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CENTRE FOR HUMAN & EMOTIONAL LEADERSHIP - CHEL

The Centre for Human and Emotional Leadership (CHEL) is a forward-looking initiative of EFMD, established with seed funding support from China Europe International Business School (CEIBS). Dedicated to advancing excellence in management and leadership development worldwide, CHEL champions a more human-centred approach to leadership, one that recognises the critical role of emotional intelligence, empathy and human connection in navigating today’s complex challenges.

Through research, thought leadership, case studies and collaborative initiatives, CHEL seeks to advance understanding and practice of human and emotional leadership, helping organisations and leaders create meaningful and lasting impact.

CHEL honours the legacy of Gerard “Ray” van Schaik, a visionary leader whose contributions to management education, entrepreneurship and international cooperation inspire the Centre’s work. His belief in the power of business to foster understanding across cultures remains central to CHEL’s mission of strengthening dialogue, collaboration and mutual learning between China, Europe and the wider global community.

'Whatever the financial resources available – there will be very little innovation if we fail to build organisational structures in which there is ample space and freedom for the individual to use his or her imagination to create, to experiment and to sometimes fail.’ 

 - Gerard van Schaik - 

Key Initiatives of CHEL

Global Guide to Management Education

Designed with contributions and insights from business school leaders, the guide offers a country and region-based perspective on management education. It examines environmental, structural, and developmental dimensions of the field, providing a comparative framework that supports informed dialogue and mutual understanding among institutions and stakeholders.

The guide will initially cover the areas most represented within the EFMD network, with additional countries added progressively over time.

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Management Insights:
Lessons from Business Schools
In collaboration with the Financial Times

Financial times logo

Developed in collaboration with the Financial Times. The series focuses on translating high-quality academic research into accessible, actionable insights for decision-makers and practitioners. Through a dedicated programme of articles and media content hosted on FT.com, the initiative showcases contemporary thinking from business schools and enhances the visibility, relevance, and practical value of academic research within and beyond the EFMD network. 

1st Edition of the Special Report: How to lead when rulebooks no longer apply can be accessed here

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China-Europe Human Leadership Case Prize

An annual award recognising innovative case studies that exemplify cross-cultural leadership excellence and bridge diverse business practices.

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Diversity, Responsibility and Sustainability Case Prize

An annual award recognising outstanding cases contributing to advancing more ethical, responsible and sustainable management practices.

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CHEL SPONSORS

opportunities for contributions to CHEL

CHEL invites premier educational institutions and organisations to join this transformative journey by becoming sponsors and partners.

  • Support the development and implementation of CHEL’s key initiatives

  • Amplify your institution’s visibility and influence within the global management education community

  • Strengthen your alignment with the values of human leadership, corporate relevance, and international collaboration

Interested to contribute?

Contact us