James Van Auken will present "Bringing Mindfulness into Your Leadership Practice: Tips, Tools, and Take-Aways" at PDC 2019: Convergence.
About the Presentation
Mindfulness has been shown in numerous studies to be a valuable means of reducing stress, increasing emotional intelligent, and diminishing workplace burnout; however, few studies address the value of mindfulness in leadership. This presentation will introduce participants to new research findings on mindful leadership practices, compare them with existing leadership models, and provide simple and effective take-away tools for bringing mindfulness into your leadership roles and responsibilities.
James Van Auken, PhD, MBA, MA, BA
Vice President of Academic Affairs, Atlantic University
As the Vice President of Academic Affairs for Atlantic University, James Van Auken has the privilege to work for a university that is steeped in history and culture. As a leader, he is intricately intertwined with the university faculty, administrative staff, and students. Within this role as chief academic officer, James provides overall leadership and management regarding accreditation, post-secondary education matters, as well as long-term planning for the university. While maintaining the highest level of knowledge of academic affairs for the university, James is also an integral part of the Association for Research and Enlightenment where he serves as a member of the President and CEO’s senior staff.
James is a faculty member at Atlantic University, Christopher Newport University, and the Cayce/Reilly School of Massage where he teaches courses and workshops on meditation, mindfulness, and leadership. In addition to his administrative and teaching roles, James was the coordinator of a team of faculty who together created the curriculum of what would become the Mindful Leadership graduate program. He continues to serve as Chair of the Mindful Leadership committee, as well as other university focused academic committees.
James has PhD in Leadership and Change and focused his research on leaders who practice mindfulness. As part of this research, James interviewed leaders across multiple industries to hear and understand the stories and lived experiences of those who are practicing mindfulness as part of their leadership. James has also studied Religious Studies at American Public University (BA), Business Administration at Saint Leo University (MBA), and Leadership and Change at Antioch University (MA).