Nancy F. Koehn is a historian at the Harvard Business School where she holds the James E. Robison chair of Business Administration. Koehn's research focuses on entrepreneurial leadership and how leaders, past and present, craft lives of purpose, worth, and impact. She is currently working on a book about the most important lessons from six leaders’ journeys, including Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Shackleton and Rachel Carson. Her most recent book, The Story of American Business: From the Pages of the New York Times (Harvard Business Press, 2009), examines the people, events, and larger forces that have shaped business in the twenty-first century.

Koehn is also the author of Brand New: How Entrepreneurs Earned Consumers' Trust from Wedgwood to Dell (2001) and The Power of Commerce: Economy and Governance in the First British Empire (1994), as well as a contributor to Creative Capitalism: A Conversation with Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and other Economic Leaders (2008); Remember Who You Are: Life Stories That Inspire the Heart and Mind (2004); Beauty and Business (2000); The Intellectual Venture Capitalist: John H. McArthur and the Work of the Harvard Business School, 1980-1995 (1999); Creating Modern Capitalism: How Entrepreneurs, Companies, and Countries Triumphed in Three Industrial Revolutions (1997); and Management Past and Present: A Casebook on American Business History (1995). She has written and supervised cases on Bono and U2, Oprah Winfrey, Whole Foods, Starbucks Coffee Company, Ernest Shackleton, Stonyfield Yogurt, Wedgwood, Estée Lauder, Henry Heinz, Milton Hershey, Celeste Walker, Marshall Field, Dell Computer, and other leaders and organizations.

Koehn consults with many companies and speaks frequently before business leaders on a range of issues including leading in turbulent times and visionary entrepreneurs. She has appeared on "American Experience," "Good Morning America," Bloomberg Televison, CNBC's "Moneywheel," "The NewsHour," A&E's "Biography," CNN's "Money Line" and many other television programs. She writes regularly for the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Harvard Business Review Online and is a frequent commentator on National Public Radio and the BBC. In 2012, Poets and Quants ranked Koehn as one of the World’s 50 Best Business School Professors.

Before coming to HBS, Koehn was a member of Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences for seven years, first as a graduate student in history and then as a lecturer in the History and Literature concentration and the Department of Economics. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University, Koehn earned a Master of Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government before taking her MA and PhD in History from Harvard.

Koehn lives outside Boston and is an avid equestrian.

Featured Work

Lincoln’s School of Management

The legacy of Abraham Lincoln hangs over every American president. To free a people, to preserve the Union, “to bind up the nation's wounds”: Lincoln's presidency, at a moment of great moral passion in the country's history, is a study in high-caliber leadership.
Harvard's Koehn on Government, Corporate Leadership

Nancy Koehn, a professor at Harvard Business School, talks about government and corporate leadership. Koehn speaks with Betty Liu on Bloomberg Television’s “In the Loop.”
From Calm Leadership, Lasting Change

She was a slight, soft-spoken woman who preferred walking the Maine shoreline to stalking the corridors of power. And yet Rachel Carson, the author of “Silent Spring,” played a central role in starting the environmental movement, by forcing government and business to confront the dangers of pesticides.
Leadership Lessons From the Shackleton Expedition

by Nancy F. Koehn, December 24, 2011

A HUNDRED years ago this month, the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and four teammates became the first men to reach the South Pole, arriving in triumph five weeks ahead of Robert Falcon Scott. The Amundsen crew would return safely to its base, but, heartbreakingly, Scott and his four British companions died on the return journey.

The race to the pole has long attracted leadership experts, who like to contrast the Amundsen focus on efficiency and innovation with Scott’s more deliberate dedication to scientific pursuit.

But another polar explorer — Ernest Shackleton — faced harsh conditions in a way that speaks more directly to our time. The Shackleton expedition, from 1914 to 1916, is a compelling story of leadership when disaster strikes again and again.
Putting Steve Jobs in Perspective

This piece is part of On Leadership roundtable exploring Tim Cook’s succession of Steve Jobs as CEO of Apple, and how to follow in the footsteps of an icon.
A Conversation with Nancy Koehn

Harvard Business School Professor Nancy Koehn discusses what attributes make an effective leader and some of her favorite successful entrepreneurs. Video produced in partnership with Big Think.
The Story of American Business: From the Pages of the New York Times

For over 150 years, the New York Times has been the United States' newspaper of record. With unmatched breadth, depth, and quality of reporting, its coverage is consistently authoritative and absorbing.This unique collection of the Times' most fascinating and relevant articles about business opens a compelling window onto how one of the most powerful economies in human history came to be, including the men and women who have helped create it. Introduced and narrated by Harvard Business School historian Nancy Koehn, The Story of American Business walks you through content ranging from feature stories to in-depth news analysis to obituaries, spanning from the 1850s to today.

Exploring the people, trends, and pivotal events that have shaped business in America, Koehn has organized the book around a number of important themes.

Absorbing and thought-provoking, The Story of American Business provides a much-needed glimpse into our past and a vital lens for understanding our future
Business Wasn't Always the Villain

An interview with Nancy Koehn, Harvard Business School historian and editor of The Story of American Business.

Publications

Books

Book | 2012

Ernest Shackleton, Exploring Leadership

Nancy F. Koehn

Broadly speaking, polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton was not successful; he never achieved any of the goals he originally set for himself. But when confronted with crushing adversity, he inspired his crew to work together to survive against incredible odds. While stranded on an ice floe 1,200 miles from civilization, Shackleton's discipline, fortitude, and heroism overcame months of hardship and peril to get all his men to safety. Here, in this brief eBook, Harvard Business School professor Nancy F. Koehn writes that his is an example from which every leader in today's unstoppable turbulence can learn.

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. Ernest Shackleton, Exploring Leadership. New Word City, 2012. Electronic.

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Book | 2011

Oprah (Brand) Renew

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. Oprah (Brand) Renew. New Word City, 2011. Electronic.

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Book | 2011

Oprah, Leading With Heart

Nancy F. Koehn

Harvard Business School professor Nancy F. Koehn provides an inspiring example of a leader who leads not just from the head but the heart. Her name: Oprah Winfrey. Here, in this brief eBook, is how she built a media empire and the lessons you can apply to your own work and life.

Keywords: leadership; entertainment; Leadership;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. Oprah, Leading With Heart. New Word City, 2011. Electronic.

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Book | 2009

The Story of American Business: From the Pages of The New York Times

Nancy F. Koehn

This book sketches some of the most important people and moments in the last 150 years of U.S. business history.

Keywords: Business History; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. The Story of American Business: From the Pages of The New York Times. Boston: Harvard Business Press, 2009.

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Book | 2001

Brand New: How Entrepreneurs Earned Consumers' Trust From Wedgwood to Dell

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Customer Focus and Relationships;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. Brand New: How Entrepreneurs Earned Consumers' Trust From Wedgwood to Dell. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 2001.

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Book | 1994

The Power of Commerce: Economy and Governance in the First British Empire

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Economic History; Economy; Governance; United Kingdom;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. The Power of Commerce: Economy and Governance in the First British Empire. Cornell University Press, 1994.

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Journal Articles

Other Presentation | 25 Nov 2011

The History of Black Friday

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "The History of Black Friday." Marketplace Commentary, American Public Media, November 25, 2011.

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Article | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

For Obama, Where has Lincoln Gone?

Nancy F. Koehn

The 2012 presidential race was not only the most expensive in history, it was also one of the most closely contested elections the country has known. President Barack Obama inherits the very serious challenge of trying to reunite a divided nation in which political paralysis has seemingly become the frustrating and often destructive new normal. It's a tall order, but history tells us this problem is not insurmountable.

Keywords: leadership; Leadership;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "For Obama, Where has Lincoln Gone?" Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (November 9, 2012).

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Article | New York Times |

From Calm Leadership, Lasting Change

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Rachel Carson;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "From Calm Leadership, Lasting Change." New York Times (October 27, 2012).

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Article | New York Times |

The Driver in Ford's Amazing Race

Nancy F. Koehn

In "American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Company" (Crown Business: $26), Bryce G. Hoffman recounts the turnaround in careful, often gripping detail. Make no mistake, this is a story, not a structured analysis of Ford's transformation. Those looking for how-to lists will be disappointed. Instead, Mr. Hoffman offers Mr. Mulally's vision for saving — and permanently changing — a giant American company. The author explores how Mr. Mulally and his team executed this vision, and what this meant on the dynamic, risky stage of the auto industry.

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "The Driver in Ford's Amazing Race." New York Times (April 1, 2012), BU7.

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Book Review | New York Times |

"When Life Is a Bunch of Carrots." Book Review of Strings Attached: Untangling the Ethics of Incentives, by Ruth W. Grant

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Ethics; Motivation and Incentives; Information;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "When Life Is a Bunch of Carrots." Book Review of Strings Attached: Untangling the Ethics of Incentives, by Ruth W. Grant. New York Times (February 4, 2012). (Review.)

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Article | New York Times |

Leadership Lessons From the Shackleton Expedition

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Leadership; Learning;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Leadership Lessons From the Shackleton Expedition." New York Times (December 25, 2011).

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Book Review | New York Times |

That Eternal Question of Fairness

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Fairness;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "That Eternal Question of Fairness." New York Times (December 4, 2011).

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Book Review | New York Times |

The Tale of the Dueling Economists

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Economics;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "The Tale of the Dueling Economists." New York Times (October 22, 2011).

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Article | Harvard Business Review Blogs |

Steve Jobs, the Immediate Case Study

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Information; Computer Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Steve Jobs, the Immediate Case Study." Harvard Business Review Blogs (October 14, 2011).

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Article | CNN.com |

How Steve Jobs Saw the Future

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Computer Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "How Steve Jobs Saw the Future." CNN.com (October 6, 2011).

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Article | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

Putting Steve Jobs in Perspective

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Perspective; Computer Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Putting Steve Jobs in Perspective." Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (October 3, 2011).

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Article | New York Times |

Before Wal-Mart, There Was A. & P.

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Consumer Products Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Before Wal-Mart, There Was A. & P." New York Times (September 3, 2011).

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Article | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

Wake up, Obama: Listen to Your Forefathers

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Government and Politics;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Wake up, Obama: Listen to Your Forefathers." Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (August 15, 2011).

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Book Review | New York Times |

Inside the Greek Volcano

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Greece;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Inside the Greek Volcano." New York Times (August 13, 2011).

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Article | Harvard Business Review Blogs |

IBM at 100 How to Outlast Depression, War, and Competition

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Economics; War; Competition; Computer Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "IBM at 100 How to Outlast Depression, War, and Competition." Harvard Business Review Blogs (August 8, 2011).

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Article | Harvard Magazine |

Devoted to Debt

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Borrowing and Debt;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Devoted to Debt." Harvard Magazine (June 17, 2011).

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Article | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

For Oprah Winfrey, this is not the finale

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Entertainment;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "For Oprah Winfrey, this is not the finale." Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (May 25, 2011).

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Article | Harvard Business Review Blogs |

Leadership Lessons from the Saddle

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Leadership; Learning;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Leadership Lessons from the Saddle." Harvard Business Review Blogs (May 3, 2011).

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Book Review | New York Times |

Why Red Flags Can Go Unnoticed

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Why Red Flags Can Go Unnoticed." New York Times (April 3, 2011).

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Book Review | New York Times |

How to Stop Trading Away the Future

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Trade;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "How to Stop Trading Away the Future." New York Times (March 5, 2011). (Book Review.)

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Journal Article | Harvard Magazine |

The Reverend Peter J. Gomes: Remembrance and Memorial Service

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "The Reverend Peter J. Gomes: Remembrance and Memorial Service." Harvard Magazine (March 2011).

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Book Review | New York Times |

Early America, Ripe for Counterfeiters

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Crime and Corruption;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Early America, Ripe for Counterfeiters." New York Times (February 5, 2011). (Book Review.)

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Journal Article | Huffington Post, The Blog |

Davos Diary: Day Three

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Davos Diary: Day Three." Huffington Post, The Blog (January 28, 2011).

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Journal Article | Huffington Post, The Blog |

Davos Diary: Day Two

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Davos Diary: Day Two." Huffington Post, The Blog (January 27, 2011).

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Journal Article | Huffington Post, The Blog |

Davos Diary: Day One

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Davos Diary: Day One." Huffington Post, The Blog (January 26, 2011).

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Article | Harvard Business Review Blogs |

Starbucks' Logo Debate Shows Customers' Engagement

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Customers; Food and Beverage Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Starbucks' Logo Debate Shows Customers' Engagement." Harvard Business Review Blogs (January 10, 2011).

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Article | Huffington Post, The Blog |

Leadership Lessons: Oprah's Journey to 'OWN' Cableland

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Leadership; Learning; Media; Media and Broadcasting Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Leadership Lessons: Oprah's Journey to 'OWN' Cableland." Huffington Post, The Blog (January 3, 2011).

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Book Review | New York Times |

Prosperity, Real or Imagined

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Prosperity, Real or Imagined." New York Times (January 1, 2011). (Book Review.)

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Article | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

Losing Sight of Lincoln: A Mid-course Resurrection to Save Obama's Presidency

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Government and Politics;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Losing Sight of Lincoln: A Mid-course Resurrection to Save Obama's Presidency." Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (December 8, 2010).

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Article | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

Mapping GM's Decline

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Auto Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Mapping GM's Decline." Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (November 16, 2010).

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Book Review | New York Times |

Working (and Living) the Company Way

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Working (and Living) the Company Way." New York Times (November 6, 2010). (Book Review.)

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Article | Huffington Post, The Blog |

The Mental Game of Breast Cancer, Part two

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Games, Gaming, and Gambling;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "The Mental Game of Breast Cancer, Part two." Huffington Post, The Blog (November 1, 2010).

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Article | Huffington Post, The Blog |

The Mental Game of Breast Cancer, Part one

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Games, Gaming, and Gambling;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "The Mental Game of Breast Cancer, Part one." Huffington Post, The Blog (October 29, 2010).

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Article | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

Zuckerberg's Expensive Lesson

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Learning; Web;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Zuckerberg's Expensive Lesson." Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (October 6, 2010).

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Book Review | New York Times |

The Wealth of an Intellect

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Wealth;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "The Wealth of an Intellect." New York Times (October 2, 2010). (Book Review.)

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Book Review | New York Times |

People and Places That Innovate

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "People and Places That Innovate." New York Times (September 4, 2010). (Book Review.)

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Book Review | New York Times |

A Call to Fix the Fundamentals

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "A Call to Fix the Fundamentals." New York Times (July 31, 2010). (Book Review.)

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Journal Article | Huffington Post, The Blog |

Beyond Disengagement and Anger

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Beyond Disengagement and Anger." Huffington Post, The Blog (July 1, 2010).

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Journal Article | Huffington Post, The Blog |

A New Damascus

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "A New Damascus." Huffington Post, The Blog (May 24, 2010).

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Article | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

Bono at 50: The Leader We Need

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Leadership; Arts;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Bono at 50: The Leader We Need." Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (May 10, 2010).

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Article | Huffington Post |

Leaders and Fiduciaries

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Leadership; Law;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Leaders and Fiduciaries." Huffington Post (May 3, 2010).

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Article | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

Abraham Lincoln: Never Made of Marble

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Government and Politics;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Abraham Lincoln: Never Made of Marble." Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (April 15, 2010).

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Comment | Huffington Post |

Straight Talk: Oprah's Leadership Lessons

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Leadership;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Straight Talk: Oprah's Leadership Lessons." Huffington Post (April 14, 2010).

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Article | Harvard Business Review Blogs |

Reading List: Lincoln's Leadership Lessons

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Leadership;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Reading List: Lincoln's Leadership Lessons." Harvard Business Review Blogs (February 19, 2010).

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Comment | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

Fuel for the Journey

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Fuel for the Journey." Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (February 1, 2010).

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Comment | Huffington Post, The Blog |

Rebooting Households: The View from Davos

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Rebooting Households: The View from Davos." Huffington Post, The Blog (January 29, 2010).

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Comment | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

Dizzying Fall From Grace

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Dizzying Fall From Grace." Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (January 19, 2010).

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Comment | Washington Post, On Leadership Blog |

A Shirked Responsibility

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "A Shirked Responsibility." Washington Post, On Leadership Blog (December 7, 2009).

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Comment | Harvard Business Review Blogs |

American Consumption and the New Normal

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "American Consumption and the New Normal." Harvard Business Review Blogs (December 2009).

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Article | Fortune |

Steve Jobs's Legacy

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Computer Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Steve Jobs's Legacy." Fortune 60, no. 10 (November 23, 2009).

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Comment | Harvard Business Review Blogs |

Lehman in Context: A Historical Perspective

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: History; Perspective;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Lehman in Context: A Historical Perspective." The Conversation Harvard Business Review Blogs (September 16, 2009).

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Comment | Fortune.com, Postcards Blog |

How to Survive the Storm

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "How to Survive the Storm." Fortune.com, Postcards Blog (January 15, 2009).

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Article | Journal of American History |

Interchange: History in the Professional Schools

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Education; History;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Interchange: History in the Professional Schools." Journal of American History 92, no. 2 (September 2005): 553–576.

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Journal Article | Boston Globe |

Chasing Dreams during Troubled Times: Lessons from the Past

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Chasing Dreams during Troubled Times: Lessons from the Past." Boston Globe (January 22, 2002), F5.

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Article | New Business: Entrepreneurial Pursuits at Harvard Business School |

Branding Means Connecting

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Brands and Branding; Customer Relationship Management;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Branding Means Connecting." New Business: Entrepreneurial Pursuits at Harvard Business School (summer 2001).

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Book Review | Journal of American History |

Review of Tupperware: The Promise of Plastic in 1950s America, by Alison J. Clarke

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Business History;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Review of Tupperware: The Promise of Plastic in 1950s America, by Alison J. Clarke." Journal of American History 88, no. 1 (June 2001): 273.

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Book Review | CNNMoney |

Review of Shelf Space, by Kurtzman and Rifkin

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Review of Shelf Space, by Kurtzman and Rifkin." CNNMoney (June 2001).

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Article | New York Times |

An Information Age Led by Business, So Far

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Information; Business Ventures;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "An Information Age Led by Business, So Far." New York Times (March 25, 2001).

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Article | HBS Working Knowledge |

Building a Powerful Prestige Brand

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Brands and Branding;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Building a Powerful Prestige Brand." HBS Working Knowledge (October 30, 2000).

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Article | HBS Working Knowledge |

Henry Heinz and Brand Creation in the Late Nineteenth Century

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Brands and Branding; Business History; Food and Beverage Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Henry Heinz and Brand Creation in the Late Nineteenth Century." HBS Working Knowledge (December 7, 1999).

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Article | Business History Review |

Henry Heinz and Late Nineteenth-Century Brand Creation: Making Markets for Processed Food

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Brands and Branding; Markets; Food; History; Consumer Products Industry; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Henry Heinz and Late Nineteenth-Century Brand Creation: Making Markets for Processed Food." Business History Review 73, no. 3 (autumn 1999): 348–392.

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Article | Harvard Magazine |

The Wired Society: A Harvard Magazine Roundtable

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Higher Education; Media; Society; Technology;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "The Wired Society: A Harvard Magazine Roundtable." Harvard Magazine (May–June 1999), 42–53.

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Book Review | Business History Review |

Review of Consuming Power: A Social History of American Energies, by David E. Nye

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Society; History; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Review of Consuming Power: A Social History of American Energies, by David E. Nye." Business History Review 72, no. 3 (autumn 1998): 485–488.

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Book Review | Journal of Economic History |

Review of Tobacco in History: The Cultures of Dependence, by Jordan Goodman

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: History; Consumer Products Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Review of Tobacco in History: The Cultures of Dependence, by Jordan Goodman." Journal of Economic History 55 (December 1995): 968–971.

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Book Review | Business History Review |

Review of John Jacob Astor: Business and Finance in the Early Republic, by John Denis Haeger

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Finance; Business History;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Review of John Jacob Astor: Business and Finance in the Early Republic, by John Denis Haeger." Business History Review 66 (autumn 1992): 576–578.

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Book Review | Business History Review |

Review of Predators and Prizes: American Privateering and Imperial Warfare, 1739-1748, by Carl E. Swanson

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: War; History; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Review of Predators and Prizes: American Privateering and Imperial Warfare, 1739-1748, by Carl E. Swanson." Business History Review 66 (summer 1992): 400–402.

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Article | MBA Leadership and Learning |

Making Choices: Aspects of the History of the Harvard Business School MBA Program

Nancy F. Koehn, Thomas R. Piper, V. Kasturi Rangan and Richard S. Tedlow

Keywords: Higher Education; History; Decision Choices and Conditions; Boston;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., Thomas R. Piper, V. Kasturi Rangan, and Richard S. Tedlow. "Making Choices: Aspects of the History of the Harvard Business School MBA Program." MBA Leadership and Learning (1992).

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Book Chapters

Chapter | Creative Capitalism: A Conversation with Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Other Economic Leaders | 2008

Gates: The Right Place at the Right Time

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Gates: The Right Place at the Right Time." In Creative Capitalism: A Conversation with Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Other Economic Leaders, edited by Michael Kinsley, and Conor Clark. Simon & Schuster, 2008.

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Chapter | Remember Who You Are: Life Stories That Inspire the Heart and Mind | 2004

The Fallacy of Perfection: Let a New Image of Yourself Emerge

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Identity; Personal Characteristics; Change;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "The Fallacy of Perfection: Let a New Image of Yourself Emerge." In Remember Who You Are: Life Stories That Inspire the Heart and Mind, edited by Daisy Wademan. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 2004.

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Chapter | Beauty and Business: Commerce, Gender and Culture in Modern America | 2001

Estee Lauder: Self Definition and the Modern Cosmetics Market

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Personal Characteristics; Beauty and Cosmetics Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Estee Lauder: Self Definition and the Modern Cosmetics Market." In Beauty and Business: Commerce, Gender and Culture in Modern America, edited by Philip Scranton. Routledge, 2001.

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Chapter | The Encyclopedia of the United States in the Nineteenth Century | 2000

Consumerism and Consumption

N. F. Koehn

Keywords: Demand and Consumers;

Citation:
Koehn, N. F. "Consumerism and Consumption." In The Encyclopedia of the United States in the Nineteenth Century, edited by Morton Keller. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2000.

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Chapter | The Intellectual Venture Capitalist: John H. McArthur and the Work of the Harvard Business School, 1980-1995 | 1999

Business History

N. F. Koehn, T. K. McCraw and H. V. Nelles

Keywords: Business History;

Citation:
Koehn, N. F., T. K. McCraw, and H. V. Nelles. "Business History." In The Intellectual Venture Capitalist: John H. McArthur and the Work of the Harvard Business School, 1980-1995, edited by T. K. McCraw, and J. L. Cruikshank. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 1999.

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Chapter | Creating Modern Capitalism: How Entrepreneurs, Companies, and Countries Triumphed in Three Industrial Revolutions | 1997

Josiah Wedgwood and the First Industrial Revolution

N. F. Koehn

Keywords: History; United Kingdom;

Citation:
Koehn, N. F. "Josiah Wedgwood and the First Industrial Revolution." In Creating Modern Capitalism: How Entrepreneurs, Companies, and Countries Triumphed in Three Industrial Revolutions, edited by Thomas K. McCraw. Harvard University Press, 1997.

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Chapter | Management Past and Present: A Casebook on the History of American Business | 1996

Michael Milken

N. F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, N. F. "Michael Milken." In Management Past and Present: A Casebook on the History of American Business, edited by Alfred D. Chandler Jr., Thomas K. McCraw, and Richard S. Tedlow. South-Western College Publishing, 1996.

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Chapter | Management Past and Present: A Casebook on the History of American Business | 1996

Patricia Ostrander

N. F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, N. F. "Patricia Ostrander." In Management Past and Present: A Casebook on the History of American Business, edited by Alfred D. Chandler Jr., Thomas K. McCraw, and Richard S. Tedlow. South-Western College Publishing, 1996.

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Chapter | The Encyclopedia of the United States Congress | 1995

Economic Policy: The Twentieth Century

N. F. Koehn

Keywords: Policy; Economics;

Citation:
Koehn, N. F. "Economic Policy: The Twentieth Century." In The Encyclopedia of the United States Congress. Vol. 2, edited by Donald C. Bacon, Roger H. Davidson, and Morton Keller, 674–681. Simon & Schuster, 1995.

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Chapter | Macroeconomic Decision Making in the World Economy | 1989

The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981

N. F. Koehn

Keywords: History; Taxation; Laws and Statutes; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, N. F. "The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981." In Macroeconomic Decision Making in the World Economy, edited by Michael G Rukstad. Dryden Press, 1989.

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Chapter | Macroeconomic Decision Making in the World Economy | 1989

The Capital Gains Tax Cut of 1978

N. F. Koehn

Keywords: History; Taxation; Capital;

Citation:
Koehn, N. F. "The Capital Gains Tax Cut of 1978." In Macroeconomic Decision Making in the World Economy, edited by Michael G Rukstad. Dryden Press, 1989.

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Working Papers

Working Paper | HBS Working Paper Series | 1999

Michael Dell: Winning on the Demand Side of the Information Revolution

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Michael Dell: Winning on the Demand Side of the Information Revolution." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 00–021, September 1999.

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Working Paper | HBS Working Paper Series | 1999

Marshall Field, 1834-1906: The Retail Brand as a Customer Experience

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Marshall Field, 1834-1906: The Retail Brand as a Customer Experience." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 00–020, September 1999.

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Working Paper | HBS Working Paper Series | 1999

Henry Heinz, 1844-1919: Connecting with Customers during Great Economic Change

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Henry Heinz, 1844-1919: Connecting with Customers during Great Economic Change." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 00–019, September 1999.

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Working Paper | HBS Working Paper Series | 1999

Josiah Wedgwood, 1730-1795: Brand Creation in the First Consumer Society

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Josiah Wedgwood, 1730-1795: Brand Creation in the First Consumer Society." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 00–018, September 1999.

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Cases and Teaching Materials

Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2011 (Revised from original 2011 version)

Bono and U2 (TN)

Nancy F. Koehn, Nora N. Khan and Elizabeth Legris

Teaching Note for 809148.

Keywords: Growth and Development Strategy; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Transformation; Technology; Business Model; Arts; Entrepreneurship; Leadership; Music Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and Elizabeth Legris. "Bono and U2 (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 811-091, March 2011. (Revised from original March 2011 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2012 (Revised from original 2012 version)

Gary Hirshberg and Stonyfield Farm

Nancy F. Koehn, Nora N. Khan and Elizabeth W. Legris

Gary Hirshberg and Stonyfield Farm is the story of one entrepreneur's vision and journey to create a market-leading, environmentally responsible business founded on the principles of product quality, organizational alignment, and sustainability. A former environmental activist, Hirshberg built Stonyfield Farm (an organic yogurt maker based in New Hampshire) up from a seven-cow operation into a business that in 2010 had $360 million in annual revenues. The narrative pays particular attention to the early, turbulent years of the yogurt company and the excitement and uncertainty of entrepreneurial life. The case also details the supple, innovative marketing the company created to expand its customer base, the means it devised to cultivate and maintain customer loyalty, and the strategies it employed to penetrate the highly competitive yogurt and dairy categories nationwide. Throughout, readers will encounter the challenges that Hirshberg, his colleagues, and his family confronted as they all worked to create a business with a firm commitment to both sustainability and high quality—a commitment rooted in Hirshberg's dedication to spreading the "gospel" of organic production to consumers.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; entrepreneurs; values; development stage enterprises; innovation; management by objective; experimentation; emerging technologies; Entrepreneurship; Environmental Sustainability; Innovation and Invention; Competitive Strategy; Values and Beliefs; Business Growth and Maturation; Customer Focus and Relationships; Food and Beverage Industry; New Hampshire;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., Nora N. Khan, and Elizabeth W. Legris. "Gary Hirshberg and Stonyfield Farm." Harvard Business School Case 312-122, October 2012. (Revised from original March 2012 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2012 (Revised from original 2009 version)

Bono and U2

Nancy F. Koehn, Katherine Miller and Rachel Wilcox

This case traces the 30-year development of the rock band U2 and the development of its four members as artists, business leaders, and humanitarians (with particular attention paid to lead singer Bono's global humanitarian work). The case examines the beginnings of the band among four school friends and follows the development of the enterprise as a business and as a powerful social and cultural force in its own right. It also investigates the individual journeys of the band members during moments of great success and significant challenges. The case pays particular attention to the four men's evolving identities as musical artists and to the tradeoffs that have accompanied their fame and larger social commitments. The case takes up the evolution of the global music industry in the face of rapid technological and organizational change, examining how U2 and colleagues navigated such change, built a very powerful brand, and created a successful business model. The final part of the case traces lead singer Bono's involvement in political and humanitarian causes and the potential power of such a model as a framework for artistry, entrepreneurship, and effective leadership in the 21st century.

Keywords: Arts; Business Model; Social Entrepreneurship; Globalized Markets and Industries; Leadership; Brands and Branding; Personal Development and Career; Social Enterprise; Music Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., Katherine Miller, and Rachel Wilcox. "Bono and U2." Harvard Business School Case 809-148, April 2012. (Revised from original April 2009 version.)

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Compilation | 2012 (Revised from original 2007 version)

John D. Rockefeller and the Creation of Standard Oil

Nancy F. Koehn and Katherine Miller

Reconstructs the entrepreneurial journey of John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil and one of the most famous business figures in history. Traces his early career as a retailer in Cleveland through his decision to enter the oil industry in the early 1860s to his creation of Standard Oil. Pays particular attention to the critical decades of the 1870s and 1880s when Standard Oil and the larger oil business were growing at white-hot speed. Told through the words of both scholars and first-hand participants, examines Rockefeller's (controversial) strategy for securing and maintaining Standard Oil's market dominance, his organizational innovations within the company, and his responses to a myriad of competitive threats. Also, provides a close look at Rockefeller's life outside his office, including his role as a husband and father. Closes with a contemporary analysis of the ethics of Rockefeller's actions.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Ethics; Business History; Innovation and Invention; Growth and Development Strategy; Personal Development and Career; Competitive Strategy; Energy Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and Katherine Miller. "John D. Rockefeller and the Creation of Standard Oil." Harvard Business School Compilation 807-110, March 2012. (Revised from original February 2007 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2011 (Revised from original 2007 version)

Madam C.J. Walker: Entrepreneur, Leader, and Philanthropist

Nancy F. Koehn, Anne Dwojeski, William Grundy, Erica Helms and Katherine Miller

Madam C. J. Walker, who has been credited as the first self-made African-American woman millionaire, created a hair-care empire after years spent as a laundress in St. Louis, Missouri. Decades before the Civil Rights movement, her company gave employment to thousands of African-American women and marketed its products around the world. Madam Walker was active in the social and political causes of her day, and used her position as a successful entrepreneur to promote philanthropy and self-advancement in the African-American community.

Keywords: Gender Characteristics; Race Characteristics; Entrepreneurship; Giving and Philanthropy; Business History; Leadership; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Personal Development and Career; Saint Louis;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., Anne Dwojeski, William Grundy, Erica Helms, and Katherine Miller. "Madam C.J. Walker: Entrepreneur, Leader, and Philanthropist." Harvard Business School Case 807-145, April 2011. (Revised from original March 2007 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2010 (Revised from original 2003 version)

Leadership in Crisis: Ernest Shackleton and the Epic Voyage of the Endurance

Nancy F. Koehn, Erica Helms and Philip Mead

Provides an opportunity to examine leadership and entrepreneurship in the context of Ernest Shackleton's 1914 Antarctic expedition, a compelling story of crisis, survival, and triumph. Summarizes Shackleton's career as an officer in the British Merchant Marine, his work on several prominent Antarctic missions, and the competitive nature of polar exploration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Also examines Shackleton's planning and advance management of what he hoped would be the first-ever trek across the Antarctic continent. Details the events of this epic voyage aboard the Endurance. Readers have the opportunity to examine how, after the vessel became trapped in ice and the crew abandoned ship, the commander shifted his objectives and responsibilities from completing an historic march to ensuring the survival of all 28 expedition members. Considers Shackleton's efforts to maintain his team's morale, loyalty, and commitment in the face of extraordinary mental and physical trials during almost two years in the Antarctic.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship; History; Leadership; Crisis Management; Management Practices and Processes; Groups and Teams; Behavior; Antarctica;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., Erica Helms, and Philip Mead. "Leadership in Crisis: Ernest Shackleton and the Epic Voyage of the Endurance." Harvard Business School Case 803-127, December 2010. (Revised from original April 2003 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2009 (Revised from original 2009 version)

Oprah Winfrey

Nancy F. Koehn, Erica Helms, Katherine Miller and Rachel Wilcox

The case explores the entrepreneurial journey of Oprah Winfrey, examining how she built an audience for one of the most successful television shows in history; how she created the company, Harpo Productions, that produces that show as well as other media offerings; how she leads and manages her organization; and how she has chosen to use the authority and other fruits of success to make a significant social as well as business contribution. The case uses interviews with Winfrey and her team to analyze how the business model and strategy of the company has changed-in the context of a dynamic marketplace, rapid technological innovation, and Winfrey's own evolving conception of her purpose and path.

Keywords: Business Model; Entrepreneurship; Leadership; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Mission and Purpose; Personal Development and Career; Strategy; Media and Broadcasting Industry; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., Erica Helms, Katherine Miller, and Rachel Wilcox. "Oprah Winfrey." Harvard Business School Case 809-068, May 2009. (Revised from original April 2009 version.)

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Compilation | 2009

A Defining Moment: The Financial Crisis of 2008 and Its Broader Impact

Nancy F. Koehn and Rachel Wilcox

Keywords: Financial History; Financial Crisis; Economic History;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and Rachel Wilcox. "A Defining Moment: The Financial Crisis of 2008 and Its Broader Impact." Harvard Business School Compilation 809-145, April 2009.

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2008

Starbucks Coffee Company in the 21st Century

Nancy F. Koehn, Marya Lisl Hill-Popper Besharov and Katherine Miller

The case explores the opportunities and challenges confronting Starbucks in the early 21st century. For more than 15 years, Starbucks has grown swiftly and successfully, helping create a large, dynamic market for specialty coffee, building one of the world's most powerful brands and forging a new business model based on industry disrepair and responsible global citizenship. In 2008, Starbucks leadership faces a range of issues-inside and out of the company-related to that success. This case examines these issues in the context of a changing economy, increased competition, evolving consumer priorities, and the organization's place on the larger global stage.

Keywords: Business Model; Economy; Growth Management; Brands and Branding; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Competition;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., Marya Lisl Hill-Popper Besharov, and Katherine Miller. "Starbucks Coffee Company in the 21st Century." Harvard Business School Case 808-019, June 2008.

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2007 (Revised from original 2005 version)

Candy Land: The Utopian Vision of Milton Hershey

Nancy F. Koehn and Erica Helms

Explores the life, work, and achievements of Milton S. Hershey. Analyzes his entrepreneurial achievements, including the creation of the Hershey bar, the founding of the business, and the development of the mass market for chocolate. Also investigates the broader contributions that Milton Hershey made to a sustainable, mutually beneficial social contract between business and community.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Leadership; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Creativity;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and Erica Helms. "Candy Land: The Utopian Vision of Milton Hershey." Harvard Business School Case 805-066, October 2007. (Revised from original April 2005 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2013 (Revised from original 2007 version)

Oprah Winfrey (TN)

Nancy F. Koehn, Marya Besharov, Katherine Miller and Nora Khan

Keywords: Media and Broadcasting Industry; Entertainment and Recreation Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., Marya Besharov, Katherine Miller, and Nora Khan. "Oprah Winfrey (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 808-018, February 2013. (Revised from original August 2007 version.)

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Compilation | 2007 (Revised from original 2005 version)

Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War

Nancy F. Koehn

Analyzes Abraham Lincoln's leadership during America's greatest crisis, the 1861-1865 Civil War. Using Lincoln's own words, the case traces the development of the 16th president's leadership philosophy, ethics, and skills in the years leading up to war.

Keywords: Political History; War; Leadership Style; Moral Sensibility; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War." Harvard Business School Compilation 805-115, May 2007. (Revised from original March 2005 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2007 (Revised from original 2007 version)

John Mackey and Whole Foods Market

Nancy F. Koehn and Katherine Miller

Traces the history of organic agriculture from its pre-industrial roots to the present day, and examines the growth of Whole Foods Market in the context of the broader growth of the organic industry. Also investigates John Mackey's role as a founder and leader of the largest natural-foods retailer in the world.

Keywords: Leadership; Food; Entrepreneurship; Agribusiness; Retail Industry; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; Food and Beverage Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and Katherine Miller. "John Mackey and Whole Foods Market." Harvard Business School Case 807-111, May 2007. (Revised from original April 2007 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2007

Leadership in Crisis: Ernest Shackleton and the Epic Voyage of the Endurance (TN)

Nancy F. Koehn

Teaching Note to 803127.

Keywords: Leadership Style; Entrepreneurship; Personal Development and Career; Moral Sensibility; Groups and Teams; Managerial Roles; Crisis Management; Goals and Objectives; Antarctica;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Leadership in Crisis: Ernest Shackleton and the Epic Voyage of the Endurance (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 807-014, January 2007.

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2006

Bumble and bumble: Building a Successful Business in Beauty and Fashion

Nancy F. Koehn and Erica Helms

Explores the creation and subsequent rise of Bumble and bumble, a trend-setting hair-care company. Analyzes the vision and achievements of the founding entrepreneur, Michael Gordon, and charts the evolution of the company within the $230 billion global beauty industry. Focuses on the development of the Bumble brand, its strategic importance in the market for premium hair-care products, and its cultural significance within the company. Also, takes up the acquisition of Bumble and bumble by the Estee Lauder Companies and the implications of this ownership structure for organizational priorities and performance.

Keywords: Corporate Entrepreneurship; Brands and Branding; Mergers and Acquisitions; Business Strategy; Financial Condition; Business Growth and Maturation; Success; Distribution; Beauty and Cosmetics Industry; Fashion Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and Erica Helms. "Bumble and bumble: Building a Successful Business in Beauty and Fashion." Harvard Business School Case 806-084, February 2006.

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2005 (Revised from original 2001 version)

Howard Schultz and Starbucks Coffee Company

Nancy F. Koehn

Investigates the entrepreneur's strategic initiatives to develop a mass market for specialty coffee in the 1980s and 1990s. These initiatives included the development of premium products, rapid expansion of company-owned stores--each with attractive retail environments and responsive customer service--and, especially, the creation of a strong brand. Also devotes considerable attention to how Schultz built the Starbucks organization, examining the consistent emphasis that he and his colleagues placed on the company's relationship with its employees, how Schultz financed Starbucks' early expansion, how vertical integration ensured quality control, and how--strategically and operationally--the company managed its phenomenal domestic and international growth after 1993.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Groups and Teams; Brands and Branding; Growth Management; Employee Relationship Management; Consumer Behavior; Organizational Design; Leadership Style; Customer Relationship Management; Competitive Advantage; Vertical Integration; Food and Beverage Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Howard Schultz and Starbucks Coffee Company." Harvard Business School Case 801-361, September 2005. (Revised from original February 2001 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2004

Money and Banking in America (TN)

Nancy F. Koehn and Stephen A. Mihm

Teaching Note to (9-805-088).

Keywords: United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and Stephen A. Mihm. "Money and Banking in America (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 805-089, December 2004.

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2004

Money and Banking in America

Nancy F. Koehn and Stephen A. Mihm

Provides a concise overview of the critical role that money and the nation's banking system have played in the development of the U.S. economy. Tells the story of money and banking in the United States, from the earliest settlements in the colonial era through the 20th century. Focuses in particular on the importance of paper money in the colonial era, the central role that banks played in issuing and regulating the money supply in the 19th century, and the transition to a national money supply in the years after the Civil War.

Keywords: History; Money; Banks and Banking; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and Stephen A. Mihm. "Money and Banking in America." Harvard Business School Video Case 805-088, December 2004.

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2004 (Revised from original 2001 version)

Michael Dell: Winning on the Demand Side of the Information Revolution

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Leadership; Innovation and Invention; Computer Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Michael Dell: Winning on the Demand Side of the Information Revolution." Harvard Business School Case 801-363, January 2004. (Revised from original February 2001 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2002 (Revised from original 2001 version)

Marshall Field and the Rise of the Department Store

Nancy F. Koehn

Analyzes Marshall Field's efforts to develop a market for mass retailing in late 19th-century Chicago. Examines Chicago's expansion in the 1860s and, within this context, how Field struck out on his own to, build a wholesale and retail business. Concentrates on the efforts of Field and his partner Levi Leiter to build a large regional and, later, a national market for their distribution business and the significant financial, managerial, and strategic challenges they faced. This case analyzes how Field and his partners built a strong, meaningful brand for the company.

Keywords: Management; History; Success; Problems and Challenges; Finance; Brands and Branding; Strategy; Entrepreneurship; Distribution Industry; Retail Industry; Chicago;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Marshall Field and the Rise of the Department Store." Harvard Business School Case 801-349, December 2002. (Revised from original February 2001 version.)

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Background Note | HBS Case Collection | 2002 (Revised from original 2001 version)

Entrepreneurial History: A Conceptual Overview

Nancy F. Koehn

Analyzes HBS cases on five entrepreneurs and the companies they built: Josiah Wedgwood, Henry Heinz, Marshall Field, Howard Schultz of Starbucks, and Michael Dell. These five cases and their accompanying teaching notes comprise a course module on entrepreneurial history that is intended for business school faculty teaching entrepreneurship, business history, brand marketing, or general management. Investigates five individuals in different industries, all trying to make new markets for their products during moments of great technological, managerial, demographic, and perceptual transitions. Acting within a particular historical context, each of the five people succeeded in creating mass demand for new products by earning consumers' trust and loyalty. To accomplish this objective, each also built a best-of-class organization capable not only of meeting customers' needs profitably at a specific moment, but of continually anticipating and responding to these preferences as they developed and the broader environment changed.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Business History; Transition; Economics; Demand and Consumers; Trust; Organizations; Customer Focus and Relationships;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Entrepreneurial History: A Conceptual Overview." Harvard Business School Background Note 801-368, October 2002. (Revised from original February 2001 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2002 (Revised from original 2001 version)

Michael Dell: Winning on the Demand Side of the Information Revolution TN

Nancy F. Koehn

Teaching Note for (801-363).

Keywords: Demand and Consumers; Information;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Michael Dell: Winning on the Demand Side of the Information Revolution TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 801-378, October 2002. (Revised from original February 2001 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2002 (Revised from original 2001 version)

Henry Heinz: Making Markets for Processed Foods TN

Nancy F. Koehn

Teaching Note for (9-801-289).

Keywords: Food and Beverage Industry; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Henry Heinz: Making Markets for Processed Foods TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 801-376, October 2002. (Revised from original February 2001 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2002 (Revised from original 2001 version)

Marshall Field and the Rise of the Department Store TN

Nancy F. Koehn and William Grundy

Teaching Note for (9-801-349).

Keywords: Distribution Industry; Retail Industry; Chicago;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and William Grundy. "Marshall Field and the Rise of the Department Store TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 801-377, September 2002. (Revised from original February 2001 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2002 (Revised from original 2001 version)

Howard Schultz and Starbucks Coffee Company (TN)

Nancy F. Koehn and William Grundy

Teaching Note for (9-801-361).

Keywords: Food; Food and Beverage Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and William Grundy. "Howard Schultz and Starbucks Coffee Company (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 801-374, September 2002. (Revised from original February 2001 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2002 (Revised from original 2001 version)

Estee Lauder and the Market for Prestige Cosmetics TN

Nancy F. Koehn

Teaching Note for (4-801-362).

Keywords: Beauty and Cosmetics Industry; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Estee Lauder and the Market for Prestige Cosmetics TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 801-370, September 2002. (Revised from original February 2001 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2002 (Revised from original 2001 version)

Estee Lauder and the Market for Prestige Cosmetics

Nancy F. Koehn

Opens with a brief history of the U.S. cosmetics market and its rapid development in the 1920s. Also recounts Lauder's initial involvement in the sector, making skin care products and selling them in Manhattan beauty parlors during the Great Depression. Pays particular attention to the period after World War II, when widespread socioeconomic shifts were altering women's possibilities--perceptual and material. For Lauder, such shifts presented important business opportunities. Invites students to analyze how the entrepreneur exploited these opportunities by building quality products, a powerful brand, and a best-of-brand organization. Closes with a discussion of the other brands that Lauder and her colleagues created, those that it acquired in the 1990s, and the importance of specific organizational capabilities in sustaining market leadership in the global, intensely competitive market for prestige beauty products.

Keywords: Trends; Brands and Branding; Success; Business History; Entrepreneurship; Luxury; Organizations; Quality; Beauty and Cosmetics Industry; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Estee Lauder and the Market for Prestige Cosmetics." Harvard Business School Case 801-362, February 2002. (Revised from original February 2001 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2001 (Revised from original 2001 version)

Henry Heinz: Making Markets for Processed Foods

Nancy F. Koehn

Outlines many of the supply-side innovations, such as improved transportation, communication, and technological developments, that greatly expanded the productive capacity of the United States in the late 19th century. Explores a range of demand-side shifts, including rising incomes, population growth, and urbanization, that changed consumers' wants and needs. These developments, taken together with those on the supply side, altered the nature of the American economy, ushering in widespread industrialization, markets of unprecedented size, and consumption on an entirely new scale. Investigates how, within this context, H.J. Heinz created a successful food-processing business in the last three decades of the 19th century.

Keywords: History; Competition; Innovation Strategy; Success; Brands and Branding; Human Needs; Entrepreneurship; Growth and Development; Innovation and Invention; Food and Beverage Industry; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Henry Heinz: Making Markets for Processed Foods." Harvard Business School Case 801-289, August 2001. (Revised from original February 2001 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 1998 (Revised from original 1996 version)

Josiah Wedgwood and the First Industrial Revolution TN

Nancy F. Koehn

Teaching Note for (1-796-079).

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Josiah Wedgwood and the First Industrial Revolution TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 796-157, January 1998. (Revised from original April 1996 version.)

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Background Note | HBS Case Collection | 1996 (Revised from original 1996 version)

Economic Gains from Trade: Comparative Advantage

Robert E. Kennedy and Nancy F. Koehn

How nations trade and whether they benefit from it are two of the oldest and most important questions in political economy. In the 170 years since David Ricardo formally developed the theory of comparative advantage, it has become one of the principles most widely accepted among professional economists. Despite this wide acceptance in the professional community, the basics of international trade are still poorly understood by many policy makers and casual commentators. This note introduces the theory of comparative advantage. It is divided into four sections. The first presents a short history of the concepts behind comparative advantage. The second develops a simple model with several examples to demonstrate the gains that result from trade between nations. The third briefly covers several extensions of the simple model. Finally, two traditional objections to free trade are reviewed. A rewritten version of an earlier note.

Keywords: Business Model; Microeconomics; Trade; Cost Management; Business and Government Relations;

Citation:
Kennedy, Robert E., and Nancy F. Koehn. "Economic Gains from Trade: Comparative Advantage." Harvard Business School Background Note 796-183, November 1996. (Revised from original June 1996 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 1996

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.--1990

Nancy F. Koehn and Michael Dearing

Howard Lester, chairman and CEO, has just completed a second offering of common stock in Williams-Sonoma, Inc. ($218.2 million 1989 sales). Having targeted $500 million in retail sales, Lester's challenge is to: 1) prioritize growth investments in five existing catalog and store retailing concepts, and 2) align corporate retailing strategy with internal structure and consumer demand. The case presents historical data on the company, its industry, and competitors to support analysis.

Keywords: Corporate Strategy; Alignment; Customer Value and Value Chain; Competitive Strategy; Retail Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and Michael Dearing. "Williams-Sonoma, Inc.--1990." Harvard Business School Case 797-019, July 1996.

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 1996 (Revised from original version)

Shopping Alternatives, Inc.: Home Shopping in the Information Revolution

Raymond R. Burke, Nancy F. Koehn and Geoffrey Verter

Keywords: Consumer Products Industry;

Citation:
Burke, Raymond R., Nancy F. Koehn, and Geoffrey Verter. "Shopping Alternatives, Inc.: Home Shopping in the Information Revolution." Harvard Business School Case 796-132, April 1996. (Revised from original April 1996 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 1996 (Revised from original 1994 version)

Patricia Ostrander

Nancy F. Koehn, Donald J. Edwards and Antonio F. Weiss

Analyzes the career of former money manager Patricia Ostrander. Focuses on Ostrander's purchase of stock warrants issued in connection with the 1985 leveraged buyout of Storer Communications and on her later indictment and conviction for accepting unlawful compensation. At the broadest level, the case examines the financial, economic, legal, and moral consequences of capital market activities in the 1980s.

Keywords: Leveraged Buyouts; Ethics; Capital Markets; Managerial Roles; Outcome or Result; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., Donald J. Edwards, and Antonio F. Weiss. "Patricia Ostrander." Harvard Business School Case 795-016, April 1996. (Revised from original October 1994 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 1996 (Revised from original 1995 version)

Michael Milken TN

Nancy F. Koehn

Teaching Note for (1-793-057).

Keywords: United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Michael Milken TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 795-175, April 1996. (Revised from original June 1995 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 1996 (Revised from original 1995 version)

Patricia Ostrander TN

Nancy F. Koehn

Teaching Note for (9-795-016).

Keywords: United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "Patricia Ostrander TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 796-001, April 1996. (Revised from original July 1995 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 1996 (Revised from original version)

World Sugar Industry and Tate & Lyle

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Consumer Products Industry;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "World Sugar Industry and Tate & Lyle." Harvard Business School Case 794-119, April 1996. (Revised from original April 1994 version.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 1996 (Revised from original 1994 version)

World Sugar Industry and Tate & Lyle TN, The

Nancy F. Koehn

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "World Sugar Industry and Tate & Lyle TN, The." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 795-042, April 1996. (Revised from original October 1994 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 1996 (Revised from original version)

Ciba Consumer Pharmaceuticals' Acutrim: Challenges and Opportunities in Today's Diet Industry

Nancy F. Koehn and Rebecca Voorheis

Since its introduction in 1983, Acutrim has been a major player in the U.S. appetite suppressant market and in the broader diet industry. This case focuses on the strategic, regulatory, marketing, and financial challenges this product and the rapidly changing diet industry pose for Ciba Consumer Pharmaceuticals as part of a large public corporation. Within this context, the case is intended to introduce students to the $33 billion diet industry and to elucidate some of the economic, cultural, and psychological factors that help shape the market for diet products, low-fat and health entrees, and a wide variety of foods in prosperous economies.

Keywords: Product Marketing; Market Design; Industry Structures; Public Ownership; Problems and Challenges; Opportunities; Food and Beverage Industry; Pharmaceutical Industry; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F., and Rebecca Voorheis. "Ciba Consumer Pharmaceuticals' Acutrim: Challenges and Opportunities in Today's Diet Industry." Harvard Business School Case 795-043, March 1996. (Revised from original December 1994 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 1994 (Revised from original version)

U.S. Economic Performance--1960-93

Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: History; Performance; United States;

Citation:
Koehn, Nancy F. "U.S. Economic Performance--1960-93." Harvard Business School Case 793-045, October 1994. (Revised from original November 1992 version.)

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 1985

Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981

Michael G. Rukstad and Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Taxation; Economic Growth; Laws and Statutes; United States;

Citation:
Rukstad, Michael G., and Nancy F. Koehn. "Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981." Harvard Business School Case 386-038, August 1985.

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Case | HBS Case Collection | 1985

Capital Gains Tax Cut of 1978

Michael G. Rukstad and Nancy F. Koehn

Keywords: Taxation; United States;

Citation:
Rukstad, Michael G., and Nancy F. Koehn. "Capital Gains Tax Cut of 1978." Harvard Business School Case 386-060, August 1985.

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Other Publications and Materials

Interview | 9 Aug 2012

Marriages Fail, but There'll Always be Wedding Dresses

Nancy F. Koehn and Sally Hership

Citation:
"Marriages Fail, but There'll Always be Wedding Dresses." Marketplace, American Public Media, August 9, 2012.

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Other Unpublished Work | 2003

Historically Speaking: A Roundtable at HBS

Alfred D. Chandler Jr., Nancy F. Koehn, Debora Spar and R. S. Tedlow

Keywords: History;

Citation:
Chandler, Alfred D., Jr., Nancy F. Koehn, Debora Spar, and R. S. Tedlow. "Historically Speaking: A Roundtable at HBS." HBS Working Knowledge Series, 2003.

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Research Summary

Research Summary

Overview

by Nancy F. Koehn

My research focuses on effective leadership and how leaders craft lives of purpose, worth and impact. Using the lens of history, my work examines how individual leaders from business, government and other walks of life accomplish important missions; navigate failure, calamity and great turbulence; use their emotional intelligence to help them do all this; and inspire others to be better than they would otherwise have been. I am particularly interested in how leaders from Abraham Lincoln to Ernest Shackleton to Madame Walker to Howard Schultz consciously learn, grow and change as they lead. All of my research and teaching, including my new course on the history of leadership, is concerned with these issues.

Keywords: Effective Leadership in Turbulent Times; venture capital; private equity; Emotional Experience of Leaders; History of Leadership; Leadership; Entrepreneurship; History; Service Industry; Media and Broadcasting Industry; Health Industry; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Beauty and Cosmetics Industry; Fashion Industry; Food and Beverage Industry; Advertising Industry; United States; Europe;
Research Summary

Effective Leadership in Turbulent Times

by Nancy F. Koehn

Nancy F. Koehn's research examines effective leadership in turbulent times through the lens of history. Her latest book, The Story of American Business: From the Pages of the New York Times (2009), sketches some of the most important people, events and larger forces from the past 150 years of U.S. business history. She is the author of Brand New: How Entrepreneurs Earned Consumers' Trust from Wedgwood to Dell (2001) and The Power of Commerce: Economy and Governance in the First British Empire (1994) as well as a contributor to six other books. She is currently working on book about the most important lessons from leaders through history, including Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Shackelton. Rachel Carson, and Frederick Douglass. She has recently written numerous articles about these individuals and the lessons they offer for leaders today. In 2011, she completed a film about Abraham Lincoln's relevance today titled, "Lincoln's Journey: Lessons for Leadership."

Keywords: Emotional Experience of Leaders; History of Leadership; Effective Leadership in Turbulaent Times; Leadership; Entrepreneurship; History; Service Industry; Media and Broadcasting Industry; Health Industry; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Beauty and Cosmetics Industry; Fashion Industry; Food and Beverage Industry; Advertising Industry; United States; Europe;

Teaching

Teaching Interest

Overview

by Nancy F. Koehn

I am currently teaching a Harvard University-wide course called "Power and Glory in Turbulent Times: The History of Leadership from Henry V to Mark Zuckerberg." This class, which I developed two years ago, examines the effectiveness of leaders who lived and worked in moments of widespread disruption. The course aims to understand the choices they made; including the strategies they used, the values they lived by and the tradeoffs they accepted as they created significant power in companies, communities, and nations. It also focuses on the impact, immediate and long-term, that each of these individuals had, and how this impact was related to their animating missions. Particular attention is paid to what it means to lead forcefully in times of ongoing turmoil and to the relevant lessons that these leaders offer for our own moment, in the early 21st century. Finally, the course strives to draw credible inspiration from these individuals and the contexts in which they acted. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to examine the choices each leader made, the path he or she traveled, the values and objectives he or she nurtured, and the larger stage on which that person acted. This perspective provides a broad understanding of the long-term impact of leadership and innovation on business, government, and society. In looking closely at the agency of other individuals who have exerted lasting influence, students are challenged to consider their own agency, along with their own ambitions and ideas about leadership. The leaders studied include Shakepeare's Henry V, Winston Churchill, Alexander Hamilton, Josiah Wedgwood, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Henry Heinz, John D. Rockefeller, Milton Hershey, Madam Walker, Estee Lauder, Gloria Steinem, Deitrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rachel Carson, Gary Hirshberg, William Tyndale, Robert Moses, Bono, Howard Schultz, Oprah Winfrey, Katherine Graham, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Ernest Shackleton.

Keywords: History of Leadership; venture capital; private equity; Effective Leadership in Turbulent Times; Emotional Experience of Leaders; Leadership; Entrepreneurship; History; Service Industry; Media and Broadcasting Industry; Health Industry; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Beauty and Cosmetics Industry; Fashion Industry; Food and Beverage Industry; Advertising Industry; United States; Europe;

Awards & Honors

Nancy F. Koehn: Selected in 2012 as one of the World's Best Business School Professors by Poets and Quants.

In the News

The Abraham Lincoln School of Management

WGBH News

02/05/2013

Boston Public Radio Staff and Kara Miller

With President's Day just around the corner, and Steven Spielberg's Lincoln up for a host of awards, Harvard Prof. Nancy Koehn joined Kara Miller to talk about Pres. Lincoln's leadership style.

Henry Ford

PBS Newshour

10/29/2013

He rose from obscurity to become the 20th century's most influential American innovator.

Lincoln’s School of Management

New York Times

10/26/2013

Nancy F. Koehn

The legacy of Abraham Lincoln hangs over every American president. To free a people, to preserve the Union, “to bind up the nation’s wounds”: Lincoln’s presidency, at a moment of great moral passion in the country’s history, is a study in high-caliber leadership.

Howard Schultz Wants to Know: Are You a Bystander?

Harvard Business Review

01/08/2013

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, spoke with Harvard Business School's Nancy Koehn at the HBR 90th Anniversary Gala presentation about taking a stand on campaign finance reform and tackling other controversial issues.

Harvard's Koehn on Government, Corporate Leadership

Bloomberg TV

12/24/2012

Betty Liu

Nancy Koehn, a professor at Harvard Business School, talks about government and corporate leadership. Koehn speaks with Betty Liu on Bloomberg Television’s “In the Loop.”

Do Good Ethics Make Good Business?

BBC World Service News

12/29/2012

Justin Rowlatt

Most of us like to think we are principled, that our actions are guided by an ethical code. But how ethical are we really? And when it comes to business do ethics fly out of the window as we go off in search of profits? In the Balance explores ethics with a multi-millionaire venture capitalist, a Harvard professor of business history, an expert on business in India, and a fund manager who advocates ethical investment. Plus as the year draws to a close, we send Colm O'Regan up to his garret to compose the definitive poem for 2012. Spurred on by that, Justin Rowlatt's guests, Ed Conard, Nancy Koehn, Deepak Lalwani and Gervais Williams give us their predictions for 2013

Grande Visions

Barron's

December 1, 2012

Goldwyn Blumenthal

Howard Schultz, Chairman and CEO of Starbucks, transformed a modest Seattle coffee roaster into a money-brewing, culture-changing corporate colossus that serves 60 million customers a week. And he's far from finished.

Cyber Monday

WGBH News

11/26/2012

A new era of retail that blurs the line between indoor and online shopping.

Cyber Monday Likely to Be Biggest Online Shopping Day in U.S. History

PBS Newshour

11/26/2012

Vanguard Takes Aim at U.K. as Fees Replace Commissions

Bloomberg.com

November 16, 2012

Charles Stein

For Obama, where has Lincoln Gone?

Washington Post

11/09/2012

The 2012 presidential race was not only the most expensive in history, it was also one of the most closely contested elections the country has known. President Barack Obama inherits the very serious challenge of trying to reunite a divided nation in which political paralysis has seemingly become the frustrating and often destructive new normal. It's a tall order, but history tells us this problem is not insurmountable.

Ernest Shackleton's Lessons for Leaders in Harsh Climates

11/08/2012

So how do you, the Shackleton story asks, how do you manage and lead. It's both. It's not just leadership with a capital L. It's also day-to-day management, everything from feeding and watering your troops or your team to how do you walk out of a tent each morning when 27 pairs of eyes are on you. How do you manage and lead in great turbulence when a lot is at stake.

How President Obama Should Choose His Leadership Team

Harvard Business Review

November 7, 2012

Gretchen Gavett

Election 2012: Corporate America gets feisty

CNNMoney

November 06, 2012

Anne VanderMey

Ortega Tops Buffett With Zara Fortune of $53.6 Billion

Bloomberg Businessweek Online

October 31st, 2012

Alexander Cuadros

From Calm Leadership, Lasting Change

New York Times

10/27/2012

Nancy F. Koehn

SHE was a slight, soft-spoken woman who preferred walking the Maine shoreline to stalking the corridors of power. And yet Rachel Carson, the author of “Silent Spring,” played a central role in starting the environmental movement, by forcing government and business to confront the dangers of pesticides.

Retailers curb online shopping with in-store deals

Marketplace Business

October 15th, 2012

Sally Herships

Retailers are striking back against the practice of "showrooming" -- when a customer browses for an item in a store, but then buys it online, often at a cheaper price.

Howard Schultz Built Starbucks And Rebuilt It

Investor's Business Daily

10/14/2012

James Detar

In 1987, Howard Schultz convinced investors to back his crazy idea — buying a tiny Seattle firm called Starbucks (SBUX). He hired a team of bright, creative managers and in the next 13 years built Starbucks into a global coffeehouse giant. CEO Howard Schultz has overseen a Starbucks stock rocket of 6,600% since 1992 and attempted rebound from July 27's gap-down. He felt sure the chain would continue to prosper. So he stepped down as CEO in 2000, staying on as chairman and focusing on global expansion. But by 2007 — even before the Great Recession — Schultz could see that the company was cooling at a troubling rate. He saw right. "When I came back (as CEO) in 2008, the company and the country were in crisis," Schultz, 59, told IBD.

San Francisco Bureau, The Paper or Plastic? Some Communities Say Neither

New York Times

September 9, 2012

Matt Richtel

Steve Jobs' real legacy: Apple Inc.

CNNMoney

September 8, 2011

Miguel Helft

Without hype or fanfare, Steve Jobs has been quietly making sure his beloved company is built to last.

Marriages fail, but there'll always be wedding dresses

Marketplace Business

August 29th, 2012

Sally Herships

Wake up, Obama: Listen to your Forefathers

Washington Post, On Leadership Blog

08/15/2011

Nancy F. Koehn

With the president’s approval rating sinking below 40 percent for the first time, this week’s On Leadershiproundtable explores Obama’s wavering leadership and how he could steady it—with opinion pieces by former Congressman Mickey Edwards, journalist Evan Thomas, public opinion polling expert Peter Hart, and Harvard Professor Nancy Koehn.

Howard Schultz Built Starbucks And Rebuilt It

August 10, 2012

James Detar

In 1987, Howard Schultz convinced investors to back his crazy idea — buying a tiny Seattle firm called Starbucks (SBUX). But by 2007 — even before the Great Recession — Schultz could see that the company was cooling at a troubling rate. He saw right.

Bono, Facebook and the Challenge of Following the Jesus of the Poor

Huffington Post

05/22/2012

Kristi York Wooten, Joshua Case

Professor Nancy F. Koehn of Harvard Business School compares Bono to a CEO of "'Creative capitalism,' who, along with his bandmates, developed business savvy long before he ever had a hit. As for his propensity to do good, Author Kim Girard says Bono's campaigns are social and viral in nature -- and aligned with the 21st century's "growing spiritual hunger among young people, backlash against Wall Street greed, and the revolutions in the Middle East."

American Recovery?

BBC World Service News

04/29/2012

Just when it seemed the world's biggest economy was getting back on its feet a new set of GDP figures come in suggesting growth in America has slowed. The hope had been that America could provide inspiration - and some desperately needed demand - for the rest of the developed world. Or could it be the figures themselves that are at fault? Can't statistics be used to prove almost anything?
Justin Rowlatt and his guests, Professor Nancy Koehn of Harvard Business School, Paul Dales, senior US economist at Capital Economics and Timothy Noah, author of "The Great Divergence," discuss the truth behind the numbers.

The Driver in Ford's Amazing Race

New York Times

04/01/2012

Nancy F. Koehn

In “American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Company” (Crown Business: $26), Bryce G. Hoffman recounts the turnaround in careful, often gripping detail.

Trayvon Martin & Skittles: When Brands Lose Control of their Image

WGBH News

03/29/2012

Building America's Most Innovative Brands

Inc.

February 25, 2011

Christine Lagorio

Harvard's guru on outstanding American entrepreneurship analyzes the country's best brands, ponders the challenges of Groupon-era consumer empowerment, and explains why Oprah is a great boss.

World’s Best B-School Professors: Nancy F. Koehn

Poets and Quants

February 10th, 2012

Andrea Carter

Lincoln's Wartime Leadership Tools

Washington Post, On Leadership Blog

02/06/2012

Capitalism in the Spotlight

BBC World Service News

01/28/2012

Justin Rowlatt

Justin Rowlatt and guests discuss whether capitalism needs fixing. And do meetings work?

Two People, One Identity

New York Times

01/13/2012

Austin Considine

In person, the identical twins Kirk and Nate Mueller are an uncanny sight. The neatly coiffed hair, the ASOS leather boots, the red lapel flowers from Hook & Albert, the brown wool Topman suits — everything about them is almost exactly the same. Even their jobs: designing sleek iPad apps and Web sites, which has made them overnight design celebrities.

Life and Death Leadership - 3 Principles

Forbes

01/09/2012

Erika Andersen, Contributor

My colleagues know I’m always looking for interesting and worthwhile blog topics. Over the holidays, two of them sent me Nancy F. Koehn’s recent NYT essay, focused on the leadership lessons of Ernest Shackleton’s 1914-1916 Antarctic expedition. Ms. Koehn does a wonderful job essentializing what Shackleton did well and badly: his lack of planning and his failure to listen to good counsel almost got everyone killed; his ability to quickly revise his goal and then remain fully committed to achieving it saved them.

Related: Leadership Lessons From the Shackleton Expedition Koehn, Nancy F.

Letters: Sears Closings; Writing Letters

NPR

12/30/2011

Robert Siegel reads emails from listeners.

Should Shackleton's Heroism Matter to Today's Entrepreneurs?

12/26/2011

Edward Tenner

Shackleton's ability to form a new plan, maintain morale, and keep negativity at bay for more than a year and a half after first becoming icebound remains one of the most riveting sea stories ever. But what does it really have to say to executives in today's emergencies? Does it justify romantic business heroism, whatever the possible collateral damage? Historic and recent warning signs abounded in 1914. Shackleton's near-fatal misjudgement occurred only three years after Captain Smith of the Titanic, following then-universal custom, maintained normal speed even amid ice warnings.

Related: Leadership Lessons From the Shackleton Expedition Koehn, Nancy F.

Leadership Lessons From the Shackleton Expedition

New York Times

12/24/2011

Nancy F. Koehn

A hundred years ago this month, the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and four teammates became the first men to reach the South Pole, arriving in triumph five weeks ahead of Robert Falcon Scott. The Amundsen crew would return safely to its base, but, heartbreakingly, Scott and his four British companions died on the return journey.

That Eternal Question of Fairness

New York Times

12/03/2011

Nancy F. Koehn

The growing gap between the top earners and everyone else is agitating our society in newly public ways. The Occupy Wall Street movement is one example. The anger spilling out over deficit reduction — or lack thereof — in Congress is another.

Second Act for Occupy Wall Street: Is it time to come in from the cold?

Christian Science Monitor

10/18/2011

Gloria Goodale

Police sweeps of Occupy Wall Street urban encampments have sent protesters across the country looking for new digs. In a growing number of cities, including New York, Detroit, Oakland, and Los Angeles, that means packing up the sleeping bags and moving indoors to set up ad hoc organizing spaces in places like school auditoriums, unused government buildings, churches, and foreclosed properties.

The Hartford Brothers’ A&P Gained Weight

Investors.com

10/26/2011

Curt Schleier

George L. and John Hartford were brothers, but they were hardly twins.

Their personality splits were really what made them a great team.

Together they built A&P, a small chain of tea-and-coffee stores, into the world's largest retailer.

The Tale of the Dueling Economists

New York Times

10/22/2011

Nancy F. Koehn

John Maynard Keynes and Friedrich Hayek. The names conjure opposing poles of thought about making economic policy: Keynes is often held up as the flag bearer of vigorous government intervention in the markets, while Hayek is regarded as the champion of laissez-faire capitalism.

Steve Jobs, the Immediate Case Study

HBR Blog Network

10/14/2011

Nancy Koehn

In all kinds of places this past week — from Twitter feeds to boardrooms — people discussed Steve Jobs's career at Apple as a kind of informal but very important case study. This is not surprising, given his contributions to technology and the lasting impact he'll have on the way we communicate. On the other hand, given the currency of Jobs and Apple's achievements, this is quite rare. John Rockefeller, IBM's Thomas Watson Sr., and many others have been recognized for their skills as strategists and organizational builders, but we didn't use them as case studies — at business schools or in conversation — until decades and decades after their deaths.

The Life and Legacy of Steve Jobs

10/06/2011

There are figures in the history of American innovation so large they reshape the world they touch. One died yesterday. Apple visionary Steve Jobs. He was 56. He started Apple in a California garage with Steve Wozniak when he was 21.

Putting Steve Jobs in Perspective

Washington Post

10/03/2011

Nancy Koehn

This piece is part of this week’s On Leadership roundtable exploring Tim Cook’s succession of Steve Jobs as CEO of Apple, and how to follow in the footsteps of an icon.

Steve Jobs' Real Legacy: Apple Inc.

CNNMoney

09/08/2011

Miguel Helft

Without hype or fanfare, Steve Jobs has been quietly making sure his beloved company is built to last.

Shaky Economy

WGBH News

08/08/2011

Today, the Dow Jones dropped more than 600 points, the biggest one-day loss since December 2008. Is America heading for a double-dip recession? For more on America’s economic outlook, Jared is joined by Harvard Business School professor Nancy Koehn and Thomson Reuters economist Jeoffrey Hall.

IBM at 100: How to Outlast Depression, War, and Competition

HBR Blog Network

08/08/2011

Nancy Koehn

Apple, Google and Facebook generate a lot more buzz in the tech space than IBM these days, but Big Blue's track record outshines all of these younger players when seen from the wide-angle lens of history. In fact, IBM's is one of the greatest (and, yes, less well-known) stories of American capitalism. At its 100-year milestone, IBM shows us what it takes to outlast depression, war, and intense competition in order to remain a market leader in the midst of ongoing technological innovation. Here are several lessons worth sharing.

The Starbucks Debate

01/13/2011

NANCY KOEHN of Harvard Business School is one of the world's leading experts on Starbucks. Her opinion on the latest logo/strategy kerfuffle is broadly positive.

Related: Starbucks' Logo Debate Shows Customers' Engagement Koehn, Nancy F.

Starbucks' Logo Debate Shows Customers' Engagement

HBR Blog Network

01/10/2011

Nancy Koehn

Last Wednesday, Starbucks unveiled a new logo, and the world has not been the same since. I'm kidding, of course, but the change — a simpler, cleaner version of the mermaid (or, if you will, mythological "siren") minus the border and company name — launched a war of words on blogging sites all over the internet.

Warren Buffett just Put a Lotta Ketchup in his Cupboard

Marketplace Business

02/14/2013

Kai Ryssdal

Today, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway announced that it will partner with investment firm 3G Capital to buy Heinz for$23 billion in cash. But with debt assuption, the whole deal is valued at around $28 billion.

Heinz Turnaround CEO Johnson May Reap $100 Million After Buyout

Washington Post

02/15/2013

Renee Dudley, Carol Hymowitz and Leslie Patton

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and Jorge Paulo Lemann’s 3G Capital Inc. agreed to buy the iconic ketchup maker for about $23 billion.

Has American Innovation Stalled?

02/18/2013

A feature in The Economist last month posed the question, "Has the ideas machine broken down?" In other words, have innovation and technology stopped driving economic growth worldwide? That question has been more urgent as Boeing struggles with one of the most innovative aircraft to barrel down a runway in decades. Journalists at Bloomberg BusinessWeek wrote recently: "The Dreamliner's troubles reflect a wider trend. Innovation in mature economies such as America's...seem stuck in a perpetual holding pattern."

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Howard Schultz, Chairman and CEO of Starbucks, transformed a modest Seattle coffee roaster into a money-brewing, culture-changing corporate colossus that serves 60 million customers a week. And he's far from finished.

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