About The Authors
The myth of leaders - that they matter more than they really do -
creates the myth of followers - that they matter less than leaders.
Michael W. Linville
Michael W. Linville is a Professor in Indiana Wesleyan University’s PhD in Organizational Leadership program, named by Forbes.com in 2024 as the #1 online adult PhD in organizational leadership. He holds several certifications in areas such as leadership, emotional intelligence, and personality typology, including Ira Chaleff’s Followership Train the Trainer program. Combining 15 years of multinational corporate experience with over 25 years of international nonprofit experience (including four years directing a college in Kiev, Ukraine), Linville was awarded Dragamanov University’s Silver Medallion Award in 2009 for his service and contribution to education in Ukraine. He also leads an international nonprofit organization that he founded in 2001 and is the cofounder and senior advisor of a leadership think tank based in Ukraine.
Linville regularly presents on leadership and followership topics at various national and international academic and professional conferences, including the Global Followership Conference and the International Leadership Association’s Annual Global Conference. He also consults with organizations and individuals both nationally and internationally, and he invites you to contact him at mikelinville@zoho.com.
Mark A. Rennaker
Mark A. Rennaker is Chair of the Division of Leadership and Followership Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University, named by Forbes.com in 2024 as the #1 online adult PhD in organizational leadership, as well as the Executive Director of the Center for the Advancement of Followership at the institution. He served 30 years in faith-based and nonprofit leadership roles at local, regional, and national levels. He has also served a variety of leadership roles during nearly 20 years of higher education experience, and he is certified with Ira Chaleff’s Followership Train the Trainer program.
Rennaker has multiple research interests, including servant leadership, trust, followership, and human resource development. Rennaker regularly presents on leadership, followership, and higher education topics at national and international academic and professional conferences, including the Global Followership Conference and the International Leadership Association’s Annual Global Conference. He consults with organizations and speaks at various events. You may contact him at mark.rennaker@gmail.com or mark.rennaker@indwes.edu.