Adam Grant author photo
Image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Adam Grant

Born: August 13, 1981 – West Bloomfield, Michigan, United States

Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist, Wharton professor, and bestselling author specializing in topics like motivation, generosity, creativity, and rethinking. His acclaimed books—including Give and Take, Originals, Think Again, and Hidden Potential—have sold millions of copies, been translated into over 40 languages, and earned international awards and recognition.

Biography & Author's Journey

Adam Grant was born in West Bloomfield, Michigan, in 1981 to a lawyer father and a teacher mother. Growing up in the Detroit suburbs, Grant excelled in athletics, earning All-American status in springboard diving before attending Harvard University for his undergraduate studies. There, he also pursued his passion for performance as a professional magician. Grant continued his academic journey at the University of Michigan, earning his Ph.D. in organizational psychology in under three years—a testament to his drive and intellect.

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Quotes

quote
Argue like you’re right and listen like you’re wrong
-Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
quote
If knowledge is power, knowing what we don’t know is wisdom
-Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
quote
Procrastination may be the enemy of productivity, but it can be a resource for creativity
-Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
quote
We learn more from people who challenge our thought process than those who affirm our conclusions. Strong leaders engage their critics and make themselves stronger. Weak leaders silence their critics and make themselves weaker
-Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
quote
Scientific thinking favors humility over pride, doubt over certainty, curiosity over closure
-Think Again
quote
Practice makes perfect, but it doesn’t make new
-Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
quote
Recognizing our shortcomings opens the door to doubt
-Think Again
quote
We listen to views that make us feel good, instead of ideas that make us think hard
-Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
quote
Being original doesn’t require being first. It just means being different and better
-Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
quote
Discarding your equipment means admitting failure and shedding part of your identity. You have to rethink your goal in your job- and your role in life
-Think Again

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Community Voices

"Adam Grant is a bestselling organizational psychologist who explores motivation, creativity, and leadership"

TED

"Adam Grant hosts the popular podcast WorkLife, taking listeners inside the minds of unusual professionals"

Apple Podcasts

"Adam Grant studies 'originals': thinkers who dream up new ideas and take action to put them into the world"

TED

"Adam Grant has written several influential nonfiction books, including Give and Take, Originals, and Think Again"

Barnes & Noble

"Adam Grant’s book Originals inspires readers to champion new ideas and challenge groupthink"

Penguin Books Australia

"Adam Grant is recognized for weaving together evidence and insights to help readers exceed expectations"

Penguin Books Australia

"Adam Grant is a professor at the Wharton School, recognized for his research on organizational psychology"

BookSeriesInOrder

"Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential introduces a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations"

Penguin Random House

"Adam Grant is known as one of the most popular nonfiction science writers in the United States"

BookSeriesInOrder

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