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Strategy professor & sustainability expert

Rawi E. Abdelal

Transform your organization's strategy for a sustainable future with Rawi Abdelal, speaker, Professor of International Management at Harvard Business School.

Trusted by Uber, Gerstein Fisher

Rawi E. Abdelal
Rawi E. Abdelal

Rawi E. Abdelal

Boston, United States

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Rawi E. Abdelal

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Boston, United States

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Rawi E. Abdelal's biography

At a glance

  • Expert on geopolitical trends affecting businesses
  • Transformative strategist and advisor for leaders
  • Award-winning professor at Harvard Business School

Rawi Abdelal is a prominent expert in the geopolitical trends that shape businesses, economies, supply chains, and social structures. His insights into the complex interplay between global events and organisational strategy make him a valuable resource for leaders seeking to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Rawi's extensive experience as a transformative strategist and advisor equips him to guide organisations towards sustainable futures.
With a distinguished academic background, Rawi previously held the position of Director at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies. His tenure there allowed him to deepen his understanding of the geopolitical landscape, particularly in relation to Eastern Europe and Central Asia. As an award-winning professor of International Management at Harvard Business School, he has influenced a generation of business leaders, imparting knowledge on how to effectively manage in a global context.
Throughout his career, Rawi has faced the challenges of translating complex geopolitical dynamics into actionable strategies for businesses. His ability to distil intricate information into practical insights has earned him recognition in both academic and professional circles. Rawi's work has not only contributed to the field of international management but has also provided organisations with the tools to adapt to shifting global conditions.
His qualifications and experience position him as a thought leader in understanding the implications of geopolitical changes on business operations. Rawi's commitment to fostering sustainable practices within organisations reflects his belief in the importance of responsible leadership in today’s world. As businesses continue to grapple with the uncertainties of the global landscape, Rawi's expertise offers a guiding light for those looking to thrive amidst change.

Rawi's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Imagining the Next Global Economy

Rawi Abdelal, an award-winning professor at Harvard Business School, addresses the pressing challenges facing global economies, such as supply chain issues and social activism. He contrasts the current global economy with the emerging one, shifting his focus from the world's fragility to envisioning a sustainable future. Attendees will learn about the macro and micro forces shaping trends and discover actionable insights to foster a more equitable and sustainable business environment.

Ukraine Conflict: Impact on Future Business & Society

In his presentation, Rawi Abdelal, a distinguished professor at Harvard Business School, explores the implications of the Ukraine conflict on business and society. Drawing on Chekhov’s principle that unresolved elements must come to a head, he discusses how NATO expansion and shifting American influence are now pivotal. Abdelal delves into the historical roots of the crisis and predicts a redefined European security landscape, highlighting the potential impacts on markets, multinational corporations, and the future of globalisation. Attendees will gain insights into these critical developments.

Europe’s Economy: Impact of Political and Social Movements on Business

Rawi Abdelal will discuss the current European macroeconomic, political, and social landscape, highlighting the impact of quantitative easing, negative interest rates, and the rise of populist movements. He will address the implications of Brexit, political instability in Italy, and tensions between Russia and the West. Through keynotes and workshops, attendees will learn how these factors affect business operations in Europe, enabling them to make informed decisions, optimise investments, and adapt their business models effectively.

Turning Your Organization Around from the Ground Up

In his talk, Rawi Abdelal, a distinguished Harvard Business School Professor, addresses the challenges organisations face amid “The Great Resignation” and societal divisions. He emphasises that employee frustrations extend beyond financial concerns, highlighting the importance of how companies treat and value their workforce. As an expert in international management, Professor Abdelal will share actionable strategies for organisations to implement, enabling them to achieve significant positive change for their employees and overall business success.

The CFO’s Critical Role in Capability Building

Rawi Abdelal emphasises the vital role of CFOs in capability building as organisations adapt to the evolving workplace. He notes that many companies find their workforce skills misaligned with market demands. Drawing on a 2018 McKinsey survey, he reveals that 40% of CFOs believe their strategic leadership adds the most value. Abdelal argues that CFOs are uniquely equipped to provide necessary resources for infrastructure, technology, and talent development, while also exemplifying essential cross-functional skills. Attendees will learn how CFOs can drive organisational success in the post-pandemic landscape.

Why we recommend booking Rawi

Book Rawi Abdelal to gain invaluable insights into geopolitical trends that shape your business landscape. His expertise empowers you to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring your organisation thrives sustainably in an ever-evolving world.

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Trusted by Uber, Gerstein Fisher

Testimonials

Rawi is a gifted, passionate story-teller who is capable of illuminating the most complex political and economic phenomena without intimidating his audience or leaving anyone behind. You end up feeling smarter and more insightful about how the world is changing around you.

Frances Frei

Harvard Business School

His breadth and command of his subject matter are truly impressive. On numerous occasions, Rawi delivered superb, stimulating, and memorable presentations to our investors. He connects extremely well with his listeners and was always one of our most popular speakers. Rawi is a truly unique academic with a flair for both educating and entertaining his rapt audiences.

Gregg S. Fisher

Founder, Portfolio Manager, Gerstein Fisher

As one of the world's great academics, Rawi Abdelal is the best person on earth to give a tour of our international landscape. We had the honor of him doing just that at one of our executive leadership sessions, bringing us unprecedented clarity and insight into the complicated world we live in and how we can use these insights to best serve our global constituents. Rawi is thought-provoking rich with applicable teachings and simply a delight to learn from.

Featured Projects

Capital Rules: The Construction Of Global Finance
Measuring Identity: A Guide For Social Scientists
The Rules Of Globalization Case Book

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Rawi E. Abdelal for my next event?

To book Rawi E. Abdelal for your event, email rawi.abdelal@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you ASAP to confirm Rawi E. Abdelal's availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.

What is Rawi E. Abdelal's speaking style like?

Rawi E. Abdelal structures presentations around historical and geopolitical frameworks, using specific case studies — such as the Ukraine conflict and NATO expansion — to trace the roots of current economic conditions before moving to forward-looking, actionable implications for business strategy.

What topics does Rawi E. Abdelal focus on?

Rawi Abdelal's sessions address the future shape of the global economy, the business and societal implications of the Ukraine conflict, and the effects of European political and social movements on commerce. He is an award-winning professor of International Management at Harvard Business School and former Director of the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.

What happens after I send a brief?

Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.

What does the typical fee range mean?

The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.

Have all the speakers on the website worked with PepTalk before?

Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.

How far in advance should I book a speaker?

Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.