Share Your Story of Rising Up at Work

Have you ever taken a stand or challenged the status quo in your workplace—not because of your position, but because something within you said, “This matters”?
If so, your story can help us understand what moves people to act with courage, conviction, and self-awareness.

About the Research

I am conducting a 2025 qualitative research project on how individuals respond  to challenges in their workplace and what encourages them to step into leadership roles, formally or informally.
This study explores the stories of people who:
– Felt emotionally triggered by an event or injustice at work
– Took initiative or responsibility without being asked
– Willing to reflect deeply on their decision to act

Who I’m Looking For

– individuals from any industry or role
– Individuals who consider themselves reflective and self-aware
– People with a story about taking a stand in response to a workplace challenge

What to Expect

-Fill in a pre-interview questionnaire

-Complete an Informed Consent form

-Participate at your convenience in a 45–60 minute confidential interview (via Zoom)
-Your story and all your information will be anonymized and treated with full confidentiality
– A chance to contribute to research on leadership, emotion, agency, identity, and values in the workplace

How to Participate

If you’re interested in participating or learning more, please fill out this short form:     [Insert Link to Participation Form] Form 

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute.

Know someone who fits this description? Please share this with them!

Thanks

Seymour Hersh

shersh@fielding.edu

Doctoral Candidate

Fielding Graduate University-Department of Leadership Development