Tynemouth-based, leadership specialist, Dr Maurice Duffy - whose clients include members of the Australian cricket team who competed in the World Cup - has been appointed visiting professor of innovation and entrepreneurship at University of Sunderland.
Tynemouth-based, leadership specialist, Dr Maurice Duffy – whose clients include members
of the Australian cricket team who competed in the World Cup – has been appointed visiting
professor of innovation and entrepreneurship at University of Sunderland.
Dr Duffy, who has a PhD in change and transformation, has strong ties with the university
and for the last six years has run an executive master business administration (EMBA) five-
day programme for a mix of PHD and MBA students, focusing on change and innovation.
Dr Duffy frequently travels around the world and is recognised as one of the top coaches on
mindset and change. He works with FTSE100 board members and coaches elite sports
people, including Olympic champions and premiership football players. He is currently
working with members of the Australian cricket team to improve mental toughness and
create a winning mindset. He is also assisting high profile political figures in Westminster to
develop resilience and presence.
Dr Duffy, said: “Average performers prepare to start, elite performers prepare to finish.
There is an assumption that people working at a high level already have a winning mindset
but this is often not the case. My job is to shift a person’s mindset so they deliver elite
performances.
“Mentoring young minds is a passion of mine and I have thoroughly enjoyed having the
opportunity to do so through my EMBA course and my appointment as visiting professor
will allow me to build upon what I have already achieved with the university. I look forward
to seeing how our partnership develops over the coming years and take great pride in my
connection to such a well-regarded seat of learning.”
Dr Duffy has previously worked as European HR director for Nortel Networks and was also
executive vice president at Manpower. He has worked in consultancy since 1999 with clients
including Hewlett Packard, Google, Barclays and Rio Tinto, for whom he delivered executive
learning in over 20 countries. He has also worked extensively with the NHS. He is currently
chairman Blackswan Group.
Professor Lawrence Bellamy dean of the faculty of business, law & tourism, University of
Sunderland, said: “We are delighted to appoint Dr Maurice Duffy as a visiting professor of
innovation and entrepreneurship. Not only does Maurice have a distinguished international
career with an exceptional reputation within his field for supporting high-profile companies
and individuals alike but he has also been invaluable in contributing to our executive
programmes with his fantastic insights and challenging sessions. Maurice is a great asset to
us and this recognition of his excellence and tireless support for our work is truly deserved.”
Maurice will next be speaking in Newcastle on 18 September at ‘Step Forward – Elite
Mindset Performance’, chaired by his wife, Karen Lee. Speakers include MP Lia Nandy, Rob
Elliot, goalkeeper for Newcastle United, Olympic champion swimmer, Chris Cook and former
Newcastle player, Mike Williamson.
