ABOUT DR. HEWLIN

Dr. Patricia Faison Hewlin is a professor of social and organizational psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. For over 20 years, Patricia has researched the psychological and structural dynamics that dictate when and why members of an organization engage in authentic self-expression. She is internationally recognized for developing the concept of “facades of conformity,” which examines how employees suppress their personal values and pretend to embrace those of the organization. Scholars have researched facades of conformity in an array of countries including in Australia, China, India, Italy, and South Africa, to address the impact of authenticity and suppression in the workplace.

From Research to Practice

Patricia avidly translates research into actionable strategies that help leaders, employees, and students flourish by honing their strengths and integrating their “true selves” into their professional lives. She has advised a diverse range of industries, from pharmaceutical companies to retail. Her advisory work with Jay A. Hewlin of The Hewlin Group was featured in Forbes for fostering positive work cultures across major Broadway productions, including Hamilton (US and UK), Moulin Rouge, and The Book of Mormon. In her debut book, Staying True to You, she presents the Middle Self as a framework that empowers people to live their lives in ways that honor their values while empowering those around them.

Awards and Recognition

Her scholarly contributions have earned top-tier awards and finalist distinctions from the Academy of Management, as well as Academy of Management Annals, and the journal, Human Relations. The impact of her work is further evidenced by numerous grants from Canada’s Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Patricia and her colleagues have been awarded over $2 million in SSHRC funding.

Patricia served as the Ombudsperson for Students for McGill University, and within the Desautels Faculty of Management she held roles of Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, and Organizational Behavior Area Coordinator. She received the David Johnston Award for exemplary service to the university and alumni, alongside recognition for excellence in research and teaching.

She holds a PhD in Organizational Behavior and an MBA in Finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business, and a BA in English and Spanish from Binghamton University.