Michael Watkins has spent the past two decades working with leaders, both corporate and public, as they transition to new roles, negotiate the future of their organizations, and craft their legacy as leaders. A recognized expert in his field, he ranked among Thinkers50’s top fifty management influencers globally in 2019. He is the best-selling author of The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, the globally acknowledged handbook for leadership and career transitions, which recently earned the accolade of Amazon’s Top 100 Leadership Books. He is Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change at the IMD Business School in Switzerland and previously served on the faculty at INSEAD and Harvard University, where he earned his PhD in Decision Sciences.
This article was originally published in Dr. Michael Watkins’s LinkedIn Newsletter, The Leading Edge, on May 16, 2025. Effective onboarding and transition acceleration for leaders have become strategic priorities for organizations worldwide. With high stakes and substantial costs associated with leadership turnover, companies are investing in comprehensive programs to help both externally hired executives and internally […]
This article was originally published in Dr. Michael Watkins’s LinkedIn Newsletter, The Leading Edge, on May 12, 2025. The need to develop the next generation of high-potential leaders has never been more critical than in today’s turbulent, rapidly evolving business landscape. Organizations face unprecedented complexities driven by digital transformation, rapid technological advancements such as artificial intelligence […]
Sarah was a seasoned executive leading a tech startup through a period of rapid growth. Known for her commitment to transparency and fairness, she embodied authentic leadership principles. Her team admired her integrity and trusted her implicitly. However, Sarah found her commitment to authenticity challenged by the pressure of sustaining growth in the face of […]
The job interview is progressing well. You’ve explained your skills and highlighted your achievements, and the interviewer seems impressed. Then comes the curveball question – “What is your biggest weakness?” This question can leave even seasoned candidates flustered… unless they are prepared. After all, you’re trying to sell yourself, not highlight shortcomings. Yet, handled strategically, […]
In this article, first published by IMD.org, Genesis Co-Founder Michael Watkins and Genesis Leadership Consultant Konrad Lenninger, explore the current challenges new CEO’s face when managing crisis. “Leading an entire company through a crisis will test your leadership skills like nothing else. Thankfully, others before you have faced similar challenges. Here’s how to learn from […]
I had the pleasure of co-authoring an article featured on chieflearningofficer.com, with David Lee, Global Head of the Immunology Therapeutic Area at the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Our collaborative work, “The Unique Challenges of Developing R&D Leaders,” sheds light on the distinctive elements involved in nurturing effective R&D leaders and the significance of […]
