Rosabeth Moss Kanter's biography
- New York Times bestselling author
- Expert in strategy and innovation
- Professor at Harvard Business School
Rosabeth Moss Kanter is a distinguished professor at Harvard Business School, holding the Ernest L. Arbuckle Professorship. Specializing in strategy, innovation, and leadership for change, her insights have been instrumental in guiding leaders across the globe. Through her teaching, writing, and consulting, Rosabeth has influenced major corporations, governments, and start-up ventures, making her a pivotal figure in the world of business and leadership.
Rosabeth's career is marked by her co-founding of the Harvard University Advanced Leadership Initiative, where she served as Founding Chair and Director from 2008 to 2018. This initiative has become an international model for higher education, preparing top leaders to tackle national and global challenges. Her work in this area underscores her commitment to fostering leadership that drives meaningful change.
An accomplished author, Rosabeth has penned or co-authored 20 books, including her latest, "Think Outside the Building: How Advanced Leaders Can Change the World One Smart Innovation at a Time." Her previous works, such as "The Change Masters" and "Confidence: How Winning & Losing Streaks Begin & End," have been recognized for their profound impact on business thinking and practice.
Rosabeth's contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the "50 most powerful women in the world" by the Times of London and one of the "50 most influential business thinkers in the world" by Thinkers 50. She has received 24 honorary doctoral degrees and various leadership and lifetime achievement awards, reflecting her influence and thought leadership.
Beyond academia, Rosabeth has advised CEOs and senior executives through her consulting group and served as a senior advisor for IBM’s Global Citizenship portfolio. Her extensive experience on business and nonprofit boards, along with her participation in global forums like the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlights her role as a key advisor and thought leader in addressing complex global issues.
Rosabeth's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
Think Outside the Building: How Advanced Leaders Can Change the World
Rosabeth Moss Kanter argues that while good leaders use their authority to complete tasks, advanced leaders go further by "thinking outside the building" to drive transformational change globally. With pressing social and environmental issues, leaders in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors must tackle challenges like climate change and infrastructure. In her presentation, based on "Think Outside the Building," Kanter shares examples of leaders addressing issues beyond the boardroom, offering valuable insights for innovative leadership. Attendees will learn a new leadership framework to address global challenges effectively.
Leadership in a Networked World
In a world where networks dominate, Rosabeth Moss Kanter explores whether the essence of leadership has evolved. With global competition and rapid technological advancements reshaping work, ideas now emerge from diverse sources, including emerging markets and self-organising teams. Kanter identifies new leadership imperatives, guiding leaders to embrace these changes. Attendees will learn how to harness knowledge, capability, and confidence within themselves, their teams, and organisations to drive success.
The Big Change: Forces Reshaping Business
Rosabeth Moss Kanter highlights the ongoing disruptions in the business world, driven by technology, demography, climate change, and evolving social values. She argues that companies must embrace strategic, organisational, and cultural transformations to thrive. By focusing on institution building and understanding six facets of organisational logic, businesses can achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Attendees will learn how to innovate, grow, and contribute to social good.
Innovation: The Classic Traps and the Key Accelerators
Rosabeth Moss Kanter explores the critical role of innovation in today's global economy, highlighting its potential to drive growth and prosperity. Despite its importance, many leaders inadvertently stifle innovation. Kanter identifies nine common anti-innovation practices and offers strategies to overcome them, including the use of the "innovation pyramid" to balance small wins with bold ventures. Attendees will learn how to foster a culture that embraces and accelerates innovation, essential for the health and sustainability of their organisations.
Leadership to Reinvent Transportation and Infrastructure
Rosabeth Moss Kanter examines the dire state of American infrastructure, highlighting issues like traffic congestion, costly delays, and inadequate public transit. In her book, "MOVE: Putting America’s Infrastructure Back in the Lead," she explores the roots of these problems and identifies key leaders needed for transformative change. Kanter emphasises the role of visionary civic leaders, tech entrepreneurs, and investors. Attendees will learn how innovative leadership can modernise infrastructure, enhancing health, efficiency, and economic growth.
Why we recommend booking Rosabeth
Book Rosabeth Moss Kanter to inspire your team with her groundbreaking insights on strategy and innovation. Her expertise will empower you to drive meaningful change and foster a culture of leadership that thrives in today’s dynamic business landscape.
