Member Spotlight: Rob Kaiser

Name
Rob Kaiser

Position/Employer
President, Kaiser Leadership Solutions

How long have you been a SIOP member?
I joined as a student in 1994 and have been a Fellow since 2019.

What roles have you had within SIOP?
I was a programming committee member for two LECs, a judge for Hogan Award (4 years), and  SIOP Annual Conference reviewer (too many times to count).

Interest area(s)
Leadership, assessment, coaching, team development

What sparked your interest in I-O psychology?
I’ve always been fascinated by people and have been gainfully employed since 12-years-old—put the two together, and you have I-O psych!

What role do you see I-O psychology playing in the future of work?
I-O psychology is the science of human behavior at work. As the world of work becomes increasingly technologically oriented, the people side of the equation will be increasingly important.

Which of the Top 10 Work Trends for 2023 do you most strongly relate to and how can I-O psychology practitioners, educators, and students impact this trend?
Leadership development and coaching (Trend #9). I-Os can help by providing evidence-based practices to counter the deluge of fads, fashion, and folderol that plague the leadership industry.

What advice would you give to students or early practitioners?
Follow your nose and build a great network; that is, pursue your interests and connect with others who are working in that area, and have a distinct preference for others who are energizing, inspiring, and rewarding to collaborate with.

What is one of your favorite SIOP Annual Conference memories/highlights?
I have “chaired” the late-night bar sessions for several years running. Although it isn't on the program, it's always a highlight!

Please share one non-I-O-related bit of information about yourself.
I'm nuts about competitive sports and love to see big talents perform; even more, I live to see great competition.

Is there anything you would like to add?
I got lucky: I discovered a field early in my studies, and it continues to fascinate and enthrall me. Hard to imagine I've been doing this for 30+ years; time flies when you are having fun.

Editor’s Note: Rob Kaiser will join Chia-Lin Ho Nov. 8 to present Measuring the Impact of Leadership Development, the next session of the SIOP Work Smart Series.

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