Brooke Olson Vuckovic

Brooke Olson Vuckovic is a Clinical Professor of Leadership at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, where she teaches on a wide variety of leadership topics including moral complexity in leadership. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including the prestigious L.G. Lavengood Professor of the Year in 2021 and the Faculty Impact Award multiple times for her outstanding contributions in the classroom.

Education:

• PhD, 2002, University of Chicago, Divinity School
• MA, 1994, University of Chicago
• BA, 1992, University of Texas at Austin

Research Focus: Brooke's research and teaching are deeply rooted in the moral complexities of leadership, particularly in multi-generational family enterprises and founder-led companies. Her work leverages literature and storytelling to explore ethical dilemmas faced by leaders, emphasizing empathy, humility, and integrity. She has developed a case study series titled "Moral Complexity in Leadership" which uses literary works to dissect moral challenges in leadership.

Publications & Articles: Her recent publications span from 2022 to 2025, focusing on leadership ethics, empathy, and the integration of literature into leadership education. Notable works include articles in Harvard Business Review and Fast Company, as well as numerous case studies examining moral complexity through classic and contemporary literature.

Awards & Recognition:

• L.G. Lavengood Outstanding Professor of the Year Award (2021)
• Faculty Impact Award for MBA Teaching (2020, 2019, 2018, 2016)
• Kellogg Nota Bene Speaker for MBA Programs (2020)

Leadership & Coaching Roles: Brooke has served as the Academic Director for "Leading the Family Enterprise" and the faculty director of coaching for the Zell Fellows, Kellogg’s highly selective venture accelerator program. Additionally, she has provided personalized executive coaching to C-Suite executives for nearly two decades, focusing on leadership purpose and presence.

Personal Interests: Brooke resides in the Chicago area with her family and enjoys reading, camping, cooking, theater, and hiking. Her diverse interests reflect her holistic approach to leadership and personal development.