Dr. Nancy Koehn

Biography

Nancy F. Koehn is a historian and the James E. Robison Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, where she specializes in crisis leadership and courageous leadership in high-stakes situations. Koehn’s research delves into the dynamics of leadership through history and examines how leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and Ernest Shackleton faced significant crises. She has authored the book 'Forged in Crisis: The Power of Courageous Leadership in Turbulent Times,' which explores the lessons learned from historical leaders' experiences. In addition to her teaching and research, Koehn has consulted with multiple organizations and has contributed to various media outlets, providing insights on the qualities that define great leaders. Her work emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and resilience, particularly in the context of adversity. Koehn holds a Master of Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and received her MA and PhD in History from Harvard. She has been recognized among the world's top business school professors and continues to engage in discussions about leadership both academically and publicly.

Research Interests