Brian Flanagan
Brian Flanagan is a dedicated educator, researcher, and practitioner in the field of leadership development. As a Lecturer at the University of Michigan, he brings a wealth of experience from both academia and industry to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders.
Academic Roles and Contributions
At Michigan, Brian teaches courses that span critical areas of leadership and organizational behavior:
• Leading People and Organizations
• Human Behavior in Organizations
• Coaching and Mentoring in Organizations
• Positive Leadership & Organizing
• Leadership Skills for Mission-Driven Organizations
He is also deeply involved in experiential learning, facilitating leadership development within signature action-based courses like Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) and the Living Business Leadership Experience (LBLE).
As co-developer of the Michigan Model of Leadership, Brian has contributed significantly to the theoretical foundations of leadership studies at the university. He also serves as an executive leadership coach in the Ross School's Executive MBA Program, bridging academic insights with real-world application.
Leadership Center Development
From 2012 to 2020, Brian served as the Founding Managing Director of Michigan's Sanger Leadership Center. Under his guidance, the center grew from a startup initiative to a world-renowned hub for leadership development in higher education. Key achievements include:
• Scaling the center's reach from 1,800 to over 15,000 learners annually
• Launching highly-rated programs like Leadership Crisis Challenge, Story Lab, Legacy Lab, and Ross Leaders Academy
• Advancing experiential learning approaches now adopted by top universities globally
Industry Experience
Beyond academia, Brian is the founder and principal of Water's Edge Leadership Institute, a global leadership development company. This ongoing engagement with diverse clients across five continents ensures that his teaching and research remain grounded in current business realities.
Collaborative Projects
Brian's impact extends beyond Michigan. He has contributed to leadership initiatives at other institutions, including:
• Co-developing Homerton Changemakers at Cambridge University (UK)
• Building the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies and Cook Leadership Academy at Grand Valley State University
Education and Training
• Certified Executive Coach
• M.P.A., Grand Valley State University
• B.A., University of Notre Dame
Brian's unique blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and innovative teaching methods make him a valuable asset to the University of Michigan community. His courses and mentorship provide students with the tools and insights needed to become effective, ethical leaders in an ever-changing global landscape.