Announcement
Our Next Big Question Webinar:
The Spiritual Dimensions of Love in Leadership: Critical Perspectives, Shadow Aspects, and Integral Approaches
July 8, 2025, 1:00 -2:30 PM ET
(Begins UTC (GMT/Zulu)-time: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 17:00)
Dear Colleagues,
It is our pleasure to announce our next MSR Flamekeeper "Big Question Webinar." We as a global research community have a limited understanding of love. In an academic field of study, we seek a deeper understanding by investigating theoretical dimensions that speak to the core constructs of a concept. To support this effort, JMSR has welcomed two scholars to publish a special issue on the spiritual dimensions of love in leadership.
In this webinar, guest editors Mohammed Raei, PhD, and S. Aqeel Tirmizi, PhD will lead group discussions on topics related to the following areas:
• Explore the ontological distinctions between the presence and absence of love in leadership; how is leadership different when it is coming from a place of love, and how is it different when love is absent.
• Integrate multiple theoretical frameworks on love including developmental (Dempsey, 2023; Freinacht, 2017; Kegan, 1998), integral (Wilber, 2000, 2001, 2007), spiritual (Fry, L. W. (2008); Severan, 2021), and humanistic perspectives (Andrews, 2022).
• Develop integrative frameworks to advance our understanding of leadership and love (or leading with love).
• Examine the paradoxical nature of love-based leadership approaches.
• Examine and integrate various theoretical conceptualizations of love in leadership contexts.
• Develop comprehensive theoretical frameworks that bridge secular and spiritual understandings of love in leadership.
• Advance theoretical understanding of how different definitions and forms of love manifest in leadership practice.
During the first few minutes of this 90-minute Zoom call, the Flamekeepers will briefly share historical perspectives of research on love in leadership from the beginnings of MSR. The guest editors will then initiate discussions around these topics and propose new topics for research. Participants will be invited to provide input in developing a list of approaches to guide this research. The session will then be opened up to all participants for Q&A and concluding statements. The meeting will be recorded and posted to AOM Connect.
Date/Times: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 (90 minutes)
1:00-2:30 PM Eastern, Tuesday (New York)
12:00-1:30 PM Central US (Chicago)
10:00-11:30 AM Western US (Los Angeles)
8:00-9:30 PM Amman, Jordan
6:00-7:30 PM London
5:00-6:30 AM Wednesday, July 9th, Auckland, New Zealand
For other time zones, visit www.timeanddate.com/worldclock
All are welcome. We look forward to your participation.
Join URL:
https://acu-edu.zoom.us/j/92843120074
Meeting ID: 928 4312 0074
Sponsored by: MSR Flamekeepers Committee
Flamekeepers of MSR
Honoring our roots. Illuminating the path. Kindling connection.
Who We Are
The Flamekeepers are a circle of committed MSR members-founders, long-time stewards, and newer voices-who nurture the spiritual heart of the Management, Spirituality, and Religion Division. The Flamekepers consist of the original founding members of MSR and those MSR members who have contributed to the ongoing spiritual and organizational growth and development of MSR from an interest group to a thriving division.
Our Purpose
We hold space for reflection, discernment, and deep relational connection, sustaining MSR's vision and values. We serve MSR by supporting the soul of our community, encouraging emerging leadership, and helping our Division stay true to its deeper mission. For one another, we foster caring relationships among those who have walked and continue to walk MSR's path.
What We Do
- Offer spiritual grounding and thoughtful counsel to MSR leadership
- Mentor new leaders aligned with MSR's values
- Support key initiatives such as the Promising Dissertation Award, Best Paper Award, Big Question Webinars, and travel grants
- Tend to MSR's history and steward its archives
- Lead meditation sessions and care for the Silence Room at AOM as a space for renewal and rest
Why It Matters
We help keep MSR rooted in purpose, open in spirit, and strong in connection. As Flamekeepers, we tend the inner life of our Division so it can flourish in service to MSR's vision, its members and the broader world.
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Orneita Burton
Professor
Abilene Christian University
Abilene TX
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