Ilze is a Professor of Leadership & Management at Hult Ashridge Executive Education, specialising in the practical realities of leadership, teamwork, change and strategy execution. She works with leaders at all levels to help them step into their role with clarity, confidence and genuine ownership.

She has designed and led a wide range of leadership and management programmes, including Leading Culture Change, the Management Development Programme, the Executive MBA, the Executive Masters in Leadership & Management and Level 7 Degree Apprenticeships. Ilze partners with organisations across corporate, public and not-for-profit sectors, including BP, Coca-Cola Hellenic, Lufthansa, MunichRe, Grundfos, the UK Civil Service and many others.

Her work draws on a career shaped by transformation. Originally trained as a Chiropractor in South Africa and the US, she later shifted her focus to business and leadership, completing an MBA with distinction and a Doctorate in Business Administration. Her research on what leaders can learn from people living through transformation received the award for Best Thesis of the Year.

Ilze brings theory to life in a practical, grounded way. Her facilitation style is stretching but supportive, helping leaders connect with their own courage, self-awareness and integrity. She is passionate about making complex concepts accessible and enabling people to take ownership of the positive change they want to create.