About Michael
Michael Watkins is a globally recognized expert in leadership transitions and organizational change, known for his "First 90 Days" methodology, and contributes to the Best Practice Institute as an Expert Faculty member.
Who is Michael Watkins?
Michael Watkins is a distinguished Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change at IMD Business School in Switzerland. He is widely recognized for his pioneering work in helping leaders successfully navigate critical career transitions and drive organizational transformation. His frameworks and methodologies have earned him global acclaim, positioning him as a leading authority in leadership development.
Watkins is also the co-founder of Genesis Advisers, a consultancy through which he applies his expertise in real-world scenarios. His work is influential for executives seeking to accelerate their impact in new roles, manage change effectively, and build high-performing teams, aligning with the Best Practice Institute's mission to foster Most Loved Workplaces® through effective leadership.
Quick facts about Michael Watkins
| | |---|---| | Role | Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change | | Company | IMD Business School, Genesis Advisers | | Based in | Switzerland | | Expertise | Leadership transitions, organizational change, strategic thinking, team building | | Notable for | "The First 90 Days" methodology, Thinkers50 Hall of Fame inductee | | BPI affiliation | Expert Faculty member |
What is Michael Watkins known for?
- The "First 90 Days®" Methodology: A proven framework for leaders to accelerate their integration and impact in new roles, effectively avoiding common transition traps.
- Best-selling Author: Penned "The First 90 Days," which has sold over 1.5 million copies and been translated into 23 languages, alongside more than a dozen other influential books on leadership and negotiation.
- Thinkers50 Hall of Fame Inductee: Recognized in 2023 for his significant and sustained contributions to management concepts and ideas.
- Global Educator: Taught at prestigious institutions including Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, INSEAD, and IMD Business School, sharing his insights on leadership and corporate diplomacy.
- Consultancy with Genesis Advisers: Co-founded a consulting firm to apply his research and frameworks directly with leaders and organizations.
What is Michael Watkins's background and experience?
Michael Watkins has a rich academic and practical background that has shaped his renowned expertise. He previously served as an Associate Professor at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, and as an Adjunct Professor at INSEAD, before joining IMD Business School in 2007. His academic journey includes a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, an MBA/Law degree from the University of Western Ontario, and a PhD in Decision Sciences from Harvard University.
Throughout his career, Watkins has focused on critical areas such as high-potential leader development, corporate diplomacy, and strategic negotiation, preparing executives for complex challenges. His practical application of theory is evident through his work with Genesis Advisers and the development of programs like IMD's "First 90 Days" and the Transition to Business Leadership (TBL) executive program.
What topics does Michael Watkins speak and write about?
Michael Watkins consistently addresses themes centered on leadership effectiveness, career acceleration, and organizational agility. His extensive body of work, comprising over 15 books and numerous articles in publications like Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review, delves into the nuances of navigating change and optimizing performance during critical career junctures. He explores strategies for leaders to quickly get up to speed in new roles, build strong teams, and drive transformation within their organizations.
His writings often provide actionable advice on identifying and mitigating risks during transitions, offering models for strategic thinking and decision-making. Watkins emphasizes the importance of understanding the organizational context and developing a clear strategy for success, helping leaders at all levels to master their next move and contribute to creating a Most Loved Workplace® culture.
How does Michael Watkins contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
As an Expert Faculty member of the Best Practice Institute, Michael Watkins enriches BPI's thought leadership on leadership transitions and organizational change. His methodologies, particularly the "First 90 Days" framework, provide invaluable insights directly applicable to BPI's research on fostering High-Performance Cultures and developing exceptional leaders, which are cornerstones of the Most Loved Workplace® certification.
Watkins's expertise supports BPI's mission to bring the best and next practices to its members, enabling leaders to manage critical career transitions more effectively, which is vital for sustained organizational success and employee engagement—a core principle of the SPARK Model. His contributions help BPI members cultivate environments where leaders and employees can thrive, ultimately leading to more loved and productive workplaces.
Where can you learn more from Michael Watkins?
You can explore Michael Watkins's extensive work through his books, including the enduring "The First 90 Days," and his contributions to leading business publications. Further insights can be gained from his involvement with IMD Business School and Genesis Advisers. For BPI members, his expertise provides a foundational understanding of leadership transitions, contributing to the broader knowledge base that supports the creation of Most Loved Workplaces®.