“Human beings are able to self-organise to their advantage, to improve their survival chances and especially to counteract any perceived threats to their well-being.”

Dr Elizabeth McMillan is an experienced and qualified management development consultant with more than 25 years’ experience as a manager in both the private and public sectors.  She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Elizabeth is a respected speaker and presenter and has appeared at conferences in the UK, the USA and Australia.  She is a published author with two acclaimed books and is a senior academic at the Open University.

She has a BA (Hons) in English Literature from Leicester University, a PhD in using chaos theory and complexity science to bring about organisational change from the Open University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Training Management.  She has lectured and taught at a number of universities including the Open University, Aston University and Cranfield University.

Elizabeth believes passionately that companies in the 21st century can adapt, change and survive as happier, more effective and ultimately more profitable operations, if they embrace lessons learned from the natural world.  The idea that centralised organizations operating command and control principles can operate effectively in the globalised and fast moving economies of the 21^st century, is outdated and nonsensical. Yet too many managers and too many consultants advocate such approaches!

Elizabeth works closely with companies and organisations, large and small, and has designed and presented workshops and training events across the UK and the globe.

She is frequently referred to by the media, both print and broadcast, and asked for comment, as a leading expert in her field.

Some of the many conferences and events that Elizabeth has presented at include:

• Managing Complexity and Change Conference, Open University, Milton Keynes,
• European Relocation Association Annual Conference, Frankfurt
• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development ‘Managing Change at Work’ Conference, London
• Complexity and Healthcare Professionals International Conference, Bilbao
• Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, European Conference, Brussels
• Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management Conferences, Australia
• Tackling Industrial Complexity: the ideas that can make a difference, Institute of Manufacturing, University of Cambridge
• Euro Forum, Vienna
• University of Lund, Sweden
• The University Caterers Organisation, National Conference, Leicester
• Institution of Engineers & Technologists, London
• Institute of Healthcare Managers, National Conference, Harrogate
• American Universities Personnel Association, National Conferences, Orlando, San Diego