Christopher Wong Michaelson

Christopher Wong Michaelson is a philosopher and academic specializing in business ethics and meaningful work. He holds positions at New York University's Leonard N. Stern School of Business as an Adjunct Professor and at the University of St. Thomas as the Opus Distinguished Professor of Principled Leadership. He also serves as Academic Director of the Melrose and The Toro Company Center for Principled Leadership and is President of the Society for Business Ethics.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Philosophy, University of Minnesota

His research and teaching focus on ethics in business, professional responsibility, corporate governance, and the philosophy of work. He explores how individuals and organizations can find purpose and meaning in work, especially in the context of modern challenges like burnout, AI, and evolving career expectations. His interdisciplinary approach draws from philosophical ethics, organizational psychology, and real-world business practice.

Christopher Wong Michaelson’s recent publications and media appearances center on the themes of his forthcoming book, Is Your Work Worth It?, which investigates the balance between résumé virtues and eulogy virtues, critiques the 'do what you love' mantra, and reimagines retirement as a new beginning. His articles analyze work in relation to identity, societal value, and long-term fulfillment, often connecting philosophical insights with contemporary issues in leadership and employment.

Scientific and Professional Recognition:

• President, Society for Business Ethics
• Affiliate Faculty, University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics
• Academic Fellow, Ethics and Compliance Initiative
• Member of multiple editorial boards
• Host of the podcast Work in Progress with Christopher Michaelson

He advises on ethical leadership and has contributed to public discourse through interviews with Business Insider, Forbes, and other outlets. His work bridges academia and practice, offering guidance to business leaders on building purpose-driven organizations. He is actively involved in research, teaching, and public engagement, with no indication of retirement or former status.

Affiliated Centers and Initiatives:

• Melrose and The Toro Company Center for Principled Leadership (Academic Director)
• University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics (Affiliate Faculty)