Doug Strycharczyk

CEO, AQR International (UK)

Doug is the CEO of AQR International – Following a career as Head of HR and Head of Operations for Castrol (UK), in 1989 he founded AQR which now works in 80+ countries. Together with Professors Peter Clough and John Perry, they have defined Mental Toughness and created the MTQPlus, the world’s leading measure of mental toughness. Mental Toughness is a personality trait that has a fundamental influence on behaviour and, through that, on performance, wellbeing, agility and aspirations. All of which are high on the HR agenda.

It is incredibly well evidenced both in content and in impact. Doug is now recognised as a leading authority on the application of mental toughness to the worlds of work, education, sport, health as well as social applications. Doug’s and AQR’s areas of expertise include:

Leadership Development and Team & Organisation Development – to promote culture change and performance improvement. AQR has developed expertise in leadership development, top team development and culture development. Individual Development – enabling people of all types and abilities to be the best versions of themselves that they can be.

Development of Young People and the Education Sector – creating approaches that enhance the student experience – employability, performance and wellbeing. Although primarily a practitioner, Doug initiates, and collaborates on, a number of research projects which are published in peer reviewed academic journals. His research record is higher than 75% of academics. He is frequently asked to speak at conferences around the globe.