Leonard Marcus

Shortly after 9/11, given the new threat environment facing the United States, the federal government asked Marcus and the Harvard Kennedy School’s David Gergen to establish the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI) at Harvard University. For twenty-two years, the NPLI has embodied a unique combination of on-scene crisis leadership research, original development of key pedagogical themes and practices such as Meta-Leadership, Swarm Leadership and The Walk in the Woods, along with direct assistance in times of crisis to senior government and corporate leaders.

During numerous events, Dr. Marcus has been on scene, uniquely observing and meeting with key leaders responsible for crisis response. He has lectured internationally on crisis leadership best practices, with significant work with the energy sector and their related geo-political, climate, and industrial crises. Through the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Marcus actively worked with government and business leaders, teaching and advising people around the world. Shortly after the U.S. national emergency was declared and FEMA was placed in the lead of the domestic pandemic response, Marcus worked daily with FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor to advise on the activities and leadership of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. He also established and directed the Aviation Public Health Initiative, in which the NPLI worked with corporate leaders of domestic United States aviation carriers to lower the risks of COVID transmission on aircraft and in airports.

Marcus is lead author of the 2021 book “You’re It: Crisis, Change and How to Lead When It Matters Most,” which compiles the research, concepts, and practice methods that he and his colleagues developed over his 30 years at Harvard University. The book has been translated into Hebrew and Chinese. He is also lead author of the 2011 book, “Renegotiating Health Care: Resolving Conflict to Build Collaboration.” In his spare time, Marcus is a gardener, cartoonist, clarinetist, and avid fan of flamenco.