Expanding Consciousness, Connectedness, & Inclusive Business Practices

The Connected Leadership Study is a research project examining whether and how consciousness-expanding experiences in supportive environments influence business leaders’ perceptions and decision-making. This study focuses specifically on the behavior of leaders because they shape an organization’s culture and operating routines, influencing the scope of potential change.

This study is conducted by Dr. Rachelle Sampson & Dr. Bennet Zelner, both of the University of Maryland.

For interested participants:

Several cohorts are forming in 2024 for the research study. If you are interested in enrolling as a research participant or have questions about the study, please follow the ‘Learn More’ link below to the participant page.

Principal Investigators

  • Rachelle C. Sampson, Ph.D.

    Co-Principal Investigator

    Rachelle C. Sampson, Ph.D. is a social scientist, educator, and consultant with training in the neuroscience of change, transformational coaching, law, and business economics. She is Associate Professor of Business and Public Policy at the University of Maryland, Senior Research Fellow at the Wharton School’s ESG Institute, Senior Policy Scholar at Georgetown University’s Center for Business and Public Policy, and the founder of Blue Prism, a coaching practice focused on aligning action with values and purpose. Rachelle serves on the board of directors of Usona Institute and sits on corporate advisory boards seeking to integrate environmental and social performance into business strategy. Rachelle’s research, consulting, and teaching focus on harnessing capital markets to encourage significant environmental and social change. Rachelle holds a PhD in business economics from the University of Michigan, and law and accounting degrees from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Prior to her academic and coaching career, Rachelle practiced as a consultant for Ernst & Young and as a corporate attorney in Australia. For more information on her formal background, research publications, and teaching, see Rachelle’s profile at the University of Maryland.

  • Bennet A. Zelner, Ph.D.

    Co-Principal Investigator

    Bennet A. Zelner, Ph.D. researches, teaches, and advises on regenerative economics, psychedelics, and leadership. Current projects include ongoing work on the Pollination Approach–a regenerative economic approach to delivering mental health treatment–and the Connected Leadership Project. Bennet serves as Associate Professor of Business and Public Policy at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park. He also serves as a director or advisory board member for Usona Institute, Brooklyn Psychedelic Society, Gather Well Psychedelics, the Intercollegiate Psychedelic Network, and Global Psychedelic Society. Bennet received his PhD in Business and Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a frequent keynote speaker, conference panelist, and podcast guest. Links to his talks and writings can be found on his LinkedIn page.

For more information:

Please complete the short form below for general inquiries. If you are interested in being a research participant, please complete the form on the Participant page. Thank you for your interest in this work.