Adam Grant

Organizational psychologist and bestselling author

A bald man in a blue blazer and navy shirt smiles at the camera against a plain light background.

Adam Grant is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, one of TED's most popular speakers, and Wharton’s top-rated professor for 7 straight years. As an organizational psychologist, he is a leading expert on how we can find motivation and meaning, rethink assumptions, and unlock potential. His books-- including Hidden Potential, Think Again, and Give and Take-- have sold millions of copies and been translated into 45 languages. He hosts the chart-topping podcast WorkLife, which has been downloaded over 65 million times. He has been recognized as one of the world’s 10 most influential management thinkers and Fortune’s 40 under 40, and served on the Defense Innovation Board at the Pentagon. Grant's viral piece on languishing was the most-read New York Times article of 2021 and the most-saved article across all platforms. He received his PhD from the University of Michigan and his BA from Harvard, and he is a former junior Olympic springboard diver. He features new insights in his free newsletter, GRANTED.

Everything Videos Articles

A diamond sits on top of a pile of rocks.

Business

Dear recruiters, one thing matters far more than credentials or job experience

Quarterback Tom Brady was initially overlooked by NFL scouts, but he had vast hidden reserves of character.

A coffee mug with the words world's best boss on it.

The Big Think Interview

Adam Grant’s #1 phrase to unlock potential

The “compliment sandwich” technique doesn’t actually work. Wharton professor Adam Grant on how to give feedback that will actually help others reach their full potential.

What Long Lost Friends Have to Offer

A dormant tie is somebody that you had a meaningful history with at some point but have lost touch in the past few years.

The Quiet Genius of George Meyer

George is one of these people who is constantly giving away jokes, sharing ideas, letting other people take credit for the work that was done collectively.

Two Ways to Spot a Taker

I would not trust a boss in judging who’s a giver or a taker but actually go to the people who work laterally or below that person.

How I learned to Stop Being a Doormat

Trying to support as many people as possible made me a much more effective negotiator.

How Your Distant Friends Can Often Help You the Most

You need to maintain a network that’s not only deep but also broad.

Learn from the world's biggest thinkers.

© Copyright 2007-2026 & BIG THINK, BIG THINK PLUS, SMARTER FASTER trademarks owned by Freethink Media, Inc. All rights reserved.