Research

Lenz is committed to research-driven, contextually aware insights and the exploration of key topics relevant to his consulting practice. The guiding themes of his research center on human and organizational performance, community-driven development, and institutional capacity development. The intellectual enrichment and depth he brings to his work is the difference maker.   

Relying on an academic foundation that's uniquely diverse, Lenz is able to view human performance, organizational systems, and urban environments with a multi-faceted perspective that's both practical and deeply analytical. In a world that increasingly values interdisciplinary thinking, he's uniquely positioned to ask questions, offer ideas, and propose directions that others may never see. 

Current Areas of Focus

• Human and Institutional Capacity Strengthening; higher education

Exploring to what extent a comprehensive analysis of organizational performance can lead to sustainable, organizations in various contexts. Includes comparative analysis of workforce & capacity development, and the unique role of higher education institutions in the matter.          

• Organizational & Community Resilience 

Entails a larger focus on sustainable systems and to what extent synergies can be drawn between organizations and the communities in which they operate. While primarily focused on urban environments , the focus also encompasses suburban, peri-urban, and rural environments, respectively. 

• Partnerships in pursuit of sustainable development & regeneration 

Focuses on approaches to creating inter-organizational alliances & partnerships in pursuit of shared objectives, while stopping short of the mergers & acquisitions space. While still incorporating community particpation & engagement, more emphasis is on relationships between organizations.     

Key Questions & Explorations

• What best practices exist for knowledge sharing between institutions in pursuit of capacity strengthening?

• What role should higher education institutions play in workforce development, domestically and internationally?

• How can organizations & communities more effectively partner in pursuit of shared objectives? 

Emerging Insights 

Organizations and the communities in which they are situated have the potential to establish and pursue shared objectives. In doing so, they're able to shift from a continuum of co-existence on one end to co-creation on the other. Doing this work well will mean adapting current frameworks and systems approaches, allowing stakeholders to work together more effectively. It will also entail navigating organizational & community realities, creating synergy towards mutually agreed upon outcomes. 

Connect & Collaborate

Curious about how his global research expertise can support your goals?

If you share similar interests, have research ideas, or want to discuss potential collaboration, reach out.