My research into Compassion as an Operating System for Human Flourishing puts forth a bold assertion that the world does not need another leadership theory, but needs an upgraded operating system rooted in compassion. My doctoral project reframes how leaders engage with human suffering and systemic change. Drawing on neuroscience, compassion science and wisdom literature, the Compassion Operating System (COS) model serves as a core mechanism that amplifies leader's existing healthy leadership styles and provides a transformative path to foster human flourishing. This research tackles contemporary challenges such as AI disruption, worldview shifts, and social fragmentation. Bridging emerging models of compassionate leadership with real-world change practices,this work is theologically grounded, research-driven and action oriented. Dr. Gates ground-breaking training equips leaders across sectors to respond with wisdom, empathy and purpose while acting in the best interest of other people and promoting human flourishing in a complex and chaotic world.
keywords
Compassion; Human Flourishing; Transformative Leadership; Empathy; Compassion Science
Teaching
courses taught
BUSM 3031 - Business Leadership
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2026
This course is about leaders, leading and you. It is designed to help you think broadly about leadership and prepare you for leadership positions in a variety of careers. The course introduces management theories and how to apply them in the real world. We also engage in conversations about how generation shifts, technology changes, and recent economic and political trends influence the workplace. To translate theoretical concepts into practice, we use a mix of learning activities to ultimately provide useful guidelines for how best to lead throughout your career.
INBU 3300 - International Business and Management
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2026
This survey course takes a broad and comprehensive perspective on managing and operating in a rapidly growing global economy. Explores regional and national approaches to international management, including trade practices, country penetration strategies, international finance and accounting, marketing across cultures, global service and manufacturing operations, cultural and legal differences, ethical and sustainability issues and global competitive strategy. Degree credit not granted for this course and INBU 3500.
MBAC 6003 - Foundations of Leadership
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2026
Focuses on leadership theories and concepts, including individual and organizational elements in different leadership situations. Explores leadership principles, values, and ethical boundaries, why leaders lose their way and how to avoid derailment. Engages students in developing a leadership brand.
MBAX 6565 - Inclusive Leadership
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
This course focuses on how to lead to increase inclusion and maximize the benefits that diversity can bring. Women and minorities comprise only 25% and 27% of executives, respectively. Only 5% of CEOs are women. Thirteen percent of the population � but fewer than 1% of Fortune 500 CEOs � are Black. The data show irrefutable evidence that diversity increases innovation, market share, return on assets, and stock prices.
ORGN 3030 - Critical Leadership Skills
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Provides an opportunity to learn about leadership as a process of influence within groups and organizations, and engage in hands-on, applied practice of key leadership skills. These skills include self-leadership, social influence, decision-making and ethical dilemmas, motivation and role design, conflict management and relationship-building, crisis leadership and resilience, diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations, and leading effective teams. Objectives include exploring major approaches to leadership, including trait, behavioral, and follower-centered perspectives, and applying them to contemporary challenges.
ORGN 4010 - Redefining the Employee-Employer Relationship
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Explores developments in such areas as employee relations law and procedures, employee and employer rights, worker involvement programs, environmental safety and health, and the effects of technology on emerging organization forms. Formerly MGMT 4010.
ORGN 4040 - Individual, Team, and Organizational Development
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2026
Explores how to determine where an organization needs to focus its development efforts, how to develop and deliver an effective training program, and how to evaluate the impact of development programs on organizational effectiveness. Explores individual, team, and organization-wide development, including such topics as skills training, team building, and managing change. Formerly MGMT 4040.
