Nick Lawrence
MSc Psych, PGDip Academic Practice, BA (Hons), FHEA, GMBPsS, MIoL

With extensive experience across a diverse international business landscape, Nick brings a unique perspective to the classroom. As a senior lecturer in business and management, he is passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry. His goal is to ensure that students and apprentices develop the practical skills and strategic mindset necessary for success as responsible leaders in today’s dynamic business environment.

Nick's teaching journey spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and corporate levels, enabling him to develop a deep understanding of diverse learning needs. He has honed my ability to deliver impactful and inclusive learning experiences through roles such as module lead for programs like the Senior Leader Apprenticeship, Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, Research and Consultancy Methods to postgraduates, and Responsible and Ethical Business Practice. His contributions to curriculum development include designing online courses, demonstrates my adaptability to evolving educational landscapes. He also led the design of a Level 4 module for first-year students, which set the stage for their academic and professional development by equipping them with essential academic skills and industry knowledge, grounded in academic theory. This module, spanning multiple courses and departments, served as the first academic experience for over 200 students and aimed to prepare them for their continued learning journey while maintaining an engaging and enjoyable learning experience.

At the heart of Nick's teaching philosophy is a commitment to encouraging strategic leaders and building their confidence. Adopting a constructivist approach, Nick fosters a collaborative learning environment where students and apprentices actively co-construct their knowledge through dialogue, reflection, and application. By providing the necessary scaffolding and support, he empowers them to build upon their existing understanding and develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills essential for success in today’s complex business world.

Nick's focus extends beyond academic achievement to improving employability and career progression, ensuring that they are work-ready, world-ready, and future-ready. Through designing and delivering modules centred on responsible leadership development, as well as supervising dissertations and work-based projects, his goal is to equip students with the tools they need to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and become responsible, ethical leaders capable of making a positive impact on society.

In his role as level lead for the Global MBA course, Nick took pride in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for international students. He led initiatives to foster a sense of belonging by organising both professional and social events that bridged cultural diversity. Activities such as visits to Manchester Airport, Manchester United football ground, and Cadbury World, as well as bowling, festivals, and cultural celebrations were designed to enrich students’ experiences and strengthen their connections within a diverse academic community. These efforts not only enhanced their professional network but also contributed to a well-rounded and engaging educational experience.

Duffy, M., & Lawrence, N. (2023). Friend or Foe, Integrating Artificial Intelligence Chatbots into Curricula, the Case of ChatGPT for Assessment in Apprentice Programmes. In BAM 2023: Towards Disruptive Sustainability: New Business Opportunities and Challenges, University of Sussex Business School, Jubilee, Arts Road, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 9RH, 4 September 2023 - 6 September 2023. British Academy of Management: https://www.bam.ac.uk/events-landing/bam2023-conference.html

Lawrence, N. (2022). A quest to find the light: A review of corporate and successful psychopathy literature with proposal for future development to a full research paper. In BAM 2022 Conference, Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, 2022 - 2 September 2022. https://www.bam.ac.uk/events-landing/conference.html

Lawrence, N., & Samyogitha, A. (2022). An Investigation of Organisational Readiness for Change in Service Sector SMEs in the UK. In BAM 2022 Conference, Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, 2022 - 2 September 2022. https://www.bam.ac.uk/events-landing/conference.html

Lawrence, N. (2021). To explore how corporate psychopathic leaders undertake their roles and the implications for their leadership practice. In BAM 2021 Recovering from Covid, 2021 - 3 September 2021.

Nick is intensely fascinated by the intricate dynamics of psychopathy, particularly within corporate environments. His research delves into psychopathy, corporate psychopathy, and successful psychopathy, exploring how these traits manifest and can be harnessed positively. Psychopathy is often misunderstood as solely negative, characterised by antisocial behaviour, lack of empathy, and impulsivity. However, he is interested in shining a light on the adaptive aspects of psychopathic traits, especially in organisational settings.

In corporate psychopathy, individuals with psychopathic traits often hold influential positions. These individuals are confident, strategic thinkers, and often exhibit resilience under pressure. Nick's focus is on understanding how these traits can contribute positively to leadership and decision-making, fostering environments where bold and strategic thinking is valued.

The concept of successful psychopathy is particularly interesting to him. These individuals, while possessing psychopathic traits, do not engage in criminal activities. Instead, they use their traits to excel in high-pressure, competitive fields. Their ability to remain calm under pressure, make strategic decisions, and persuade others can be incredibly beneficial in leadership roles. By exploring these positive aspects, Nick aims to reduce the stigma associated with psychopathic traits and highlight their potential contributions to organisational success.

He is equally passionate about the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and education, particularly in creating inclusive learning environments and bespoke learning programs. By integrating AI into pedagogy and andragogy, we can revolutionise how we teach and learn. For undergraduate, postgraduate, and apprentice programmes, AI offers unparalleled opportunities to tailor educational content to individual needs, providing personalised learning experiences that adapt to each student's pace and style.

In pedagogy, AI can enhance the learning experience through intelligent tutoring systems, automated assessment and feedback, and personalised learning paths. For andragogy, AI can support adult learners by designing custom learning programs that align with their career goals and learning preferences. Lifelong learning becomes more accessible with AI, offering up-to-date resources and continuous skill development.

Integrating AI into curricula would allow us to create interactive and immersive learning environments. For undergraduates, AI can increase engagement and understanding. In postgraduate programs, AI can facilitate advanced research and collaboration. Apprentice programmes could benefit from practical training simulations, real-time feedback, and skill assessments, ensuring comprehensive preparation for career progression.

For one of his latest projects, Nick is contributing to a chapter titled "Technology's Influence on Strategic Thinking" for the book Respo4nsible Strategic Thinking for Business and Society: A Practical Guide. This collaborative work, involving respected universities such as Ulster, Sheffield Hallam, and Solent, aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice by offering actionable insights into how technology reshapes strategic decision-making. Nick's chapter explores the transformative impact of technological advancements on strategic frameworks, emphasising the importance of integrating responsible and forward-thinking approaches to ensure that both businesses and society can navigate the complexities of the digital age effectively.

In addition to his work on 'Responsible Strategic Thinking for Business and Society,' Nick is currently collaborating with former colleagues from Sheffield Hallam University to investigate the potential of generative AI in fostering inclusive business curricula. This research focuses on using AI tools to improve staff development and foster collaborative environments that promote diversity and inclusion in business education. By integrating innovative AI-driven approaches, we aim to create dynamic, inclusive curricula that better reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of today’s global business landscape.