Rafael Wilms
Assistant Professor of Leadership
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
About me
I am an Assistant Professor of Leadership at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where I study how leaders inspire, influence, and mobilise others. My research focuses on charismatic leadership, signaling, and leader perception, and has been published in leading academic journals such as The Leadership Quarterly.
Alongside my academic work, I work with organizations as a trainer, consultant, and keynote speaker. I translate rigorous research into practical insights, helping leaders communicate more effectively, build credibility, and create impact. My sessions combine evidence-based frameworks with engaging delivery, making complex leadership concepts accessible and actionable.
I teach across undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs, including the Executive MBA, where I cover topics such as leadership, organizational change, and influence. Across my work, I focus on one central question: what makes people follow—and how can leaders use that knowledge responsibly and effectively?