Brian Spisak

As part of Harvard's National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI) and co-founder of HSC Analytics, I explore how and why leadership and organizational behavior develops in social networks. I then use this knowledge to increase the pace and power of collective problem-solving in business and society.

My primary passion is helping others tackle difficult challenges in areas such as business continuity, conflict, innovation, sustainability, and the alignment of operational behavior with strategic goals. For example, as a science advisor for the United States Office of Naval Research (ONR) and NATO, I explored methods for reducing intergroup conflict, and I'm presently working with several organizations to increase their resilience in the "new normal". My applied work is also migrating towards the (prudent) use of machine learning in organizations - e.g., using ML to support the hiring process, leadership development, and strategic decision-making.

My research is published in top academic journals such as Academy of Management Review, Psychological Science, and The Leadership Quarterly. In addition, my contributions are featured in popular media outlets such as Harvard Business Review, New Scientist, Time Magazine, and The Washington Post.

I'm originally from the USA and have since lived in the UK, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. When I'm not exploring human behavior and this beautiful planet, you'll likely find me powerlifting in the gym.