Michael D. Watkins

Michael D. Watkins is recognized for his expertise in leadership transitions and organizational change. He serves as professor of leadership and organizational change at the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland. Watkins studied electrical engineering at the University of Waterloo and pursued business and law at Western University before earning a doctorate in decision sciences at Harvard University. Prior to his current role, he was an adjunct professor at INSEAD and associate professor at Harvard Business School and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, where he designed and taught programs focused on leader development, corporate diplomacy, and strategic negotiation.

Watkins is the author of "The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter," a widely referenced resource on onboarding and leadership transitions. "The First 90 Days" has sold more than 1.5 million copies, has been translated into 28 languages, and is included in Amazon Editors' list of 100 Leadership & Success Books to Read in a Lifetime. The book provides principles to help leaders transition efficiently into new roles, identifying common challenges and offering tools and strategies to address them. Watkins followed this with "Your Next Move: The Leader's Guide to Managing Critical Career Transitions," which offers guidance on applying his framework across various professional contexts. He later published "Master Your Next Move: The Essential Companion to The First 90 Days," expanding on these concepts.

Watkins has also authored "The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking," which examines how executives can develop strategic thinking skills to guide organizational growth. His earlier work, "Predictable Surprises," was recognized by Strategy + Business and received the annual Kulp-Wright Award from the American Risk and Insurance Association. Watkins' research and insights appear in HBR Guides and HBR's 10 Must Reads on leadership, teams, strategic initiatives, and new managers.

Watkins is co-founder of Genesis Advisers, a leadership development consultancy specializing in onboarding and integration solutions. He has worked extensively with leaders navigating new roles, building teams, and driving organizational transformation. At the International Institute for Management Development, he directs the First 90 Days open program for leaders assuming new responsibilities and co-directs the Transition to Business Leadership executive program. Watkins is a frequent keynote speaker and guest on business podcasts. He has been inducted into the Thinkers50 Management Hall of Fame, which honors significant contributions to management concepts and ideas. His research, teaching, and consulting with C-suite executives worldwide position him as a leading authority on leadership challenges in dynamic business environments.