Dr Paul Aitken

Dr Paul Aitken has over 15 years' experience in applied management research, writing and teaching/training/mentoring practice. He is currently working on producing a case studies book on 'Sustainability’ leadership and its learning/development, drawn from enterprises across New Zealand.

My 2025-26 research conference presentation, journal writing and book publication plan builds on 15+ years of applied management research, writing and teaching/training/mentoring practice, by producing a case studies book (a collection of personal CEO/Founder stories) which currently represent 'Sustainability’ leadership and its learning/development, drawn from enterprises across New Zealand. One output of all the above activity could be a new NMIT course on ‘Sustainability Leadership’. Interviews will be conducted between June and November 2025, and the book writing will begin in Semester 1, 2026. A target population of 30 ‘storytelling’ interviews with leaders representing the Aotearoa sustainability leadership ecosystem. The six categories for the latter will be start-ups, SME’s, large companies, not-for-profits, thought leaders and educators - five from each category.

My hope is that my research will lead to a new NMIT course on ‘Sustainability Leadership’ while raising the profile of NMIT in the New Zealand business community. Providing global thought leadership is rated by the World Economic Forum (2025) as a critical skill set requirement for managers up to and beyond 2030.