Paul Mohapel
Paul Mohapel, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD
My formal education is in psychology, neuroscience, and leadership. I began my career as a basic medical science researcher, and eventually worked in Sweden for six years leading my own research group. While in Sweden, I had an epiphany and decided I had to live and work towards my true passion - leadership. So, I eventually worked-up the courage to leave my science career and move head-first into leadership consulting, facilitation and education. In the past five years I've worked with a diverse array of clients, ranging from government to health care, to help empower them to address their leadership issues.
Today I use my extensive knowledge of the brain, psychology, and leadership to design and facilitate workshops and courses for personal and organizational development. I still teach the occasional neuroscience course at University of Victoria; but, primarily devote most of my teaching for the School of Leadership, Centre for Applied Leadership & Management, and Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University. When not teaching, I spend the remainder of my time consulting with various organizations and writing. My areas of expertise include emotional intelligence, personal leadership, engagement, team processes, talent management, strength-based leadership, and curriculum and research design.
I enjoy reading, writing, cycling, hiking, skiing, and traveling (but not all at the same time!). I have a real passion for music (I have a very large music collection) and hope one day to adequately play an instrument in public. I especially cherish every moment I can spend with my wife and daughter. This helps me live more in the moment!
I believe that true learning occurs when one is engaged and invested in the material. As an instructor and facilitator, I try to bring my own passion and enthusiasm to the content. I incorporate humour into my presentations, and have been told that my style is very dynamic and engaging. To deepen learning, I attempt to bridge personal relevance to the material by sharing my own experiences and stories. I always design experiential exercises, so that participants can "feel" and connect more deeply to the content. Finally, I promote reflection and encourage participants to integrate the material into their own lives. I derive my passion when I see people's eyes "light-up" and become excited themselves in the topic - there is no better feeling!
