Nicole Steller (PhD) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management at ESCP Business School, Madrid Campus. She completed her doctoral studies at Universität Witten/Herdecke, where she defended her dissertation titled “Corporate Purpose – Concept, Complications and Consequences” in 2025 with the highest distinction (summa cum laude).

Her research focuses on the concept of corporate purpose and its implications for strategic management and leadership, organisational behaviour, and business ethics. Nicole explores how purpose functions as a guiding principle and a source of tension within contemporary organisations, connecting philosophical and empirical perspectives to investigate how purpose shapes strategic decision-making and corporate responsibility. Her broader academic interests include questions of hybrid organizing, leadership, and the evolving moral foundations of business. Additionally, she focuses on the emerging role of a Chief Purpose Officer within the Top Management Team. Therefore, she founded the CPO community in 2024.

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