Martin Leahy

Martin Leahy is a Professor at The Chicago School, affiliated with the IO/Business Psychology, Organization Leadership, and Behavioral Economics departments. His work bridges organizational development, leadership coaching, and Gestalt psychotherapy, with over 30 years of experience consulting Fortune 500 companies and teaching qualitative research methods to PhD students since 2003.

• Education: PhD in Human & Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University, MA in Human Development from Fielding Graduate University, BA in Philosophy from University of New Orleans, and postgraduate training in Gestalt Psychotherapy from Gestalt Therapy Institute of Philadelphia.

Leahy’s research focuses on dialogical approaches to leadership and organizational development, integrating Buberian and Freirean dialogue theory with Gestalt psychotherapy. He pioneered the use of qualitative research methodologies in workplace contexts and has contributed extensively to action research, emphasizing participatory practices for social justice and community development.

His recent publications explore gender performativity in leadership, transformative learning through arts and culture, and innovative applications of action research in organizational settings. Leahy advocates for relational methodologies that prioritize collaborative inquiry over hierarchical models.

As an educator, he has supervised doctoral dissertations and taught qualitative research methods to PhD candidates. His professional memberships include the Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy, International Leadership Association, and Academy of Management.