Michael Useem

Professor of Management at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Michael Useem is a prominent academic and thought leader in the field of management, serving as the William and Jacalyn Egan Professor of Management and the Director of the Center for Leadership and Change Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His extensive teaching portfolio includes MBA and executive-MBA courses focused on management and leadership, as well as specialized programs on leadership and governance for professionals across various sectors globally, including the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.1 2 4

Academic Background

Useem holds a PhD and MA from Harvard University and a BS from the University of Michigan. His academic career at Wharton has been marked by a commitment to developing innovative leadership curricula and conducting research on critical topics such as catastrophic risk management, corporate governance, and decision-making.3 5

Publications

He is an accomplished author with several influential books to his name, including:

The Leader’s Checklist
The Leadership Moment
Investor Capitalism
The Go Point: When It’s Time to Decide

Additionally, he has co-authored works such as Learning from Catastrophes and The India Way, contributing significantly to literature on leadership and management practices.1 2 4

Professional Contributions

In addition to his teaching and writing, Useem consults with various organizations in the private, public, and non-profit sectors on leadership development strategies. He is also known for co-hosting a weekly program titled “Leadership in Action” on SiriusXM Radio, where he discusses contemporary leadership issues.1 5 6

Research Interests

His research interests encompass:

Catastrophic risk management
Corporate change and restructuring
Leadership dynamics
Governance practices

Useem's work aims to equip leaders with the necessary tools to navigate complex organizational challenges effectively.3 4

Through his multifaceted roles as educator, author, and consultant, Michael Useem continues to influence both academic thought and practical applications in leadership.