Rob Cross

Rob Cross has studied organizational networks and collaborative practices for more than 20 years. Working with over 300 organizations and engaging thousands of leaders across all levels, Cross has identified strategies to build effective networks within organizations and throughout various career stages.

Through research, writing, speaking, consulting, and educational tools, Cross develops network strategies that influence leadership, workplace collaboration, and employee well-being in a hyper-connected environment.

Cross serves as the Edward A. Madden Professor of Global Leadership at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. He is also the co-founder and director of Connected Commons, a consortium of more than 150 organizations focused on advancing network research and practice.

Cross has contributed over 50 articles to publications such as Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, California Management Review, Academy of Management Executive, and Organizational Dynamics. His work has appeared in Business Week, Fortune, The Financial Times, Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, CIO, Inc., and Fast Company.

He is the author and co-author of several books on organizational networks and collaborative performance, including "The Hidden Power of Social Networks," "Driving Results Through Social Networks," and "Beyond Collaboration Overload." Cross's research on microstress and well-being explores how collaboration impacts performance and the employee experience.

Cross graduated from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce, earned an MBA from the Darden School, and completed doctoral work at Boston University. In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Cross is an avid cyclist, tennis player, and outdoor enthusiast, and participates in activities such as fishing, skiing, hiking, and scuba diving. He is also actively involved in his church and enjoys live music.