Adam Grant - Icon Profile | Alexandria
Adam Grant (born August 13, 1981) is a prominent American organizational psychologist, bestselling author, and Wharton School professor who has revolutionized modern understanding of workplace dynamics, creativity, and leadership through his evidence-based approach to human behavior and success. As The Wharton School's youngest tenured professor and consistently its highest-rated faculty member, Grant has emerged as one of the most influential management thinkers of the 21st century.
Grant's journey into the realm of organizational psychology began during his undergraduate years at Harvard, where he worked as a professional magician—an early experience that would later inform his insights into human perception and behavior. After earning his Ph.D. in organizational psychology from the University of Michigan, Grant rapidly distinguished himself through groundbreaking research on giving behaviors in professional settings, challenging conventional wisdom about success and generosity.
His 2013 book "Give and Take" marked a watershed moment in business literature, introducing the revolutionary concept that generosity, rather than competitiveness, often drives sustainable success. This work, along with subsequent bestsellers "Originals" (2016) and "Think Again" (2021), has fundamentally reshaped organizational thinking and leadership practice. Grant's research has particularly illuminated the complex dynamics of productivity, motivation, and creative thinking in modern workplaces, earning him recognition from both academic circles and popular media outlets.
Grant's influence extends beyond academia through his popular TED talks, widely-read articles in The New York Times, and his WorkLife podcast with TED. His work has been embraced by leaders at organizations ranging from Google to the NBA, while his insights have helped reshape workplace cultures during pivotal moments such as the post-pandemic transformation of work. A recipient of multiple teaching awards and scientific achievement honors, Grant continues to challenge established paradigms and encourage leaders to question their assumptions about success and organizational behavior.
Today, Grant's legacy lies not just in his scholarly contributions but in his ability to bridge the gap between rigorous research and practical application, inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace evidence-based management while maintaining their capacity for original thinking and continuous learning. His work raises intriguing questions about the future of work and human potential in an increasingly complex organizational landscape.