Rita McGrath

Recognised as one of the world’s foremost experts on strategy, innovation, and business transformation, Rita McGrath helps organisations anticipate disruption, identify growth opportunities, and stay competitive in rapidly changing markets. In her insightful and engaging keynotes, the Thinkers50 #1 ranked strategist and bestselling author equips leaders with practical frameworks to navigate uncertainty, spot strategic inflection points, and drive innovation with confidence. Her work focuses on helping organisations evolve before disruption forces them to.

Consistently ranked among the top management thinkers globally, Rita is a trusted advisor to the leadership teams of some of the world’s most recognised companies. She is especially known for her expertise in strategic inflection points, the subject of her acclaimed book Seeing Around Corners, as well as her influential bestseller The End of Competitive Advantage. Her groundbreaking work on discovery-driven growth was praised by legendary thinker Clayton Christensen as among the most important contributions to modern management strategy.

A longtime professor at Columbia Business School, Rita combines academic rigour with real-world business relevance, helping leaders understand how to adapt, innovate, and grow in unpredictable environments. She also hosts the popular Thought Sparks podcast and newsletter, where she engages with influential leaders and thinkers on the future of business.

Her approach blends strategic insight, storytelling, and practical application, making complex business challenges accessible and actionable for audiences worldwide.

Beyond her professional achievements, Rita is known for her optimism, curiosity, and ability to energise audiences. Her core message is clear: organisations that learn to recognise change early and adapt decisively will lead the future.