Dr. Elesa Zehndorfer

Managing Partner

As a Managing Partner for Lakeside Partners GmbH, I create value for clients via an extensive background in in academia, consulting & writing (specialisation: leadership studies). I continue to lecture at eMBA level & write extensively for clients around the world (brokerages, medical practices, sports companies, political organisations, science publications, fitness outlets). 

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As an award-winning writer, you will find many of my books in the libraries of leading universities around the world.  My seventh book, Post-Truth Politics: A Brave New World?  (published by Taylor & Francis) was released February 2025. My research interests currently focus on a human biology-focused analysis of leadership (biopolitics, behavioural finance, the science behind burnout, human performance optimisation), and the relationship between high IQ and a hyper brain-hyper body effect. I am also the Research Officer for British Mensa.

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Formerly the General Secretary of the 70-nation International Federation of American Football (IFAF) I am well versed in the complexities of leadership & management at a very senior level. I've spoken at many int'l events, from Canada and the US to the Philippines, London, Klagenfurt, Austria (TEDx), Romania and, most recently, Sarajevo. I use facts & data to connect, often also interweaving  storytelling constructs into my work to deeply connect with a target audience.

 

I earned my (leadership-focused) PhD from Loughborough University in 2006.​​

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