EDUCATION

PhD in Leadership, University of Calgary
MEd in Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Calgary
BA in International Relations, University of Calgary
Certificate in Conflict Resolution: Mediation, Justice Institute of British Columbia
Certificate in Conflict Resolution: Negotiation, Justice Institute of British Columbia
Certificate in Marketing Management, University of Calgary

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Leda Stawnychko is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Organizational Theory at Mount Royal University’s Bissett School of Business. Her research interests include leadership development and effectiveness, organizational performance, and transformative learning. Leda also holds adjunct academic appointments at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business and Cumming School of Medicine.

Born and raised in Monterrey, a cosmopolitan city in northern Mexico renowned as “the city of mountains” for its location within the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, Leda brings a diverse cultural perspective to her practice. Before joining Mount Royal University, she accumulated over 25 years of leadership experience in the private, public, and non-profit sectors, advancing strategic initiatives both locally and internationally. Drawing upon these varied experiences, Leda creates vibrant and engaging learning environments in her university courses and professional workshops.

Dr. Stawnychko has earned professional mediator designations from the ADR Institute of Canada and the Alberta Family Mediation Society. In addition to offering leadership training and coaching, she volunteers her time supporting individuals and community members navigating challenging transitions and assists non-profit organizations, including the Community Mediation Calgary Society and the Canadian Immigrant Women’s Association. Leda has served as a board member of the ADR Institute of Alberta and the Institute of Public Administration of Canada. She is also a member of Mount Royal University’s General Faculties Council and the Academic Planning and Budget Committee.

TEACHING EXPERTISE

Leadership Development
Ethical Leadership
Healthcare Leadership
Organizational Behaviour
Change Management
Conflict Management and Negotiations
Business Communications
Management Principles and Practices

PUBLICATIONS

• Stawnychko, L. (2024). The strategic role of social networks in academic leadership development. CSSHE SCÉES Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 54(1), 42-54.
• Stawnychko, L., & Tsou, E. (2024). Ready for the next step in your career? Here’s how to prepare for your first leadership position. The Conversation.
• Stawnychko, L., & Tsou, E. (2024). Imperfect Progress: The Chair's Role in Navigating Conflicts.The Department Chair Journal, 35(1), 1-3.
• Stawnychko, L. (2023). Factors Influencing Leaders in Academia Series: Workplace Incivility at Canadian Business Schools in the Post-Pandemic Society. Business Schools Association of Canada.

RESEARCH AWARDS

• 2024 SSHRC Explore: Academic Leadership Succession at Canadian Universities.
• 2024 Teaching-Learning Enhancement Grant: Building Undergraduate Leadership Capacity through Experiential Role-play.
• 2023 Mokakiiks Essential Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Grant: Evaluating Undergraduate Leadership Education for Transformative Impact.
• 2022 Business Schools Association of Canada (BSAC): Workplace Incivility at Business Schools in the Post-Pandemic Society.