Ralf Wetzel

Ralf Wetzel is passionate about societal and organisational dynamics, and about organisational and individual bliss. By combining Applied Arts with organisation theory, Ralf explores the territory behind the trodden paths of management science. He strives for a new and more intelligent way of running organisations. He inspires and prepares companies and managers for high-speed and high-quality decision-making in times of volatility – and helps them to discover new routes to joy, relief, resilience and impact. 

In his research, teaching and coaching, Ralf uses different art forms – such as improvisation principles, theatre play, movement and dance, surreal painting and clowning – to help leaders and organisations safely and playfully understand themselves so they can embrace transformational change. As well as his academic writing, he loves to turn research results into art-based forms like fiction that’s accessible for non-academic readers. 

At Vlerick, Ralf teaches mostly on our customised programmes and on the Executive MBA. Before joining the school, he built extensive work experience in management and organisation research as the head of a joint research and consulting group. 

Who am I?

• Associate Professor at Vlerick Business School
• Doctor in Business Administration at Technische Universität Chemnitz, Germany
• Certified Leadership & Professional Development Coach at Tavistock Institute London, UK 
• Certified Applied Improvisation Practitioner at the Applied Improvisation Network
• Co-founder at Global Play Brigade, USA
• Founding board member at Institute of Performative Inquiry, Belgium
• Leadership wizard for applied arts at World of Insights, Finland