Sumona De Graaf

Dr. Sumona De Graaf focuses on the intricate dynamics of organizational leadership and talent development as a part-time clinical assistant professor in the Industrial-Organizational Master's Program at the Psychology University of Georgia. With a robust background in psychology, she brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as the global head of career development at Bloomberg LP. This role honed her skills in coaching and developing leaders, managing assessments, and crafting innovative talent and organizational development solutions. Dr. De Graaf's academic journey began with a B.S. in Psychology from Lehigh University, where she developed a foundational understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics. She further advanced her expertise by earning a Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from George Washington University, where her research delved into the complexities of workplace behavior and leadership efficacy. Her research interests lie at the intersection of talent development and organizational leadership, where she explores strategies to enhance leadership capabilities and foster environments conducive to growth and innovation. Dr. De Graaf is particularly passionate about developing frameworks that not only identify but also nurture potential leaders within organizations, ensuring sustainable success and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. In her teaching, Dr. De Graaf emphasizes the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, encouraging her students to think critically and innovatively about the challenges faced by modern organizations. Her courses are designed to equip future leaders with the tools necessary to navigate and influence the evolving landscape of work. Beyond academia, Dr. De Graaf is actively involved in consulting, where she applies her expertise to help organizations optimize their talent management strategies. Her work has been instrumental in shaping leadership development programs that align with organizational goals and drive performance. Dr. De Graaf's contributions to the field of industrial-organizational psychology are marked by her commitment to bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring that her insights have a tangible impact on the organizations and individuals she works with.