


Elesa Zehndorfer PhD

After earning my PhD in a leadership & sports-related area (from Loughborough University) in 2006, I lectured for many years across business degrees at leading academic institutions while engaged as a VP/General Secretary of a global sports federation. I remain active as a Personal Trainer, Pilates & sports coach. I am also a Managing Partner at Lakeside Partners GmbH, an eMBA lecturer, a Research Fellow & an award-winning writer. My seventh book, Post-Truth Politics: A Brave New World? (published by Taylor & Francis) is out February 2025, and I manage the Psychology Today blog Political Animals & Animal Spirits.
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I specialise in two distinct but deeply inter-related areas: leadership & exercise physiology/fitness. Why? The answer is...performance. Concepts like burnout, resilience, mental focus & efficiency are all deeply rooted in our ability to maximise our evolutionary physiological resources, while orthodox leadership theory unlocks a deep understanding of self-leadership & team dynamics. To combine the two fields is greatly empowering.
Consider, for example, that we humans are primates (great apes, in fact), vulnerable to even small changes in our environment. If we breathe more polluted air, we are more likely to develop anxiety & depression. If we see fake news that upsets us, the limbic area of our brain takes over, and we become less able to be critical in our response. If our local sports team wins, the incumbent political party is more likely to win elections in the days that follow. I've written books covering all of these concepts, which you can check out here. Ultimately, combining orthodox leadership theories with physiological science holds incredible additive value.
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Leadership Lecturer & Consulting
After earning a leadership-focused PhD in 2006 from Loughborough University, I lectured for many years across business & research methods courses at leading universities. I am currently a visiting lecturer (leadership) and Research Fellow for the TEE executive MBA.
If you are interested in leadership coaching for your team or organisation, contact me for more information.

Burnout
I specialise in wellness & burnout, combining physiological science with leadership theories to identify origins of burnout in your or your team.
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If you are interested in personal coaching, team workshops or 1-day training events for your company, please contact me for more information.

Wellness & Fitness
I first qualitied as a Personal Trainer and aerobics instructor 30 years ago. I also have a Masters degree in Exercise & Health and I am First Aid qualified.
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Interested in PT or wellness workshops for your company? Please contact me for more information.

Books & Writing
I am a multi-award winning writer. My seventh (leadership-themed) book, Post-Truth Politics: A Brave New World? will be published by global academic publisher Taylor & Francis in February 2025.
My debut novel (a political thriller) was released in 2022 by Blackheath Publishing. I have also written book chapters and academic journal articles. Two of my books were Amazon Hot New Releases.​
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