Dianne Bevelander: A Courageous Woman of Passion and Resilience

Abstract

This chapter explores the courageous life of pioneering gender equality advocate and activist, Professor Dianne Bevelander. We examine Dianne’s courageous professional journey in which she placed gender equality and diversity squarely – and unavoidably – on the agenda of a male-dominated international business school and leading to the founding of the trailblazing and award-winning Erasmus Centre for Women and Organisations(ECWO). Dianne’s courage shines through her personal battle with terminal cancer that compelled her to climb metaphorical mountains repeatedly, while never losing sight of her limitless commitment to promoting the influence and position of women. Dianne’s journey is a compelling case study of how high passion and high resilience increase the likelihood of achieving one’s life and career goals. It also reveals how identifying one’s passion and developing resilience lowers the stress one experiences in the pursuit of those goals. Most importantly, Dianne’s story shows how passion and resilience combine to enhance one’s capacity to overcome obstacles without burning out or giving up no matter what obstacles one faces.