Dr. Oksana Gerwe, Associate Head at Brunel Business School, is a well-known figure in the world of education. Her expertise lies in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship.
The Most Efficient European Educational Leader of the Year, 2023.pdf
1. www.theknowledgereview.com
Effective Leadership
Styles in Education
A Comparative
Analysis
Dr.
Gerwe
Pioneering Excellence
in Business Education
Dr.
Oksana
Gerwe
|
Associate
Head
|
Brunel
Business
School
Vol. 09 | Issue 02 | 2023
The Most
Efficient
EDUCATIONAL
Leader
of the Year, 2023
European
European
2.
3.
4. Education stands as a pillar of
Eprogress, shaping the future of
societies and nations. At its
helm are exceptional leaders whose
dedication and innovative vision drive
the transformation of educational
landscapes.
The landscape of education in Europe
is undergoing a profound
transformation, driven by rapid
technological advancements, evolving
societal needs, and a growing emphasis
on global competitiveness. Educational
systems across the continent are
recognizing the necessity to adapt and
innovate to prepare students for the
complex demands of the 21st century.
The role of these educational leaders is
pivotal in fostering these changes.
These leaders serve as architects of
change in the realm of education. They
exemplify visionary leadership,
steering institutions towards academic
and holistic excellence. Their strategies
promote inclusivity, diversity, and
access to quality education for all,
fostering an environment that nurtures
creativity, critical thinking, and social
responsibility.
Beyond the classrooms, these leaders
champion cutting-edge research,
technological integration, and global
partnerships, ensuring that education
remains relevant and responsive to the
demands of the contemporary world.
They pave the way for a brighter
future, empowering generations with
the knowledge, skills, and values
needed to navigate an ever-evolving
global landscape.
In the latest edition, 'The Most
Efficient European Educational
Leader of the Year, 2023,' The
Knowledge Review is thrilled to
present Dr. Oksana Gerwe, a
distinguished figure in the realm of
education specializing in Strategic
Management and Entrepreneurship.
Her journey from the corporate world
to academia ignited her passion for
teaching and knowledge-sharing.
Driven by a vision to bridge academia
and industry, Dr. Oksana emphasizes a
culture of entrepreneurship and
practical relevance in education.
We believe her visionary leadership
will continue reshaping education and
propel us into an era of limitless
possibilities.
Embark on an enlightening journey
through this edition!
- Gopal Ingole
Gopal Ingole
Valuing the
Architect of Change
in the
Realm of
Education
5. for being recognized by
The Knowledge Review Magazine
in an annual listing of
for her outstanding dedication, leadership, and contributions to
the field of education, which have had a profound and positive
impact throughout Europe.
This certificate is presented to
Dr. Oksana Gerwe
The Most Efficient European
Educational Leader of the Year, 2023
Mary D'souza
Editor-in-Chief
Mary d ‘souza
September
2023
6. 06
C O V E R
S T O R Y
20
A r t i c l e
A Comparative Analysis
Effective Leadership
Styles in Education
Dr.
Oksana
Gerwe
Pioneering Excellence in Business Education
C
o
n
t
e
n
t
s
7. September, 2023
Editor-in-Chief Mary D'souza
Managing Editor
Art & Design Head
Visualiser
Co-designers
Rahul Shinde
David King
Paul, Sonia
Business Development Executive
Assist. Vice President
Sr Sales Manager
Jennifer Anderson
Swapnali Vasaikar
Amy Wilson
Digital Marketing Manager
Technical Consultants
Technical Head
Assistant Technical Head
Alina Sege
David, Robert
Jacob Smile
Rajeshwari Avhad
SME-SMO Executives
Marketing Manager
Digital
Circulation Manager
Research Analyst
Tanaji Fartade
Eric Smith
Ravindra, Gemson
Mark Clain
Contributing Editors
Riya Chatterjee
Anish David, Gopal Ingole
Survey No.133/134, Brand Square, Office
No. 512, Kunjir Chowk, Pimple Saudagar,
Pune, Maharashtra 411027
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edition
8. I am a big proponent of interactive
teaching style, always linking theory to
practice, and also an expert in Strategic
Management and Entrepreneurship.
“
“
12. r. Oksana Gerwe, Associate
DHead at Brunel Business
School, is a well-known
figure in the world of education. Her
expertise lies in Strategic Management
and Entrepreneurship. Early in her
career, she gained invaluable
experience in real estate and fintech,
which highlighted the importance of
strategic thinking and an
entrepreneurial mindset.
This experience spurred her to embark
on an educational journey of her own.
Pursuing an Executive MBA at the
prestigious IE Business School in
Madrid, Dr. Oksana immersed herself
in the world of business academia. It
was here that her passion for teaching
and knowledge-sharing was ignited.
Having found her calling in the
business school, she pursued her
doctoral studies in Strategy, solidifying
her transition into academia. Dr.
Oksana's academic journey took her
across Europe and the United
Kingdom, where she assumed senior
leadership roles in entrepreneurship
and innovation, leaving a lasting mark
on both her students and colleagues.
In 2017, she made a significant move
by joining the Brunel Business School
at Brunel University London. For six
years, she spearheaded the MBA
Programme, molding the minds of
future business leaders. Today, she
stands as the Associate Head
individuals about the secrets behind
their achievements, they frequently
mention a teacher or mentor who
played a pivotal role in their growth.
Having personally experienced the
profound influence of educators on her
own development, Dr. Gerwe aspired
to create similar opportunities for
students. Her driving force lies in
empowering students with knowledge
and innovation to help them shape their
futures. She derives immense
satisfaction from sharing her
knowledge and experiences with her
students, motivating them to aim high,
pursue their goals, and summon the
courage to chase their dreams.
Dr. Gerwe's unique combination of
strategic leadership experience, both
within and outside academia, her
extensive connections with the
industry, and her diverse professional
background collectively render her an
exceptionally effective educator and
academic leader. Her ultimate aim is to
create opportunities for others, just as
educators did for her.
Commitment to Contemporary
Education
Brunel University London is deeply
rooted in the principles espoused by
the renowned engineer of the UK's
industrial era, Isambard Kingdom
Brunel. These principles revolve
around a strong emphasis on being
highly practical, applied, and relevant
in all aspects of research, teaching, and
industry engagement.
Dr. Gerwe is dedicated to instilling the
most current developments and ideas
into every classroom setting, spanning
from undergraduate courses to MBA
programs. Her goal is to equip students
with the skills and knowledge
necessary to excel and remain
competitive in the job market upon
graduation.
(Education) Head of Brunel Business
School (Education), responsible for
the quality of teaching and learning,
enhancing the student experience, and
fostering curriculum innovation.
What sets Dr. Oksana Gerwe apart is
her unwavering commitment to
bridging the gap between academia
and industry. Her focus on cultivating a
culture of entrepreneurship and real-
world relevance within the academic
environment is commendable. She
ensures that Brunel Business School
equips its students with the practical
skills and knowledge needed to thrive
in the ever-evolving global
marketplace.
Dr. Oksana Gerwe is not just an
educator; she is a visionary leader who
understands that the future of business
education lies in its ability to adapt,
innovate, and remain connected to the
real world of practice. Her dedication
to this cause and her tireless efforts to
empower the next generation of
business leaders make her a true
inspiration in the field.
Shaping Future Leaders through
Passion, Dedication, and Innovation
As the Associate Head of Brunel
Business School in London, Dr. Gerwe
feels a deep sense of honor in having
the chance to impart her journey in
entrepreneurship and innovation within
higher education and the global
industry. This journey represents a
remarkable blend of passion,
unwavering dedication, and an
unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
These qualities are all driven by her
overarching vision to mold future
leaders and catalyze positive changes
on a global scale. Dr. Gerwe's
inspiration to become an educational
leader springs from a profound belief
in the transformative potential of
education. When one asks successful
Academic excellence
is my top priority as
an educator.
““
13.
14. She places a high priority on staying
abreast of the latest educational trends
and actively participating in
conferences, workshops, and global
forums. This commitment ensures her
continuous immersion in conversations
revolving around emerging
pedagogical approaches, technological
advancements, and shifts within
various industries.
Additionally, Dr. Gerwe actively
engages in research initiatives and
collaborates with fellow educators and
industry professionals. These efforts
serve to fine-tune their educational
strategies, resulting in the delivery of a
cutting-edge education that readies
students to navigate the challenges and
seize the opportunities of the future.
Fostering Interactive Learning and
Lifelong Education
Dr. Gerwe strongly advocates for an
interactive teaching style that
consistently connects theoretical
concepts with practical applications.
She recognizes that student
engagement plays a pivotal role in the
success of education.
To achieve this, she employs active
learning strategies, implements flipped
classroom models, and leverages
technology-enhanced methods, all
aimed at creating dynamic and
interactive learning environments. By
cultivating a culture of collaboration
and emphasizing real-world relevance,
Dr. Gerwe keeps students motivated to
actively explore, question, and excel.
One illustrative approach used within
the classrooms of Brunel Business
School is the case method. This
method allows students to tackle
genuine business challenges, work
collaboratively in groups, explore
diverse perspectives, and critically
evaluate the pros and cons of potential
solutions.
Dr. Gerwe underscores the fact that the
traditional model of acquiring a single
degree in one's twenties and relying on
that knowledge throughout one's career
is no longer applicable. Instead, she
encourages her students to embrace the
concept of lifelong learning. In an
ever-changing and evolving world, the
necessity to continually upskill and
update one's knowledge is paramount.
This perspective ensures that
individuals remain adaptable and well-
prepared to navigate the evolving
landscape of their chosen fields.
Nurturing Career Success
Enhancing student employability
stands as a central pillar in Dr. Gerwe's
current role as the Associate Head and
her prior position as the MBA Director.
Within Brunel Business School, a
range of career-focused initiatives has
been meticulously crafted to empower
students in bridging the divide between
academic knowledge and professional
success. These initiatives include
mentorship programs, industry
placements, and skill development
workshops. They collectively serve to
equip students with the necessary tools
to thrive in their chosen careers.
Brunel University London's
commitment to student employability
is underscored by its notable standing
in the UK's higher education
landscape. For instance, in the Global
University Employability Ranking of
2022, Brunel achieved the remarkable
position of being the 14th-best
university in the UK for producing
highly employable graduates. This
achievement reflects the institution's
dedication to nurturing a
comprehensive skill set that
encompasses soft skills, critical
thinking abilities, and practical
experience. As a result, Brunel
consistently produces graduates who
are exceptionally well-prepared to
excel in a competitive job market.
I believe in
bringing the most
up-to-date and
current
developments
and ideas into
every classroom,
from the
undergraduate
level to the MBA,
preparing the
students to be
successful and
competitive on
the job market
once they
graduate.
“
“
15.
16. Resilience and Renewal
Dr. Gerwe reflects on the challenges
posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,
acknowledging that it was a significant
test for everyone. However, she
proudly highlights the remarkable
resilience and adaptability
demonstrated by Brunel Business
School during this period. The
institution successfully navigated the
transition from fully face-to-face
teaching to online delivery with a high
degree of efficiency and effectiveness.
In fact, rather than merely weathering
the storm, Brunel Business School
emerged from the pandemic with a
renewed sense of community. The
experience led to the development of
new teaching and engagement tools,
which have proven invaluable in
enriching the learning experience; this
period of adaptation and growth
positioned the school in a much
stronger and more competitive position
within both the UK and the global
education market.
Holistic Approach to Learning and
Teaching
Enhancing the quality of learning and
teaching activities at Brunel Business
School is approached comprehensively.
Educators at the institution emphasize
a harmonious integration of
traditional teaching methods and
experiential learning
opportunities. This approach
is underpinned by the use of
feedback loops and a
commitment to
continuous
improvement
processes.
The institution places significant value
on student input, fostering open
channels of communication between
students and educators. This inclusive
approach ensures that students are
active participants in shaping their
educational experiences. Moreover, the
school's dedication to holistic
development guarantees that the
academic journey is not only
intellectually stimulating but also
enriching in various dimensions of a
student's life.
A Trailblazing Career in Digital
Innovation and Academic
Leadership
Over the course of her career,
Dr. Gerwe has amassed a
remarkable array of
achievements, accolades,
and well-deserved
recognitions.
17. I am an established expert in the field of digital
innovation, disruptive business models, and the
sharing economy with an extensive high-quality
portfolio of publications, conference
presentations, keynote speeches, grants, and
multiple awards.
“ “
18.
19. She has established herself as a
preeminent expert in the fields of
digital innovation, disruptive business
models, and the sharing economy. Her
contributions are reflected in a
comprehensive and high-quality
portfolio of publications, conference
presentations, keynote speeches,
grants, and numerous prestigious
awards.
One notable achievement occurred in
September 2020 when Dr. Gerwe had
the honor of presenting her insights to
the UK Parliament. Her presentation
focused on the profound effects of the
COVID-19 pandemic on the sharing
economy sector in the UK, as well as
the prospects for its recovery.
Under her visionary leadership, the
Brunel MBA program thrived even in
the face of the challenges posed by the
pandemic. It was transformed into one
of the most successful flagship
programs within the Brunel Business
School's portfolio. Dr. Gerwe's
strategic, recruitment and operational
efforts bore fruit, resulting in a
substantial increase in program
applications, offers, and conversions.
Notably, her leadership achieved the
highest student enrollment numbers,
particularly among international
students, in recent recruitment cycles,
marking a significant milestone since
the program's inception 20 years ago.
Currently, Brunel University and the
Business School are undergoing an
exciting phase of strategic
transformation. This transformation is
geared towards ensuring the
institution's resilience and adaptability
in the higher education market, as well
as elevating teaching, research, and
knowledge exchange activities to new
heights. This strategic evolution aligns
with the ever-changing demands of the
external environment, making it an
exceptional time to both study and
work at Brunel University and be part
of the institution's inspiring journey
into the future.
Advice for Emerging Educational
Leaders
What distinguishes Dr. Gerwe as an
educational leader is her holistic
approach that seamlessly integrates the
worlds of academia and industry.
Through her mentorship, she fosters
curiosity, resilience, and empathy in
students, preparing them to become
adaptable leaders capable of driving
meaningful change. Her educational
methodologies place a strong emphasis
on lifelong learning, ethics, and the
cultivation of a global mindset.
To the students of the UK, Dr. Gerwe
imparts valuable advice: Embrace
curiosity as a constant companion on
your journey. The world is in a
perpetual state of change, and your
ability to navigate it successfully
hinges on your willingness to learn,
unlearn, and relearn continuously.
Embrace challenges, nurture resilience,
and recognize the immense value of
networking and collaboration.
Understand that your education serves
as a foundation, but it is your attitude
and determination that will serve as the
driving forces propelling your success.
In closing, Dr. Gerwe's path in
educational leadership has been
marked by inspiration and
transformation. Guided by an
unwavering passion for innovation, a
steadfast commitment to student
success, and a dedication to pushing
the boundaries of education, she
continues to shape the future of
learning in Europe. With boundless
enthusiasm, she eagerly anticipates the
opportunities that lie ahead as she
collaboratively paves the way for a
brighter and more empowered
generation of learners and leaders.
20.
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A Comparative Analysis
better future for their schools, and
empowering teachers and students to
excel.
There are strengths: it fosters
collaboration and constant learning,
encourages creativity and innovation in
teaching, and inspires a shared vision
that motivates the entire school
community. But on the other hand, it
has weaknesses. Implementing it
effectively may require significant time
and effort, is unsuitable for all
situations, and can be overwhelming in
highly structured environments. Well,
success often hinges on the leader's
charisma and communication skills.
Transactional Leadership
Transactional leadership is
characterized by a clear structure
where leaders establish performance
expectations, rewards, and
consequences.
ducation is not a privilege; it is
Ea necessity. Every individual
has the inherent right to pursue
education. In the educational sector,
effective leadership is integral in
shaping the learning environment,
driving institutional progress, and,
ultimately, influencing student
outcomes. Education leaders are tasked
with navigating complex challenges,
fostering a positive school culture, and
ensuring the delivery of quality
education. To achieve these goals,
leaders often adopt different leadership
styles.
Transformational Leadership
Transformational leadership is
characterized by leaders who inspire
and motivate their teams by setting a
compelling vision and encouraging
innovation and creativity. In education,
transformational leaders focus on
continuous improvement, envisioning a
24. Transactional leaders rely on
established rules and systems to
maintain order and discipline in
education. This comes with its own set
of benefits and challenges; it provides
clear expectations and guidelines for
teachers and students, and it can be
effective in maintaining discipline and
order in the school.
Moreover, it is well-suited for
situations where consistency and
structure are critical. However, it may
stifle creativity and innovation or lead
to a focus on compliance rather than
intrinsic motivation. It is well-received
in schools that prioritize autonomy and
creativity.
Servant Leadership
Servant leadership places the leader's
primary focus on serving the needs of
their team members. In education,
servant leaders prioritize the well-
being and development of teachers and
students, aiming to create a supportive
and nurturing environment. It fosters a
sense of community and support
among teachers and students.
It emphasizes empathy, listening, and
understanding. It also encourages
personal and professional growth. It
may be perceived as too passive in
situations requiring strong decision-
making, but its effectiveness depends
on the leader's ability to balance
serving others with making tough
choices. Adequate emotional
intelligence is preferred.
Democratic Leadership
Democratic leadership involves
collaboration and decision-making
through group consensus. In education,
democratic leaders involve teachers,
students, and stakeholders in the
decision-making process, promoting
shared ownership of the school's
direction. It encourages participation,
engagement, and buy-in from all
stakeholders. It also establishes a sense
of right and responsibility. It taps into
the collective wisdom of the school
community.
However, decision-making can be
time-consuming, and one may struggle
to reach a consensus in situations with
conflicting interests, which is not ideal
for situations requiring swift or
decisive action.
Laissez-Faire Leadership
Laissez-faire leadership involves
minimal interference or direction from
the leader, allowing team members to
make decisions and manage their tasks
independently. In education, this style
can promote autonomy and creativity
among teachers.
Its strengths lie in empowering
teachers and students to take
ownership of their work, potentially
leading to innovative teaching methods
and self-directed learning. However, it
may result in inconsistency and lack of
accountability, requiring highly
motivated and self-directed team
members.
Authoritative Leadership
Authoritative leadership, often referred
to as visionary leadership, involves
leaders who set a clear vision and
direction for the school and inspire
others to follow. In education,
authoritative leaders provide a strong
sense of purpose and direction, offering
stability and inspiration in times of
change. Their strengths lie in providing
a clear and motivating vision for the
school and rallying the community
around shared goals.
However, this style may involve less
input from teachers and stakeholders
and can be perceived as top-down or
autocratic, making the leader's ability
to articulate a compelling vision
crucial for success.
Conclusion
Effective leadership in education is far
from a one-size-fits-all proposition.
The educational landscape is a
dynamic and multifaceted realm where
leaders face diverse challenges daily.
To navigate this complexity, leaders
must possess a versatile toolkit of
leadership styles, each tailored to
address specific needs and
circumstances.
Transformational leadership, with its
focus on inspiring innovation and
collaboration. In contrast, transactional
leadership provides structure and
discipline, ensuring the maintenance of
order and the fulfillment of established
expectations.
Servant leadership prioritizes the well-
being and growth of teachers and
students, fostering a nurturing and
supportive environment. On the other
hand, democratic leadership invites
participation and shared ownership,
promoting engagement and
responsibility among stakeholders.
Ultimately, the most effective leaders
in education are those who prioritize
the best interests of their students and
teachers. They create and nurture a
positive and enriching learning
environment while continuously
striving for improvement. In this ever-
evolving landscape, adaptability and a
commitment to serving the educational
community are the hallmarks of truly
exceptional leadership.
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22 | Sept 2023
