Saskia Loer Hansen’s legacy celebrated in new book on kind leadership

Saskia Loer Hansen’s legacy celebrated in new book on kind leadership

A new book inspired by the life and leadership of a much-loved RMIT colleague Saskia Loer Hansen explores how kindness, humanity and effective leadership can work hand in hand.

The RMIT community, alongside colleagues and friends from across higher education, came together to celebrate the launch of How to Manage Kindly and Lead Effectively in Higher Education, a new book honouring the legacy of Saskia. 

Edited by Kathy Daniels, Layton Pike and Amanda Murray-Johnson, the book brings together 24 chapters from Saskia’s colleagues and friends across Australia, Asia, Europe and the UK.  

Created in tribute to Saskia and her belief in the life-changing power of education, the book carries forward her leadership legacy. The launch at The Capitol on 10 November was attended by leaders and colleagues to celebrate Saskia Loer Hansen’s contribution and explore kindness in leadership.  

(L-R) Amanda Murray-Johnson, Louise King, Layton Pike and Kathy Daniels.(L-R) Amanda Murray-Johnson, Louise King, Layton Pike and Kathy Daniels.

RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Alec Cameron reflected on the qualities that distinguished Saskia as a leader. 

“Saskia demonstrated that kindness can be a cornerstone of effective leadership. She showed us that high expectations and humanity can coexist.”  

At the book launch, panelists Christel Nikolajsen, Jen Bahen and Gabriele Suder explored the role of kindness and “invisible leadership”, what higher education could gain from this approach and how it might shape future generations of leaders and the students they support.  

All royalties from the book will support the Saskia Loer Hansen Memorial Scholarship, enabling RMIT students experiencing financial disadvantage to undertake transformative international experiences.   

How to Manage Kindly and Lead Effectively in Higher Education is available for purchase at the RMIT Store. 

12 November 2026

Share

Return to RMIT News
12 November 2026

Share

Engage

Related News

(L-R) Amanda Murray-Johnson, Louise King, Layton Pike and Kathy Daniels.

Saskia Loer Hansen’s legacy celebrated in new book on kind leadership

A new book inspired by the life and leadership of a much-loved RMIT colleague Saskia Loer Hansen explores how kindness, humanity and effective leadership can work hand in hand.

wil-awards-1220x732.jpg

Pioneering industry partnerships recognised at the Australian Work Integrated Learning Awards

A decade-long collaboration with the Tangentyere Family Violence Prevention Division and an innovative legal clinic with Anika Legal have been acknowledged at the national WIL Australia biannual Awards.

rmit-provost-1220.jpg

Appointment of inaugural Provost at RMIT University

RMIT is proud to announce that Professor Guy Littlefair will join the University in February 2027 as its inaugural Provost.

vc-atse-1220x732.jpg

RMIT Vice-Chancellor elected as a Fellow of ATSE

RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Alec Cameron, has been recognised with election as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) for 2026.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-starttorres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information