Manfred Kets De Vries

Manfred Kets de Vries is one of the world’s foremost experts on leadership, organisational behaviour, and the psychodynamics of executive life. As a celebrated academic and psychoanalyst, he has uniquely bridged the gap between economics, psychoanalysis, and leadership development, revolutionising how organisations understand the psychological drivers of their leaders. Renowned for his work on executive stress, narcissism in leadership, and high-performance teams, Manfred offers profound insights that are both intellectually rigorous and deeply human. His speaking engagements are transformative, particularly for senior leaders seeking deeper self-awareness and lasting organisational change.

Manfred holds the position of Distinguished Professor of Leadership Development and Organisational Change at INSEAD, where he also founded the INSEAD Global Leadership Centre. He serves as Program Director of the top management programme “The Challenge of Leadership”, and Scientific Director of the Executive Master’s Program “Consulting and Coaching for Change.” His reputation as a leading thinker has earned him five INSEAD Distinguished Teacher Awards, and he has held professorships at Harvard Business School, McGill University, and several other prestigious institutions globally. Manfred is consistently ranked among the top global thinkers in leadership and human resource management.

His groundbreaking publications, including The Neurotic Organisation, Struggling with the Demon, and Organisations on the Couch, have redefined how we view leadership. Manfred is particularly well known for exploring the “darker side of leadership”, including derailment, burnout, and the personality traits—like constructive narcissism—that both drive and endanger senior executives. He empowers organisations to cultivate healthy leadership constellations, manage cross-cultural dynamics, and implement sustainable organisational transformation.

Beyond academia and business, Manfred leads a life of adventure. A member of the New York Explorers Club, he was the first person to fly-fish in Outer Mongolia and has travelled extensively through the world’s most remote regions. These experiences add depth and richness to his keynotes, delivered with intellectual sharpness and global perspective. If you’re seeking a speaker who combines deep psychological insight with world-class academic and leadership credentials, Manfred Kets de Vries is an unparalleled choice for your next event.