Sheila Heen

Sheila Heen is the Thaddeus R. Beal Professor of Practice at Harvard Law School and Deputy Director of the Harvard Negotiation Project. She specializes in negotiation theory, particularly in emotionally charged conflicts, and co-authored two New York Times bestsellers: Difficult Conversations and Thanks for the Feedback. Her work spans academic research, corporate consulting, and media appearances, including roles with organizations like Pixar, NBA, and the Singapore Supreme Court. Heen teaches executive education programs, focusing on leadership and conflict resolution. She holds a B.A. from Occidental College (1990) and a J.D. from Harvard Law School (1993).

Her research emphasizes strategies for navigating difficult conversations, feedback dynamics, and enduring conflicts. Recent publications include articles in the Washington Post and Harvard Business Review, exploring topics like anxiety in negotiations and feedback mechanisms. She co-leads Triad Consulting Group, advising executives on conflict management. Media engagements include appearances on Oprah, NPR, and podcasts like Shane Parrish’s Knowledge Project.