Arthur Brooks
Arthur Brooks is the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public and Nonprofit Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School, where he teaches acclaimed courses on leadership, happiness, and nonprofit management. A leading voice on the science of happiness and human flourishing, Brooks blends insights from behavioral science, economics, and philosophy to help individuals and organizations build purpose-driven lives and cultures. In addition to his academic roles, Brooks is a Contributing Writer at The Atlantic and Host of the podcast “How to Build a Happy Life”, where he explores evidence-based strategies for improving well-being and leadership effectiveness. Before joining Harvard in 2019, Brooks served for a decade as President of the American Enterprise Institute, one of the nation’s leading public policy think tanks, where he held the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Free Enterprise. Brooks is the author of 12 books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller From Strength to Strength (2022), which explores the art of finding deeper happiness and meaning in life’s second half. His work has been featured in leading media outlets worldwide, and he is the subject of the 2019 documentary film “The Pursuit.”
Arthur Brooks Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Professor of Management Practice and Faculty Fellow
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William Henry Bloomberg Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership
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Columnist
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President, Beth and Ravenel Curry Scholar in Free Enterprise
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Contributing Opinion Writer
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Louis A. Bantle Professor of Business and Government Policy
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Assistant Professor of Public Administration & Economics
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Doctoral Fellow
Academic History
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Ph.D., Public Policy Analysis
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M.Phil., Public Policy Analysis
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B.A., Economics
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M.A., Economics
EXPERTISE
Arthur Brooks is internationally recognized as a leading expert on happiness, behavioral economics, and human flourishing.
Drawing on decades of research in economics, psychology, and philosophy, he provides science-based, actionable strategies to help individuals and organizations enhance well-being and purpose.
Brooks regularly speaks to corporate leaders, universities, public institutions, and community organizations around the world, sharing practical insights on how to cultivate happiness, resilience, and meaningful leadership.
In 2009, Brooks became the 11th President of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), one of the most influential public policy think tanks in the United States.
He also held the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Free Enterprise. During his decade of leadership, Brooks more than doubled AEI’s annual revenues, broadened its reach across political and ideological lines, and expanded its research to include groundbreaking work on poverty, human potential, and the science of happiness.
His tenure marked a new era of inclusive, mission-driven scholarship at the Institute.
EARLY CAREER
Brooks began his professional journey as a classical French hornist, leaving college at 19 to tour internationally with the Annapolis Brass Quintet and later perform with the City Orchestra of Barcelona.
Transitioning from music to economics, he worked as an Analyst at the RAND Corporation’s Project Air Force, conducting research in military operations and policy analysis.
He went on to spend a decade in academia, becoming a Full Professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs—achieving tenure just seven years after earning his Ph.D.
He held the Louis A. Bantle Chair in Business and Government, teaching economics, social entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management, and publishing more than 60 peer-reviewed papers and several books, including the widely used textbook “Social Entrepreneurship” (2008).
RECENT RECOGNITIONS
2022 Pioneer Award, Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania
2022 Irving Kristol Award, American Enterprise Institute
2020 National Peacemaker Award, National Conflict Resolution Center
2020 John Paul II Award for New Evangelization, Catholic Information Center
2020 Joseph McKeen Visiting Fellow, Bowdoin College
2019 Distinguished Alumni Award , Florida Atlantic University College of Business
2019 G.S. Beckwith Gilbert '63 Fellow, Princeton University
2023 Honorary Doctorate, Catholic University of America
2019 Honorary Doctorate, Brigham Young University
2019 Honorary Doctorate, Claremont McKenna College
2018 Honorary Doctorate, Jacksonville University
2015 Honorary Doctorate, Ave Maria University
2013 Honorary Doctorate, Thomas Edison State College
PUBLICATIONS & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Arthur Brooks’s research and commentary have been featured in The Atlantic, The New York Times, NPR, Netflix, Good Morning America, CNBC, Forbes, and other leading media outlets.
A sought-after global speaker, Brooks delivers keynote presentations to audiences across the corporate, academic, and public sectors, helping people apply cutting-edge research on happiness, leadership, and well-being to improve their professional and personal lives.