Thomas Eisenmann
About Thomas Eisenmann
Thomas Eisenmann is the Howard H. Stevenson Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, where he has focused on entrepreneurship and innovation for over 27 years. He has authored the book 'Why Startups Fail' and played a significant role in developing MBA courses and programs related to technology ventures.
Work at Harvard Business School
Thomas Eisenmann has been a faculty member at Harvard Business School since 1997, holding the title of Howard H. Stevenson Professor of Business Administration. In this role, he has contributed significantly to the MBA program, including serving as the Faculty Co-Chair of the Harvard MS/MBA-Engineering Sciences program and the HBS Rock Center for Entrepreneurship. He has also chaired Harvard's MBA Elective Curriculum, overseeing the second year of the MBA program. Eisenmann is the course head for 'The Entrepreneurial Manager', which is taught to all first-year MBA students.
Education and Expertise
Eisenmann's educational background includes a Doctor of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, which he completed from 1994 to 1998, and a Master of Business Administration from the same institution, achieved from 1981 to 1983. He also holds an AB in Economics from Harvard University, obtained from 1975 to 1979. Additionally, he studied at Stanford University for one year from 1977 to 1978. His expertise is focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as business history.
Achievements in Curriculum Development
Eisenmann has played a pivotal role in developing the curriculum at Harvard Business School, having launched 16 MBA electives, including courses such as 'Making Markets', 'Launching Tech Ventures', and 'Scaling Tech Ventures'. He has organized winter-term immersion trips for students to study startups in key innovation hubs like New York City and Silicon Valley. His contributions to the MBA program have enhanced the educational experience for students interested in entrepreneurship.
Professional Experience Prior to Academia
Before joining Harvard Business School, Eisenmann worked at McKinsey & Company as a Principal from 1983 to 1994, with experience in both the Greater New York City Area and London. He also served as a Research Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton from 1979 to 1981 in New York, NY. This professional background has informed his academic pursuits and teaching in the field of business.
Publications and Research Focus
Eisenmann is the author of 'Why Startups Fail', also known as 'The Fail-Safe Startup' in Commonwealth countries. His research interests include exploring societal challenges related to Business & Environment, Health Care, and Social Enterprise. He has also contributed to the understanding of the history of capitalism through his research and teaching efforts.