Ann Christensen

Innovation has the power to solve the most pressing business and social problems of our time, from generating novel business models to reforming our overpriced, under-serving health care and education systems. Whether a business leader or a public policymaker, understanding the dynamics of how organizations harness disruption – be it technological, economic, or social – for their own advantage will be key to weathering and mastering future storms. Ann Christensen is a leading advocate of and practitioner in the movement calling for Disruptive Innovation – already an accepted and much-endured concept in the business world – to be applied in similarly transforming the social sector. As a facilitator of dialogue on this crucial issue, Ann energizes audiences with a firm sense of calling and purpose in using these proven business theories to help companies and people the world over develop new strategies for growth and sustainability.

In addition to applying the theory of Disruptive Innovation in the private sector, Ann’s application of the Jobs to be Done theory led her to explore ways in which these methods could be applied to solving public policy dilemmas. In applying this framework for achieving customers’ desired outcomes rather than merely improving existing products and services, her speaking presentations unpack these important issues to reveal how leaders can begin to take the steps toward disrupting the competition while making a lasting positive impact on humanity. As president of the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation – a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on shaping the conversation and solving institutional problems in business, education, health care and economic prosperity – Ann directs the overall strategic and operational development of the organization and oversees its rapidly growing research programs. She also works closely with the Board of Directors to enhance the Institute’s impact and strengthen its strategic partnerships and resources. Under Ann’s leadership, the Institute has established a visiting fellows program, expanded its education work to include higher education, and added a global prosperity division.

Prior to joining the Institute, Ann worked at Huntsman Gay Global Capital, a private equity firm focused on middle-market companies, assessing potential investment targets across a variety of industries, and providing strategic and operational advice to portfolio companies. She also worked at Deloitte Consulting, where she was instrumental in establishing the Growth & Innovation practice by drawing on the theories of disruptive innovation to help clients create new growth businesses. Ann led projects for clients in variety of industries, including pharmaceutical, biotech, telecommunications, travel, professional services and insurance. She has also spent time as a strategic analyst for Elan Pharmaceuticals, an Irish biotechnology company.

Ann holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Harvard Business School. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Duke University, where she designed her own course of study to examine the political economies of developing nations. Following her time at Duke, Ann lived in Mongolia, where she served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her work in Mongolia included teaching at high schools and universities, helping grow the local church, facilitating job training, building homes, providing health care, and working with orphans.

Ann Christensen is available to advise your organization via virtual and in-person consulting meetings, interactive workshops and customized keynotes through the exclusive representation of Stern Speakers & Advisors, a division of Stern Strategy Group^®.