Alumni Book Nook: Dr. Darcia Ann Marie Roache (GPSC’18, PhD’23)

University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Dr. Darcia Ann Marie Roache was inspired to write her edited book, Volume 2 - Transformational Leadership Styles for Global Leaders: Management and Communication Strategies, because of her work experiences in public- and private-sector organizations. Released in August 2023, it is Roache’s second book to be published by the international academic publisher IGI Global and has been indexed in Scopus.

Roache, who is originally from Jamaica, came to USask in 2017 to pursue her PhD in educational administration in the College of Education, after earning a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Phoenix in 2014 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Nova Southeastern University in Florida in 2005.

Since earning her PhD at USask in 2023, Roache has moved to British Columbia and is working as a university lecturer. Her first edited book (Volume 1), titled Transformational Leadership Styles, Management Strategies, and Communication for Global Leaders, has also been indexed in Scopus. She is now working on her third book, Ethical Quandaries in Business Practices: Exploring Morality and Social Responsibility, and recently had another book proposal accepted by Springer Nature Publishing.

Roache dedicates the first book to empower all those who motivate, transform, lead, and guide others globally. Roache dedicates the second book to “all those who believe in themselves but are sometimes bewildered by what others say and think.” She says, “I stand as a testimony and testament in your support and encourage (you). Believe in yourself when no one else does, and mentor, coach, support, and encourage others to achieve success.” That, she believes, is the epitome of transformational leadership, management strategies, and communication for global leaders.

The impact of transformational leadership styles, management strategies, and communication for organizational effectiveness and employee performance within organizations cannot be overemphasized. Leadership as a concept has evolved over the years based on situations, practices, and change management approaches in organizations. The evolution of transformational leadership in organizations is imperative to examine, motivate, and encourage others to collectively support and work to achieve organizational effectiveness or vision and mission. Leadership needs a paradigm shift to influence opportunities and challenges in organizations such as organizational behaviour, motivation, communication, and management functions.

Transformational Leadership Styles, Management Strategies, and Communication for Global Leaders aims to provide relevant theoretical, conceptual/procedural, and the latest empirical research findings and frameworks that critically examine the areas of leadership, leadership styles, management studies, and communication for leaders globally. The book is designed for multi-sectoral interests in business, and educational organizations, chief executive officers, executive members, team leaders, industry leaders, human resource directors/personnel, leadership and management leaders, and practitioners.

This book aspires to provide readers with relevant theoretical frameworks, conceptual insights, procedural guidelines, and the latest empirical research findings in the realm of leadership, leadership styles, management studies, and communication. Whether you are a seasoned professional, an aspiring organizational leader, or a practitioner seeking to enhance your understanding of leadership roles, styles, management practices, principles, and communication strategies, this book aims to equip you with valuable knowledge to drive positive change in your sphere of influence. A diverse range of topics that cover essential aspects of leadership—including the theories of leadership and communication, the impact of transformational leadership styles, leadership and relationship building, emotional intelligence, change management, leadership for longevity and sustainability, team dynamics, performance management, motivational theories, social justice, and much more—are carefully curated. The contents presented in the book inspire new ideas, challenge existing beliefs, and stimulate constructive discussions among readers from various sectors, such as business, education, and beyond.

My inspiration came from my rich and diverse work experiences in public and private sector organizations as a director of administration and chief executive officer; in education, as a university lecturer; and my academic achievements, a PhD and a DBA. My interactions with people across various sectors have dictated my edited book, Transformational Leadership Styles, Management Strategies, and Communication for Global Leaders. I possess a wealth of insights and expertise that serve as a solid foundation for this compelling edited book.

My journey through different leadership roles has provided me with firsthand experience in navigating the complexities of leadership styles, effective communication, organizational management, strategic decision-making, and interpersonal dynamics. As a director of administration and CEO (acted), I have encountered a myriad of challenges and opportunities, honing my leadership skills and developing a nuanced understanding of organizational dynamics.

As a university lecturer, the opportunity to engage with students from diverse backgrounds, imparting knowledge, and fostering critical-thinking skills has equipped my management and communication strategies. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of educational pedagogy, but also provided me with valuable insights into the learning process and the importance of effective communication and mentorship. Moreover, my academic pursuits, culminating in a PhD and a DBA, demonstrate my dedication to scholarly inquiry and commitment to advancing knowledge. My research endeavours have explored topics relevant to educational leadership, organizational leadership, management theory, and human behaviour. (This) theoretical framework complements my practical experiences.

Combining my professional experiences with my academic expertise, the edited book has the potential to offer a unique perspective on leadership, management, communication, and interpersonal relationships in various organizational settings. One can draw upon real-life examples, case studies, and personal anecdotes to illustrate key concepts and insights, making the book both informative and engaging for a wide audience. Whether one chooses to focus on specific leadership principles, organizational strategies, or the intersection of academia and industry, the book will make a meaningful contribution to the literature in your field. By sharing your knowledge, insights, and lessons learned, you can inspire and empower others to navigate their own leadership journeys with confidence and purpose.

I embrace this opportunity to share my expertise with the world and leave a lasting legacy for future generations of leaders and scholars.

Certainly, my education at the University of Saskatchewan undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping my expertise and providing the foundation for writing the book on Transformational Leadership Styles, Management Strategies, and Communication for Global Leaders.

The knowledge, skills, and insights gained through my academic journey at the university have undoubtedly informed my understanding of leadership principles and management practices, enriching the contents of my book. Moreover, I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Keith Walker, whose guidance, mentorship, and expertise have been instrumental in shaping my scholarly endeavours and contributing to the development of this book. Professor Walker’s invaluable insights, constructive feedback, and unwavering support have inspired me to delve deeper into the complexities of leadership theory and practice, empowering me to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on transformational leadership, management strategies, and communication for global leaders.

As a distinguished educator of the faculty of educational administration at the University of Saskatchewan, Professor Walker’s dedication to academic excellence and commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders have been truly inspiring. His encouragement and mentorship have not only enriched my academic journey but have also instilled in me a passion for lifelong learning and a desire to make a positive impact in the world of leadership and management.

I am deeply grateful for Professor Walker’s contributions to my intellectual and professional growth and am honoured to acknowledge his influence and guidance on my educational journey as my PhD supervisor. His wisdom, expertise, and unwavering support have been indispensable throughout my academic writing process, and I am privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such a remarkable mentor.

My education at the University of Saskatchewan and the guidance of Professor Keith Walker have been foundational in the development of this book, and I am immensely grateful for the role they have played in shaping my journey as a scholar and a leader.

I would recommend the books to University of Saskatchewan alumni because of the relevance to diverse career paths. The University of Saskatchewan alumni pursue careers in diverse fields, including education, business, academia, health care, etc. Regardless of their professional background, the principles of transformational leadership, effective management strategies, and communication skills are universally applicable and can benefit alumni in various leadership roles and industries.

The University of Saskatchewan values excellence, innovation, and leadership in education and research. By recommending books that align with these core values and promote transformative leadership practices, alumni can continue to uphold the university’s legacy of fostering leadership excellence and making a positive impact in their respective fields and communities.