Michael Y. Lee is an Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour at INSEAD and studies novel and innovative approaches to organizing. His research focuses on how organizations can become less hierarchical and instead become more empowering and agile. One stream of his research explores the consequences and dynamics of companies that organize without a conventional hierarchical macro-structure, focusing on how they are able to sustain coordination without traditional management positions and also what types of individuals thrive in such structures. A second stream of research examines how groups can change deeply habituated hierarchical patterns of interaction and instead foster dynamics built on respect, openness, and connectedness. 

He is passionate about translating insights from research into practical tools and for practitioners. He teaches a 2-day course on collaborative leadership at Harvard and also works with leaders and organizations to help them cultivate more effective, engaging and empowering work environments.

Michael has worked in a variety of organizational contexts and sectors. Most recently, he served as an engagement leader at a global management consulting firm where he advised corporate, private equity, and social sector clients on strategy. Michael earned his Doctorate from Harvard Business School, an MBA from U.C. Berkeley's Haas School of Business, and his AB from Harvard University (magna cum laude in Social Studies). He has trained in large group meeting facilitation and self-managed teaming as a Coro Fellow in Public Affairs, and is an experienced student in Vipassana (Insight) meditation, having trained at Spirit Rock, one of the largest meditation centers in the U.S.