Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio
Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Ph.D., J.D., LL.M., M.Sc., is a globally recognized, award-winning expert in AI, Big Data, cognitive computing, behavioral science, leadership, human capital, and the future of work. With over 20 years of experience, she helps senior leaders and institutions make better decisions in complex, data-driven environments by translating advanced research into practical strategies that enhance leadership effectiveness and organizational performance. She advises Fortune 500 executives, global law firms, and public institutions on aligning technology, talent, and governance.
She joined Harvard University in 2011 and currently serves as Faculty Chair of the ELRIWMA Initiative at Harvard Law School and Harvard Kennedy School, where her research applies AI, Big Data, and cognitive computing to leadership, organizational behavior, and decision science. This work provides the foundation for her advisory roles and applied efforts.
Building on this expertise, Dr. Cecchi-Dimeglio contributes to global policy and governance related to emerging technologies. At the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union, she co-chairs the Steering Committee on AI and Virtual Worlds and chairs the committee on Sustainability and Accessibility for AI, Big Data, metaverse, and virtual worlds committee. She also advises leading global organizations, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the World Bank, the European Commission, the United Nations, and the Association of Corporate Counsel.
This close integration of research and practice led her to found People Culture Data Consulting Group, a global behavioral science, AI, Big Data, and cognitive computing consultancy operating across several continents. She also developed I.D.E.A., an AI-driven people analytics platform that supports performance reviews, enhances team building using AI, and improves organizational decision-making.
Dr. Cecchi-Dimeglio is the author of the award-winning books Diversity Dividend (MIT Press, 2023) and Building a Thriving Future: Metaverse and Multiverse (MIT Press, 2025). Building a Thriving Future was named a Finalist for the American Writing Award and received a Silver Medal at the 2025 North American Book Awards. She has been recognized as an “Influencing Mind” by the Edison Electric Institute and has received accolades from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the 2017 Azbee Award of Excellence. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, and MIT Sloan Management Review.
She holds advanced degrees in law and science (J.D., LL.M., M.Sc.), including two Ph.D.’s earned with distinction (summa cum laude) through studies in Europe and the United States, including at Stanford University. She has held postdoctoral positions at Harvard Law School and Harvard Kennedy School and practiced law internationally, including with Hon. Daniel Weinstein (Ret.), PwC, and Baker McKenzie.
