Laura Morgan Roberts

Laura Morgan Roberts is the Frank M. Sands Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. She has previously served on the faculties of Harvard Business School, Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, and Antioch University’s Graduate School of Leadership and Change, and has taught as a faculty affiliate at the University of Michigan, Wharton, Tuck, Georgia State University, UCLA Anderson, Simmons School of Management, and AVT (Copenhagen).

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D., Organizational Psychology, University of Michigan
• M.A., Organizational Psychology, University of Michigan
• B.A., Psychology (highest distinction, Phi Beta Kappa), University of Virginia

Laura’s research centers on maximizing human potential in diverse organizations through strength-based development and authentic leadership. She investigates how individuals and leaders cultivate positive work identities, with a particular focus on race, gender, and inclusion. Her work bridges academic rigor with practical application, aiming to transform organizational cultures through identity-aware leadership and psychological safety.

The trends in her publications reflect a strong emphasis on identity, leadership, and inclusion. Key themes include authenticity at work, strength-based performance, racial equity in leadership, and the formation of positive professional identities. Her research integrates insights from organizational psychology, positive organizational scholarship, and social identity theory to address systemic challenges in workplace diversity and individual flourishing.

Laura is widely recognized for her influential contributions, though specific awards are not listed. Her publications in Harvard Business Review and features in global media outlets such as TED’s #WorkLife podcast and U.S. News & World Report underscore her impact on both academic and practitioner audiences.

She has advised and collaborated with leaders across sectors through her work at RPAQ Solutions, a research and consulting firm she co-founded. While no formal grants are mentioned, her executive education programs and consulting suggest active engagement in applied research and organizational development. She has also contributed to the academic community through editorial work on books such as Exploring Positive Identities in Organizations and Race, Work and Leadership.

Laura is a co-founder of RPAQ Solutions, a research and consulting firm dedicated to bringing strength-based practices to leaders seeking high performance and personal fulfillment. Through this firm and her academic roles, she leads initiatives that integrate psychological insights with leadership development, fostering environments where individuals can bring their best selves to work.