Matt Offord

Dr. Matt Offord is a Senior Lecturer in Experiential Leadership Education within the Management department at the University of Glasgow's Adam Smith Business School. As Associate Director for Learning and Teaching (Scholarship of Learning and Teaching), he leads initiatives in educational innovation and mentors teaching-focused academics. His unique background as a former naval officer with nearly 30 years of service informs his practical approach to leadership education.

Offord's research centers on experiential learning methodologies, particularly ecopedagogy, outdoor learning, and educational escape rooms. Drawing inspiration from John Dewey's educational philosophy, he creates learning experiences that develop critical reflection about leadership through unconventional settings and simulations. His work bridges theory and practice with a focus on 'wide awake' consciousness in leadership development.

His extensive publication record shows a clear trajectory toward innovative educational approaches, with recent work emphasizing ecopedagogy, AI integration in business education, and sustainable leadership practices. Offord has published in journals including Postdigital Science and Education, Open Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and Palgrave Communications.

• Shortlisted for Best Innovation Strategy Award (Association of MBAs and Business Graduates, 2024)
• Shortlisted for Innovation in Business Education Award (QS Reimagine Education, 2023)
• Distinction in MSc (Digital Education) (University of Edinburgh, 2023)
• Distinction in Post Graduate Certificate of Academic Practice (University of Glasgow, 2021)
• Aspect Innovation Fellow (2023)
• Senior Fellow of Recognising Excellence in Teaching (RET)
• Certified Management and Business Educator (CMBE)

Offord actively mentors early career academics and PhD students while leading the School's academic efforts in Technology Enhanced Learning and Teaching (TELT) and AI. His current supervision focuses on paradoxical leadership, post-heroic leadership, emotional regulation, and leadership expectations. Significant grant funding supports his work, including the Knowledge Exchange Innovation Fund 2025 (£36,000) for educational escape rooms in maritime DEI training and the Chancellor's Fund 2023-2025 for ecopedagogy teaching projects.

His teaching practice spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education levels, with expertise in experiential learning through practical ecopedagogy, outdoor learning, serious games, and simulations. Offord has developed educational escape rooms for business education and maritime leadership training, demonstrating his commitment to innovative pedagogical approaches that connect classroom learning with real-world challenges.