Denean Lear

Dr. Denean Lear is a scholar-practitioner and Adjunct Faculty member in the Doctor of Business Administration program at Walden University. She brings over 20 years of professional leadership experience across the financial services and healthcare industries, with a focus on organizational leadership, workforce development, and strategic operations.

Dr. Lear’s teaching centers on leadership and organizational dynamics, integrating academic theory with real-world applications to support adult learners in translating knowledge into practice. Her approach emphasizes reflective learning, case-based analysis, and the development of leadership capabilities that support organizational and community impact.

Her research interests focus on leadership strategies that contribute to sustainable organizational growth, particularly within small businesses and mission-driven organizations. Her doctoral research examined success strategies used by small business leaders to develop resource capabilities for long-term sustainability. She has also contributed as a co-author to The Refractive Thinker®: Volume XXVI – The Dynamics of Power, advancing scholarship on leadership practices, including work that explores the Vision–Influence–Perception leadership model as a framework for understanding leadership effectiveness and organizational impact.

In her professional career, Dr. Lear has held leadership roles focused on employee development, training, and organizational improvement initiatives. She has facilitated leadership development programs, mentored emerging professionals, and supported organizational improvement through coaching and collaboration. She is actively engaged in community leadership and mentorship, including serving as Board Chair of a nonprofit organization that supports inclusion for young adults with disabilities.

Dr. Lear’s work reflects a commitment to leadership development, inclusive learning environments, and the preparation of students to lead with purpose, integrity, and social responsibility. She is committed to advancing leadership scholarship and developing future leaders who contribute meaningfully to their organizations and communities.

Education

DBA, Walden Unversity

MBA, Delaware Valley University

BBA, Drexel University

Public Service

Integrate for Good, Chair -

Publications

Denean, L. Y. (2026). The Dynamic Power of Social Influence Leaders: Building Resilience and Resource Capabilities During Uncertain Times.