Daena Giardella

Daena Giardella is a Senior Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management and a Faculty Affiliate of the MIT Leadership Center. Her expertise spans organizational leadership, conflict resolution, and fostering inclusive environments. She designs innovative programs blending improvisation with leadership skills, addressing implicit bias, sexual harassment, and team dynamics. Giardella has taught globally, including at The Lisbon MBA and Harvard Law School, and collaborates with institutions like ESSEC Business School. Her work emphasizes experiential learning through scenarios to enhance adaptability and emotional intelligence.

Her research focuses on leadership development, workplace culture, and diversity. Notable contributions include articles on managing inner critics, toxic work environments, and generational workforce trends. Giardella’s dual career in organizational development and performing arts uniquely informs her educational programs. She has led anti-bullying initiatives under Harvard grants and co-authored Changing Patterns: Discovering the Fabric of Your Creativity.

Giardella’s teaching extends to executive education programs at MIT Sloan, covering leadership, negotiation, and general management. She advises organizations across industries, leveraging her Improvisation and Influence Model® to cultivate collaborative communication and adaptive leadership.