Rob Cross

For more 20 years, Rob Cross has studied the underlying networks of effective organizations and the collaborative practices of high performers.

Working with more than 300 organizations and reaching thousands of leaders from the front line to the C-suite, he has identified specific ways to cultivate vibrant, effective networks at all levels of an organization and any career stage.

Through research and writing, speaking and consulting, and courses and tools, Cross’s network strategies are transforming the way people lead, work and live in a hyper-connected world.

Currently the Edward A. Madden Professor of Global Leadership at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Cross is also the co-founder and director of the Connected Commons, a consortium of over 150 leading organizations accelerating network research and practice.

He has written over 50 articles for Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, California Management Review, Academy of Management Executive and Organizational Dynamics. His work has also been repeatedly featured in venues such as Business Week, Fortune, The Financial Times, Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, CIO, Inc. and Fast Company.

A graduate of the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce (where he later taught), Cross earned an MBA from UVA’s Darden School and completed doctoral work at Boston University. In his spare time Cross has become an avid cyclist, logging 100-150 miles a week with a group of similarly crazy old guys. He also loves playing tennis, spending time on the water fishing and skiing, hiking, listening to live music and is actively involved in his church. Practicing what he preaches on well-being he recently became PADI certified for Scuba and is loving the new world of friends and experiences this aspect of life has opened up.