Rebecca Henderson is one of Harvard’s 25 University Professors, a preeminent economist, and a powerful voice in sustainable capitalism. With over 30 years of experience at MIT, HBS, and as a fellow of the British and American Academies of Arts and Sciences, her research bridges innovation, climate, and organizational purpose.
She is the author of the acclaimed Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire, advocating for purpose-driven firms as a force for climate action and social equity. In her Harvard MBA course of the same name—with over 300 students—she teaches how companies can address global challenges while thriving economically.
Rebecca serves on public and corporate boards including Amgen and IDEXX, and advises large firms on embedding sustainability into core strategy. Her thought leadership spans HBR (“The Business Case for Saving Democracy”), Foreign Affairs (“The Unlikely Environmentalists”), and keynotes at events like the Nordic Business Forum and COP27.
Blending academic rigor with practical insight, Rebecca empowers audiences—CEOs, investors, and government leaders—to rebuild capitalism with urgency, moral clarity, and scalable innovation.
