On occasion of the 21st International Studying Leadership Conference (ISLC), our brilliant supervisor Pernille encouraged us to share the findings of our Master’s Thesis addressing the wellbeing of young newcomers.

Our presentation was part of a broader conversation on the connection between wellbeing, adaptive leadership, and music. In an open panel discussion with Andreas Vetö, we explored the connection between music and wellbeing in organisations and society more broadly. We also explored how the arts can be a lens for understanding adaptive leadership. Some of the most important takeaways related to the importance of leadership presence, of psychological safety, and of listening.

The audience’s engagement and contribution were essential to the event. Eric Guthey, organiser of the ISLC, pointed out how the challenge of well-being might be understood as one of well-relating. Particularly for the young generation, meaningful human connection in response to increasing pressure and performance expectations.

Music played by a string quartet from the Danish Chamber Orchestra complimented the presentations and discussion, lending the participants and panelists space to breath and moments for reflection. The event sparked conversation about future research on the activities with and around music holding potential to transform our organisations for the improvement of wellbeing.

// Francesca and Lea