Christian Madsbjerg

Christian Madsbjerg is a Danish author, consultant, and academic whose work focuses on the intersection of philosophy, human sciences, and business strategy. Madsbjerg co-founded ReD Associates with Mikkel Rasmussen in Copenhagen, establishing it as a consultancy that applies methodologies such as ethnographic research and phenomenology to address business challenges. ReD Associates operates offices in Copenhagen, Paris, London, and New York City. At ReD Associates, Madsbjerg has advised executive teams at major global companies, using empirical observation to inform business strategy and organizational development.

Madsbjerg's approach challenges the predominance of data-driven thinking in business. In the book "The Moment of Clarity: Using the Human Sciences to Solve Your Toughest Business Problems," co-authored with Rasmussen and published by Harvard Business Press, he advocates for the use of philosophy and anthropology to analyze corporate culture and consumer behavior. The book introduces the concept of "thick data," emphasizing the value of qualitative insights from trained human observers. Through case studies and direct experience with companies such as LEGO, Samsung, Adidas, Coloplast, and Intel, Madsbjerg and Rasmussen illustrate how human sciences can address issues ranging from corporate strategy to market entry.

Expanding on his work with organizations including Ford, Adidas, and Chanel, Madsbjerg authored "Sensemaking: The Power of the Humanities in the Age of the Algorithm." The book presents an argument for the continued relevance of the humanities and liberal arts in business, particularly as organizations navigate the rise of big data and artificial intelligence. Madsbjerg contends that skills developed through the humanities are essential for fostering empathy and effective decision-making in the workforce. In "Look: How to Pay Attention in a Time of Distraction," published by Riverhead, Madsbjerg explores observational skills and techniques for improving attention in a digitally distracted world. The book is based on a course on human observation that Madsbjerg co-taught at The New School, which has attracted significant interest from students across disciplines.

Madsbjerg has held academic positions including Professor of Applied Humanities at The New School for Social Research, Senior Fellow at The Health and Global Policy Institute in Tokyo, and Distinguished Visitor at The Buffett Center for International Affairs at Northwestern University. His board roles include Chairman of Bjarke Ingels Group, Independent Director at Fritz Hansen, and Independent Director and Nomination/Governance Committee Chairman at The Metals Company. Madsbjerg writes, teaches, and speaks on methods for fact-based investigation of human activity, emotions, and decision-making. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The Economist, Fortune, and Forbes.