Michael Watkins

Michael Watkins has had an extensive career in academia and consultancy. Michael co-founded Genesis Advisers in 2004, specializing in transition acceleration and development solutions for leaders, teams, and organizations. At Genesis Advisers, they offer coaching and programs for leaders in their first 90 days, facilitates team development accelerators, and advises on transformation and culture change.

In 2007, they joined IMD Business School as a Professor of Leadership and Organization Change. Michael co-directs the Transition to Business Leadership executive program and directs the First 90 days LiVe virtual program for leaders in challenging new roles.

Before IMD, Michael was an Associate Professor at Harvard Business School from 1996 to 2004. Michael taught negotiation courses and a second-year elective on Corporate Diplomacy.

Prior to Harvard, they worked at the Kennedy School of Government as an Associate Professor from 1991 to 1996. There, they conducted research and taught courses on negotiation, persuasion, international diplomacy, international trade, and business-government relations. Michael has authored several books, including "Breakthrough International Negotiation," "Winning the Influence Game," and "Breakthrough Business Negotiation."

Michael Watkins completed their education with a Ph.D. in Decision Sciences from Harvard University, where they studied from 1985 to 1991. Prior to that, they spent two years at the University of Western Ontario pursuing an MBA and Law degree. Michael completed their undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo, earning a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc.) in Electrical Engineering from 1975 to 1980. In addition to their academic qualifications, they obtained a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from USF Corporate Training and Professional Education in October 2022.