From Research to Real Impact: Navigating Leadership and Culture Beyond Academia With Rob Lion

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD. This week, host David Mendes sits down with Dr. Rob Lion, professor of Human Resource Development at Idaho State University, expert in culture, leadership development, and organizational performance, and co-owner of Black River Performance Management. With over two decades of experience guiding individuals and organizations, Rob shares his personal journey from early leadership roles to consulting, and how his curiosity led him to focus not just on systematic solutions, but on the human factors that drive real, lasting change in organizations.

In this conversation, Rob unpacks the realities of workplace culture, the true meaning of leadership, and the importance of behavioral science in making organizational improvements actually “stick.” For grad students and early-career researchers, he offers honest insights about the professional world outside academia, including the value of humility, self-awareness, and team skills in landing your first job—and thriving in your career afterwards. Whether you’re interested in active leadership, building workplace culture, or just starting to explore where your PhD might take you, this episode is packed with practical advice and new ways of thinking about the future.

 

Dr. Rob Lion is a professor of human resource development at Idaho State University. He specializes in culture, leadership development, strategy, and organizational performance. In addition to his teaching and research, Rob and his wife, Angie Lion, own Black River Performance Management. With over 20 years in leadership and organizational development, he is recognized as a visionary leader who promotes sustainable, actionable science-backed solutions for individuals and organizations.

Rob is a dynamic speaker and consultant who understands how to integrate the theory and teachings of best practices into organizational practices, resulting in strategic and sustainable improvement solutions. As a professor and researcher specializing in the psychological and behavioral sciences, Rob provides expert guidance to clients, addressing their “people” needs, obstacles, and opportunities.

What we covered in the interview:

•  Embrace Humility & Keep Learning: No matter how advanced your degree, entering a new work environment means there’s still much to learn. Being open, humble, and ready to adapt is key to long-term success and professional growth.

•  Practice Teamwork & Emotional Intelligence: Technical knowledge opens doors, but your ability to collaborate, communicate, and navigate group dynamics determines how far you’ll go. Emotional intelligence is a crucial differentiator for hiring managers today.

•  Take Initiative in University & Beyond: Universities are a “petri dish” for low-risk leadership experiences—get involved beyond the lab or classroom! Organizing events, working with clubs, or connecting with alumni not only build your resume but also expand your professional mindset and network.

 Whether you’re eyeing your first job outside academia or aiming to grow within an organization, this episode has advice you can act on today!

See the resources section below for Rob Lion’s links!

This episode’s resources:

• Website: BlackRiverPM.com

Thank you, Rob Lion!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Rob, let him know by clicking the link below and leaving him a message on Linkedin:

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