Erika James

Erika H. James is dean of the Wharton School. Trained as an organizational psychologist, she is a leading expert on crisis leadership, workplace diversity, and management strategy. Prior to her appointment at Wharton, she was the John H. Harland Dean at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School from 2014 to 2020. An award-winning educator, accomplished consultant and researcher, she is the first woman and first person of color to be appointed dean in Wharton’s 139-year history. She holds a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Michigan, as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pomona College of the Claremont Colleges in California.

Wed, 11/09/2022 - 12:01
Crisis LeadershipHarness the experience of others
Wed, 03/08/2023 - 12:02
Crises are leadership litmus tests—make-or-break challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic—that are often unique and random, appearing out of nowhere with no clear road map. Many of those who prevail understand that crises are inevitable and seek to…
Building a Team to Lead in a Crisis: Four Key StepsSuccessfully manage any crisis by leveraging the right team
Wed, 12/21/2022 - 12:02
Different people at different levels of an organization or ecosystem experience crisis in different ways. Senior decision-makers are unlikely to have the same insights as those who directly interface with customers or those grappling with the…
How Do You Make a Decision When Every Option Looks Bad?In a crisis, Patagonia’s founder and his team found a solution. Here’s how you can, too.
Wed, 11/09/2022 - 12:01
Patagonia, the sportswear brand, made headlines this summer when its founder and CEO, Yvon Chouinard, announced his intention to effectively give away the multibillion dollar business instead of selling it. Chouinard, a famously “reluctant”…