Dr. Réka Anna Lassu
Hello!
I'm Dr. Réka Anna Lassu, an Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior at Pepperdine University's Seaver College in Malibu, California.
Research: My research interests include supervisor-employee dynamics and wellbeing at work. To me, the most meaningful part of scholarship is collaborating with companies on projects that both enhance organizational effectiveness and advance management science. My team and I have provided insight to partner organizations in the healthcare, nonprofit, and public services industries, and have presented the findings at international conferences of the Academy of Management and the Society of Industrial & Organizational Psychology. I have also published my research in peer-reviewed business journals such as the Journal of Management Inquiry.
Teaching: My favorite part of teaching is mentoring students to discover their strengths & career passion. I have taught since 2012 in a business school, first at California State University, Chico, then the University of Central Florida, and now at Pepperdine University. All students have a valuable, unique perspective, so I seek to create an inclusive environment where everyone can share their thoughts, while actively learning from science-based research and experiential activities.
Collaborating: To inform my research & teaching, I draw on a variety of experiences outside academia. I was the manager of a purposeful travel leadership development program, a TEDx organizing team member, and the fundraising coordinator for a nonprofit. As a professional development coach, I advised small business owners on their brand’s communication strategy and worked with individuals on skills such as presentation design & public speaking. As a speaker, I delivered workshops on topics such as cultural sensitivity in business and creative communication.
Education: I received my Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida, MS in Business Administration from Virginia Tech, MS in Communication from the University of Lugano in Switzerland, and BA in Psychology from California State University, Chico.
Personal: My faith is an integral part of who I am as a scholar and teacher and I see developing ethical business leaders as my calling. I speak English, Hungarian, and a little Italian. When I'm not working, you can find me playing volleyball, checking out art exhibits, and traveling. Fun fact: I am a "retired" college pole-vaulter.