate both a successful and an unsuccessful succession, examining also the psychological and developmental underpinnings that influence the leadership behaviours involved. The presentation will be interactive and the audience will have an opportunity to share their own experiences and perspectives.
About this speaker
Dr Sharon Horowitz is a business psychologist who works with both founder/owner firms and public companies, and who is also founder and managing partner of Centernorth business advisory services based in the USA. She has been a change management consultant and trusted advisor to CEOs, CIOs, PMs, Managing Directors, and their global teams for more than 20 years. She combines a background in workplace psychology with her extensive business development experience. She is a frequent international speaker and facilitator for women’s forums and workshops, speaking most recently at the Harvard Club of NYC, Gartner, Nomuro-India and Syntel. She is also the Co-Founder and Moderator of the Visionary Voices Leadership Series at Porto Business School, Portugal.
Who is this event for?
This livestream is open to anyone who may be interested in hearing about some of the latest ideas and developments in organisational and social dynamics – including leaders, managers, coaches, consultants, and those considering this area for future training or research.
Students and members of staff at The Tavistock and Portman are invited to attend this event in-person, while others are welcome to join our livestream via Zoom.
Event details
- This open lecture will take place on Thursday 14 May 2026 from 5.15 to 6.30pm (BST)
- The open lecture will be livestreamed via Zoom
- The livestream is free to join, but you must register to secure your place
- Joining details will be emailed to you after you have signed up.