Testimonials

Discover how my work has supported individuals and teams in reaching their goals. These testimonials highlight real experiences, practical results, and the impact my services have made.

Assoc Prof Hong Qian

"I found the backstage meetings were very helpful whether I was in the focus or not. However, being in the focus of the session provided a great opportunity to clearly present my problem to the group, most importantly, this allowed my peers to objectively analyze the problem and offer unbiased and constructive feedback. The analysis/advice I have received from the session helped me solve my problem successfully.

The impact of the training has been significant. Without exaggeration, the Backstage sessions were the most impressive and influential part of the leadership course for me because: 1) I have learned that conflicts/problems are common at all levels - realizing this helped me regain my confidence in leadership; 2) I gained a strategy to solve/prevent the conflicts that were shared by the peers in the group but could apply to something similar which could potentially happen to me; 3) psychologically, the Backstage sessions almost function as a kind of therapy for me.

Bob was a great role model for handling conflicts, demonstrated by the way he guided us to present, analyze and manage the problems/conflicts, which contributed to the great success of the session."

Dr. Alfredo Gimenez-Cassina

"Participating in the Backstage sessions during the KI PI course was a turning point in my leadership journey at KI. Being in focus during one of the sessions provided me with an invaluable opportunity to openly discuss the challenges and uncertainties I faced in my path toward becoming a group leader. The honest, structured peer feedback and Bob’s facilitation helped me reframe obstacles as growth opportunities and gave me the confidence to make bold decisions in my career. Reflecting on these sessions’ years later, I can confidently say they contributed significantly to the kind of leader I am today, more self-aware, courageous, and empathetic.

Bob’s role as a facilitator was instrumental. He guided the discussions with empathy, clarity, and depth, ensuring that everyone felt heard while keeping the focus constructive. His ability to ask the right questions at the right time encouraged deep reflection and practical action. The collective support within the group created a safe space for vulnerability and reflection, which is rare in academic environments. The insights I received from Bob and my peers not only helped me in that moment but have continued to shape how I approach complex leadership challenges even years later."

Prof Eduardo Villablanca

"This experience was both interesting and transformative. Listening to my colleagues share their “big” issues really put things into perspective, we’re all facing diverse challenges. Some are similar, others less so, but over time, they’re often more connected than they first seem. Being the focus myself was especially impactful. I brought up an important issue, and it was essentially resolved on the spot. Even more meaningful was the sense of support I felt, it truly made me feel that my colleagues and workplace are like family. I know I can count on them.

I still vividly remember the sessions, examples, and experiences shared (even though I took this course eight years ago!). It remains one of the most impactful leadership courses I’ve ever attended because it treated us as individuals, not just a group of researchers. The personal approach made it possible to explore important issues in academia and learn effective ways to address them. Many of the decisions I’ve made throughout my career have been shaped by what I gained from this course.

Bob was both approachable and focused. He didn’t try to solve the problem for you, but instead guided you to reflect deeply and gave you the tools to find your own solution. That approach made a lasting impact on me. My evaluation couldn’t be higher!"

Assoc Prof Claudia Kutter

"I tremendously benefited from the feedback discussion. First and foremost, I believe that my backstage group was phenomenal in its composition, diversity, and commitment. The environment was trusting and open. The structure was also well thought out: starting with a case presentation, followed by comments and suggestions from others (which I could choose to accept or reject), and concluding with very helpful recommendations. It was insightful to see how both ‘my’ case and my handling of it were perceived through the lens of others.

I still consider the content discussed, both my case and those of others, as relevant today. Even though, at the time, I was relatively new to KI and have since adapted to the new environment (KI vs. the University of Cambridge). Although we no longer have a formal backstage group, I continue to apply the same principles when handling a ‘case’, discussing it with peers in a similar manner.

Bob did an outstanding job in establishing the guiding principles under which we operated and ensuring that we adhered to them. I appreciated that he allowed us to work collaboratively as a team rather than imposing his own views."

Assoc Prof Ujjwal Neogi

Dr. Stafano Gastaldello

"Participating in the Backstage during the KI PI course in 2017 was a powerful learning experience. The format, focusing from group to one individual reflection, created a rare space for depth, focus, and support.

I found the session both challenging and transformative. The feedback I received helped me uncover blind spots and think more clearly about a pressing leadership dilemma.

In the years since, I continue to draw on the mindset the sessions fostered, particularly the value of structured reflection, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving in leadership contexts.

Bob’s role as a teacher was central. He created an atmosphere of trust while encouraging rigorous thought and emotional honesty. His facilitation style was both subtle and incisive."

Assoc Prof Qiaolin Deng

"The backstage session was led by Bob as a part of the leadership course for new PIs at KI. I think this is the best module in the course as it touches upon all the situations in real life and really helps with peer support and learning. Bob played an essential role in directing discussions and asking important questions to stimulate conversation and critical thinking, as he has a vast experience in working with these real world issues and genuinely cares about both sides (PIs and doctoral students). Importantly, his guidance doesn’t end with the course and he is always there to help. This is not that common at KI - competition is tough and most professors are rather focusing on their own research.

Bob not only does a high level research but also cares about the wellbeing of students and junior PIs to make a change. For me, it is always comforting to have someone to discuss such difficult situations with and achieve a healthy relationship in my leadership.

I am happy that Bob has decided to share his vast knowledge and insights with everyone outside KI and I am sure people will benefit as I have been benefited. Knowing you are not alone and that helps is out there are a great encouragement to carry on one’s career and to aim for being better."

Prof Maja Jagodic

""The Backstage Group was very useful, and Bob managed to crate a safe environment and people were openly sharing and discussing their experiences and challenges, sometimes quite severe experiences. I recollect that not so seldom the group had a suggestion on how to respond to the situation that was rather different from the one taken or considered by the person in focus, which was quite interesting. The whole group experience also strengthened ties with group members, even beyond what typical join participation in leadership courses does."

Dr. Laura Baranello

"I presented a work-related issue concerning an interpersonal conflict and asked for advice on how to manage it. Having the space to openly share the problem was already very valuable, as it gave me a chance to reflect on my own approach. The feedback I received, both from the group discussion and from the teacher, was constructive and insightful, helping me understanding what I did well and how I could handle similar situations more effectively in the future.

When I took the course, I was a junior PI with very limited experience in leadership. The sessions were extremely helpful in allowing me to compare/contrast my experiences with those of peers facing similar challenges. I came away with practical tools for managing group dynamics and leading with more confidence. Over time, I’ve also come to appreciate that people bring different personalities and working styles, and that successful leadership requires both flexibility and empathy. This understanding has stayed with me and continues to influence how I lead my team today.

Robert Harris is an excellent teacher, engaged, approachable, and genuinely invested in the learning process. He has a remarkable ability to foster meaningful discussions and to make every participant feel heard. His patience and thoughtfulness create an environment where people are comfortable sharing openly, which makes the learning experience especially impactful."

Prof Daniel Lundqvist

"The Backstage discussion was the first time I got a chance to discuss complicated leadership experiences with peers. I found it very helpful and rewarding, both in terms of the learnings and the confidence it gave.

The Backstage discussions sparked a long-term interest in asking and learning about leadership experiences with colleagues in similar roles, and a trust in sharing my own. It shaped a confidence and transparency I find very useful in my leadership today.

Bob Harris managed to create a relaxed atmosphere that enabled trusted sharing, and he also offered insightful guidance during exchange on difficult topics. Discussions were very focused and serious at times, but also filled with a lot of laughs."