10 Most Influential Professors: Where They Teach

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Adam Grant stands out as one of the most influential business professors globally, impacting organizational behavior and leadership indelibly. Born on August 13, 1981, he is renowned for pioneering research on work motivation, giving, and original thinking. 

Grant holds a position at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, a prestigious institution recognized for its business education. His thought-provoking books, such as “Give and Take” and “Originals” have reshaped our understanding of success and innovation in the workplace. 

As a sought-after speaker and advisor, Grant’s insights have transformed how individuals and companies approach collaboration, creativity, and personal development. Through his groundbreaking work, Adam Grant continues to shape the minds of aspiring leaders, solidifying his legacy as a visionary in the realm of business academia.

UCLA Anderson School of Management

Richard Rumelt holds a distinguished position among the most influential business professors worldwide, making a lasting impact on strategic management. Born on February 16, 1942, he is renowned for his insightful work on business strategy, emphasizing clear thinking and focused decision-making. 

Rumelt is affiliated with the UCLA Anderson School of Management, an esteemed institution known for its business education. His influential book “Good Strategy Bad Strategy” has reshaped how organizations approach strategic planning and execution. 

With a career spanning decades, Rumelt’s expertise has guided leaders and companies in navigating complex business challenges. As a thought leader and strategic thinker, Richard Rumelt’s contributions continue to shape the landscape of effective business strategies, solidifying his position as a luminary in the field of business academia.

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Jim Collins holds a prominent position as one of the most influential business professors globally, leaving an indelible mark on leadership and organizational excellence. Born on January 25, 1958, he is renowned for his transformative research on management strategies and business success. 

Collins is associated with Stanford Graduate School of Business, a distinguished institution known for producing visionary leaders. Collins is perhaps best known for his book “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t,” which was published in 2001 and has become a classic in the field of business and leadership. 

In this book, Collins and his co-author, Jerry Porras, conducted a five-year study of companies that transitioned from being good to being great, and they identified key characteristics and principles that these companies shared.

Harvard Business School

Rosabeth Moss Kanter is unequivocally one of the most influential business professors globally, leaving an indelible mark on organizational change and innovation. Born on March 15, 1943, she is acclaimed for her groundbreaking research on leadership, empowerment, and business strategy. 

Kanter is currently a professor at Harvard Business School, where she holds the Ernest L. Arbuckle Professorship. She has been teaching at Harvard since 1978 and has profoundly impacted generations of students. 

Her seminal works, including “The Change Masters” and “Men and Women of the Corporation,” have reshaped how companies navigate change and foster inclusive workplaces. As an advisor and speaker, Kanter’s insights have guided leaders in fostering innovation and adapting to evolving business landscapes. 

Through her thought leadership and impactful research, Kanter continues to shape the mindset of modern leaders, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the realm of business academia.

Harvard Business School

Linda Hill is one of the most influential business professors globally, leaving an indelible mark on leadership and innovation. Born on April 28, 1957, she is renowned for pioneering research on leadership development, collaboration, and creative thinking. 

Hill is associated with Harvard Business School, a prestigious institution renowned for its transformative business education. Her impactful books, including “Collective Genius” and “Being the Boss,” have reshaped how organizations approach leadership and teamwork.

Hill teaches courses such as “Leading Innovation” and “Managing Change,” which are highly popular among MBA students. Her research focuses on understanding how individuals and organizations can navigate complex changes and succeed through innovation.

In addition to her academic work, Hill is a frequent speaker at conferences and events worldwide, sharing her insights on leadership and innovation with a wide range of audiences. She has also been featured in various media outlets, including The New York Times, Forbes, and Bloomberg Businessweek.