Dr Christa Sathish
Researching Organizational Culture & Change
particularly in the Higher Education Sector
"Every Little Action Counts"
I am a Lecturer in Management and Marketing at the University of Westminster. My research focuses on organizational culture and change in particular in the university sector. I am driven by curiosity and a lifelong commitment to societal change, which has shaped my career since 2001. I began as a scientist in pharmaceutical R&D, moved into global development as a project coordinator for a United Nations Institute for Training and Research CIFAL office, and worked as an international educator in South India. My academic education focused on business and management, but I completed my PhD in Media practices. These experiences across science, policy, and education have grounded my focus on organizational culture and change, understanding how systems shift not just in theory, but through lived practice. My research is both theoretical and empirical but always led by a dedication to ‘doing’. I like taking my time to reflect, write, and turn knowledge into a tangible, meaningful impact.
My ethos is reflected in my research, teaching, and leadership. As co-founder of Positive Academia CIC and a lead team member of the CYGNA Women in Academia Network, my motivation is grounded in deep care for people, relationships, and the common good of society. In my work, I try to break down the rigid structures of academia by fostering what I call ‘flatter universities’ – spaces that are more humane, relational, reflexive, equal, and inclusive. My efforts focus on the intersection of personal, professional, and societal meaning, where I believe the most enduring change happens. Whether through publications, teaching and learning guides, blog posts, white papers, student co-creation projects, mentoring, or reflective initiatives like Every Little Action Counts or The Fables of the Academia, I am committed to change-making from within – reimagining academic landscapes as spaces where care is visible, reflexivity prevails, leadership is shared, and transformation is both possible and practiced through small and big actions every day.
ORCID: 0000-0001-9182-9559
About Christa Sathish
All about my career journey since 2004
Cultivating and crafting Positive Academia
Useful resources, material and further information about our Positive Academia endeavour.
The Fables of the Academic Zoo
For me, Positive Academia is a personal and professional mission that resonates deeply with my journey as a scientist and academic. Having navigated the challenges of scientific research and business studies in academia, I have experienced and witnessed the pressures that academics—i.e., researchers and teachers—face. I believe in fostering a supportive environment where the individual scholar comes first, allowing them to thrive personally and professionally.
Every Little Action Counts Campaign
Academia often feels like a place of immense pressure, competition, and isolation, but I see it as an opportunity to foster a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment. This campaign is my way of reimagining what academia can be—a space where every voice matters, every action has value, and every individual feels seen and heard.
Teaching for positive impact
All about how I create positive impact with my teaching. Three guides!
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion
Posts on EDI in academia
Social media & Wellbeing of academics
Posts on social media and wellbeing of academics.
Chromaleon - Students as Co-Creators Project
Our project applies reflective blogging as a transformative tool to achieve these goals. By putting students at the heart of the design, execution, and evaluation process, this initiative illuminates the value of reflective practices for diverse student populations in higher education.