Michael Watkins

Program Director

“Successful leaders are systematic in planning their transition and reach break even 50% faster than those who aren’t.”

Michael Watkins

Program Director

“Successful leaders are systematic in planning their transition and reach break even 50% faster than those who aren’t.”

Meet your Program Director

Michael Watkins is a professor of Leadership and Organizational Change at IMD. He has spent the last two decades working with leaders as they transition to new roles, build their teams, and transform their organizations.

His international bestseller The First 90 Days®: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Smarter and Faster, remains a classic reference for leaders in transition, with over 1.5 million copies sold to date.

Michael Watkins is a Thinkers50-ranked global management influencer and best-selling author of 11 books on leadership and negotiation. He has written hundreds of articles for leading business journals. A globally recognized leadership transitions expert, Professor Watkins is a sought-after keynote speaker and guest on popular business podcasts.