Vanessa Gennarelli

COO, Workbrew. Author, "Surviving Change at Work" from A Book Apart

Vanessa Gennarelli is the Principal at Fortuna, a change management consultancy, and serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Workbrew. She has a notable background in leading cross-functional teams at high-growth organizations, including GitHub Education during its acquisition by Microsoft. This experience has equipped her with skills in navigating cultural differences and implementing effective change management strategies.1 2

Education and Background

Master’s Degree: Technology, Innovation, and Education from Harvard University.
Former Research Intern: MIT Media Lab.
Graduate of the LEAD Program: Stanford Business School.

Publications and Contributions

Gennarelli authored Surviving Change at Work, published in 2023, which provides insights into managing workplace change effectively. The book has received attention from various platforms, including Fast Company and Design Better.1 2

Community Engagement

Based in Philadelphia, she actively supports local entrepreneurs through the Circle of Aunts and Uncles and serves on the Board of Directors for the Circadium School of Contemporary Circus.1 2

Personal Note

The name "Fortuna" references the Roman goddess of luck, reflecting Gennarelli's approach to change management as both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.1