Connie Noonan Hadley

About Connie Noonan Hadley

I’m an organizational psychologist who studies the human elements of high performance: workplace relationships (including loneliness and connection), effective teams, psychological safety, culture, and employee well-being.I’m the Founder & Chief Scientist of the Institute for Life at Work, a laboratory and think tank focused on translating rigorous research into practical tools and decision-ready insights that improve life at work. We collaborate with academic scholars globally and with industry research partners, including teams at companies such as Microsoft.At the Boston University Questrom School of Business, I am the Associate Director of the Institute for Leadership & Work, a network of Chief People Officers and senior HR leaders advancing evidence-based management practices. I am also a Research Associate Professor in the Management & Organizations department, where I have taught classes on leadership, teamwork, culture, and negotiations. Across these roles, my focus is translating research into real-world impact—especially as AI reshapes how work gets done and how people relate to one another at work.I’m thrilled to be recognized for my influence on global management thinking by Thinkers50 as a member of their Radar Class of 2024.Current topics I\'m studying:• When do people turn to AI for workplace support or companionship, and how does that shape relationships with colleagues?• How do employees evaluate the performance and capability of people who use AI—and what biases emerge (e.g, “competence penalties”)?• How can organizations take a more employee-centric approach to change that strengthens well-being while sustaining productivity?• What leader behaviors reliably increase psychological safety and belonging in teams?• How can workplaces better support employees with mental health conditions and neurodiversity?On LinkedIn, I share data, frameworks, insights, references, and tools to help make work better for everyone. If you are interested in speaking or advisory work with me, please contact the Stern Strategy Group.

Experience

1. Consulting Researcher Collaborator

   Microsoft

   Jan 2022 — Present · Cambridge, MA, US

   External collaborator on future-of-work research. Current studies are examining how AI is reshaping workplace relationships, teamwork, perceptions, and employee well-being.

Education

• Princeton University

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Social Psychology

  1988 — 1992

• The Wharton School

  Master of Business Administration (MBA), Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General

  1995 — 1996

• Harvard University

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Organizational Behavior Studies

  1999 — 2005

• University of Pennsylvania

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Strategic and Human Resource Management

  1994 — 1996

• Harvard University

  Master of Arts - MA, Social Psychology

  1999 — 2003

Skills

• Leadership
• Social Psychology
• Strategic Human Resources Leadership
• Organizational Behavior
• Strategic Planning
• Human Resources
• Emotional Intelligence
• Career Education
• Marketing Strategy
• Research
• Decision Making
• Psychology
• Qualitative Research
• Management Consulting
• Teaching
• Crisis Management
• Career Development
• Consumer Packaged Goods Marketing
• Job Analysis