Gerard Egan

Gerard Egan is Emeritus Professor at Loyola University Chicago and best-selling author.

Having started out in 1968 teaching Philosophy at Loyola he later moved on to become the Professor of Organisation Studies and Psychology. There he developed a groundbreaking counselling programme for students that stood out as a shining example of putting theory into practice. Graduates of his programme were equipped not only with the theoretical framework for counselling but also had to demonstrate their ability to work with clients and show their empathy, a radical departure from the majority of degrees that required theoretical knowledge only. Practice of helping skills in small groups has always been at the heart of his training programs.

Gerry has published over 15 books in the fields of both psychology and business. In 1973 he published his seminal work, The Skilled Helper, which has become one of the most widely used counselling texts in the world. May 2018 saw the publication of the 11th edition, a testament to its enduring contribution to the body of counselling knowledge, sitting alongside the likes of Carl Rogers and Albert Ellis.

Having enjoyed decades of success as a teacher and author, Gerry attributes that success to a consistent focus on the basics. While many experts take basics for granted, Gerry knows the power of keeping them central to your work, to do otherwise is to risk losing yourself in complexity and sacrificing effectiveness.

He has brought these same principles to bear in the field of business and organisation management where he helps teams to function effectively and businesses to thrive with inspired leadership. He has developed four management frameworks, each a set of basics in various areas of management and consulting. Framework A focuses on the basics of designing, running, and taking the pulse of any enterprise. Framework B outlines the model, methods, and skills needed to engage in problem solving, innovation, and change. Framework C deals with effective relationship building and communication. Finally, Framework D explores the "shadow side" of organizations.

With well over half a century of experience in helping people to meet their challenges, whether personal, psychological, business or leadership, Gerry has an incredible wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom to bring to his teaching.

Busier than ever, Gerry is a member of the Achology faculty, a business and leadership consultant and passionate about social entrepreneurship. Wherever he is working, Gerry brings his unique set of helping skills, the “power of basics” and a belief that, “there is always a better way!”