The PhD Advantage: How Consultants Can Lead with Research and Practice

3 Sept 2025 | 15:00 – 16:00  CET | Live Virtual Panel Discussion

This AIPMO LinkedIn Live panel brings together distinguished directors and partners from leading consulting firms who have advanced their careers by pursuing a PhD or DBA. Each panelist will share their personal journey—from consultant to doctoral researcher to senior leadership—highlighting how advanced knowledge and research can be translated into measurable impact and organizational success.

Objectives of this LinkedIn Live Session
1. Promote awareness of postgraduate and PhD opportunities in project management
▪ Show consultants and professionals that advanced academic study is not just theoretical, but highly relevant to consulting practice.
2. Highlight the career benefits for consultants
▪ Demonstrate how a PhD or postgraduate degree provides credibility, differentiation in the market, and the ability to engage at board level.
3. Bridge consulting practice and academic research
▪ Share real experiences of how research insights strengthen consulting delivery, frameworks, and client impact.
4. Encourage aspiring and experienced consultants to consider doctoral studies
▪ Position the PhD as an investment in long-term career growth, thought leadership, and professional authority.
5. Showcase role models and success stories
▪ Provide practical examples from partners, directors, and consultants who have pursued or are pursuing doctoral studies, inspiring others to follow.

Agenda

Welcome & Introduction
▪ Welcome attendees to the session
▪ Explain the purpose: to highlight how doctoral journeys shape consulting careers and leadership impact
▪ Overview of the session structure
▪ Introduce the panel of distinguished consulting leaders

Why Pursue a Doctorate as a Consultant
▪ The turning point in choosing a PhD/DBA while already successful in consulting
▪ How doctoral research reshapes professional identity and leadership
▪ The growing relevance of research-informed expertise in consulting

Challenges & Learnings
▪ Balancing doctoral research with senior leadership roles
▪ Overcoming the biggest challenges faced during doctoral studies
▪ Lessons learned from navigating academia and consulting simultaneously

Impact & Value
▪ How doctoral research enhances credibility with clients and organizations
▪ Translating advanced knowledge into measurable consulting impact
▪ Competences and ways of thinking that doctoral research brings into practice

Advice & Future Outlook
▪ Guidance for consultants and directors considering a PhD/DBA
▪ How doctoral studies open new opportunities for leadership and contribution
▪ The future of research-driven consulting

Live Audience Q&A
▪ Interactive dialogue with attendees
▪ Panelists address audience questions and share perspectives

Closing Remarks & Key Takeaways
▪ Recap of the main insights and stories of impact
▪ Inspiring message for aspiring doctoral candidates in consulting
▪ Next steps and resources to explore further

Moderator

Nancy Nouaimeh, Head of IPMO Consulting

Panelists

Dr. Robert Joslin, Founder of AIPMO and Associate Professor at Alma Mater Europaea

Dr. Amin Saidoun, Founder ASAICO, formerly consultant with Grant Thornton Germany (Düsseldorf)

Dr. Mohamed Kheir Dimachkie, Director, KPMG Saudi Arabia

Dr. Mohamad Boukhari, Director, PwC Middle East

Dr. Suvi Hirvonen-Ere, Global Advisory Board Member

REGISTER HERE