Dr Lynda Gratton is an internationally recognised authority on the future of work, leadership and organisational behaviour. She is Professor of Management Practice at London Business School, where she directs what is widely regarded as the world’s leading programme on human resources. Over the course of her career, she has become a sought-after businesswoman, award-winning author and respected keynote speaker. Inducted into the Thinkers50 Management Hall of Fame, Lynda has built a reputation for combining cutting-edge research with practical insight, making her one of the foremost voices in her field.
Lynda’s early career began as Chief Psychologist at British Airways from 1979 to 1982, before moving to PA Consulting, where she worked until 1988. In 1989, she was appointed Professor of Management Practice at London Business School, a position she continues to hold and through which she has influenced generations of business leaders. Building on her academic success, Lynda founded HSM Advisory in 2008, followed by the Future of Work by HSM initiative in 2009, both dedicated to helping organisations adapt to a rapidly changing world. In recognition of her expertise, she became a member of the Council for Designing 100-Year Life Society in 2017. These roles laid the foundations for her later career as both a researcher and a speaker, enabling her to establish herself as a thought leader who bridges theory and practice.
As her influence grew, Lynda authored a number of award-winning books, including 'The Shift', which won Business Book of the Year, and 'The Key', which was recognised by the Chartered Management Institute. Other notable titles include 'The 100-Year Life', 'The New Long Life' and 'Redesigning Work', which further cemented her reputation as an expert in how employment and organisations evolve. She has been invited to speak at world-class platforms such as TEDx London Business School, where she delivered her talk 'Redesigning Your Work is Important Because…', as well as the RSA, Microsoft and the World Economic Forum, where she has also chaired the Council of Leadership. Her contributions to global debates have been recognised with awards across multiple continents, from the Tata Prize in India to the HR prize in Australia. Lynda has also advised Google.org on initiatives to prepare people for the changing world of work and has served as a judge on the FT Business Book of the Year panel.
What makes Lynda an outstanding motivational speaker is her ability to translate complex research into inspiring and accessible insights. Known for her engaging style and deep expertise, she connects with audiences by addressing the most pressing challenges organisations face today, from collaboration and resilience to the demands of a hundred-year life. With appearances at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the G20 in Tokyo and corporate conferences worldwide, she has demonstrated a rare ability to captivate diverse audiences. Honoured with the Thinkers50 Lifetime Achievement Award, Lynda Gratton continues to motivate and empower leaders, ensuring her speeches leave a lasting impact on individuals and organisations alike.
