About Rebecca
Rebecca Henderson is the John and Natty McArthur University Professor at Harvard University, renowned for her insights into how organizations can achieve sustainable innovation and lead with purpose in a world grappling with environmental and social challenges.
Who is Rebecca Henderson?
Rebecca Henderson is the John and Natty McArthur University Professor at Harvard University, a distinguished position held by only 25 individuals across the institution. She holds joint appointments at Harvard Business School (HBS) within the General Management and Strategy units. Additionally, she is a research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research, a fellow of the British Academy, and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Her work is concentrated on understanding how the private sector can actively contribute to building a more sustainable economy. Through her teaching, research, and advisory roles, she explores the intricate mechanisms of organizational change and strategic responses to global challenges.
Quick facts about Rebecca Henderson
| Role | John and Natty McArthur University Professor |
| Company | Harvard University |
| Expertise | Sustainable Business, Organizational Change, Strategic Innovation, Purpose-Driven Capitalism, Corporate Accountability |
| Notable for | Research on purpose-driven capitalism, author of Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire |
| BPI affiliation | Expert Faculty member |
What is Rebecca Henderson known for?
- Pioneering Research on Sustainable Business: Henderson investigates how firms can respond to technological shifts and build sustainable models, particularly in sectors such as energy, IT, and real estate.
- Author of Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire (2020): This influential book proposes strategies for redesigning capitalism to foster sustainability and is a cornerstone of her MBA course on "Leadership & Corporate Accountability."
- Advocacy for Purpose-Driven Capitalism: She emphasizes the importance of companies integrating social and environmental purpose alongside profit generation to create long-term value.
- Expertise in High-Road Employment Models: Her work examines companies adopting high-road labor practices, such as those implemented by Walmart and Unilever, to achieve both competitive advantage and positive societal impact.
- Leadership in Low-Carbon Economy Strategies: Henderson advises companies on transitioning to sustainable, low-carbon business models and has conducted extensive research on the energy transition, including collaboration with oil companies.
What is Rebecca Henderson's background and experience?
Prior to her current role at Harvard, Rebecca Henderson was a professor at MIT Sloan School, where she led the strategy group. Her academic career has been marked by a consistent focus on the intersection of business strategy and societal impact.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Henderson possesses over 25 years of experience serving on major public boards. She is currently a board member at IDEXX Laboratories and previously served on the board of Amgen Inc. from 2009 to 2020. She also contributes her expertise to the CERES board. Her extensive board experience provides a practical dimension to her academic theories, bridging the gap between theory and real-world corporate governance.
What topics does Rebecca Henderson speak and write about?
Rebecca Henderson's research and publications consistently explore the profound challenges and opportunities facing organizations in a rapidly changing world. She frequently addresses topics such as the imperative for sustainable business practices, the dynamics of organizational change in response to technological and environmental pressures, and the evolving role of corporate strategy in fostering both economic prosperity and societal well-being. Her work delves into the concept of purpose-driven capitalism, advocating for business models that prioritize both profit and positive impact.
Her writings, published in prestigious journals such as Administrative Science Quarterly, American Economic Review, Quarterly Journal of Economics, and Strategic Management Journal, cover a broad array of industries, including semiconductors, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, IT, and telecommunications. A recent emphasis in her research has been on navigating the energy transition, particularly how established industries can adapt to meet global sustainability goals.
How does Rebecca Henderson contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
As an Expert Faculty member of the Best Practice Institute, Rebecca Henderson enriches the BPI community with her profound insights into sustainable business and strategic leadership. Her research aligns closely with BPI's mission to identify and disseminate best practices that foster thriving workplaces and responsible organizations. While a specific webinar record is not available, her expertise in areas like purpose-driven capitalism and organizational change provides invaluable perspectives for BPI members and contributes significantly to the understanding of what makes a Most Loved Workplace®.
Her contributions reinforce BPI's commitment to exploring how leading organizations can not only achieve financial success but also cultivate environments where employees feel engaged, valued, and purpose-driven. Henderson's work on high-road employment models and sustainable corporate strategies directly informs the principles behind the SPARK Model, which emphasizes factors critical for employee engagement and loyalty. By sharing her research, she helps BPI members understand how to build resilient, ethical, and loved workplaces that are prepared for the future.
Where can you learn more from Rebecca Henderson?
Rebecca Henderson's extensive research and publications are available through Harvard University and other academic platforms. Her book, Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire, offers in-depth exploration of her core ideas. Individuals interested in her work can also find her featured in various media, including podcasts and presentations at forums like the Nordic Business Forum, highlighting her continued influence on business and sustainability discourse.