Kyle Payne, PhD

Kyle works in technical services at the American Welding Society, teaches in the Heller College of Business at Roosevelt University, and supports clients with Development Dimensions International and his own consultancy, Quality Culture. He is a scholar of organizational studies whose interests include ethical followership, organizational lineage, and ontology of the self and its implications for leadership.

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Kyle has a PhD in human capital management and master’s degrees in philosophy, education, and business. He’s very curious about how people think, how we learn, and how we do business. He lives in Chicago with his partner Sid and their two cats Queso and Fundido. Outside of work, you’re most likely to find him cheering on Chicago, UIC, and DePaul women’s basketball teams, visiting the city’s outstanding parks and museums, or otherwise exploring the rich history and culture of Chicago.

Below is a commencement speech delivered by Kyle at Bellevue University (2023) and a TED Talk at Lewis University (2025).​​​​​

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