Iris Firstenberg

Iris Firstenberg serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Management and Organizations department at UCLA Anderson School of Management, specializing in creative problem-solving strategies within complex systems. Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from UCLA (1983), complemented by prior degrees in the same field from the same institution.

Her research centers on innovative thinking methodologies and disruptive business solutions, with publications spanning cognitive psychology, organizational behavior, and problem-solving frameworks. Firstenberg's work bridges academic theory with practical applications through custom corporate seminars that transform creative ideas into actionable business strategies.

Notable scholarly contributions include the 2014 book Extraordinary Outcomes and foundational texts like Patterns of Problem Solving (1995). Her publications consistently explore

• uncertainty management in complex systems
• cognitive frameworks for innovation
• practical implementation of creative strategies

across business contexts.

Professional recognition includes

• 2002 UCLA Department of Psychology Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award
• 2011 UCLA Extension Distinguished Teaching Award

demonstrating excellence in translating theoretical concepts into impactful educational experiences.

Through UCLA Anderson, Firstenberg conducts custom organizational seminars focused on cultivating innovative thinking capacities, with ongoing engagement in cognitive psychology applications to business challenges. Her work remains anchored in the practical transformation of theoretical insights into organizational advancement.