Micah Zenko
Meet Micah
Micah Zenko is the Director of Research and Learning and a Partner at McChrystal Group, where he helps organizations navigate complexity and risk with clarity and foresight. He brings more than two decades of expertise in strategy, foreign policy, and national security, advising senior leaders across government, business, and non-profit sectors.
Prior to joining McChrystal Group, Micah directed the Red Team program at the Council on Foreign Relations and led research at Chatham House and Harvard’s Kennedy School. He is the author of several acclaimed books on strategy and risk—including Red Team: How to Succeed By Thinking Like the Enemy—and his work has been featured in major outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Foreign Policy.
At McChrystal Group, Micah partners with executives and leadership teams to challenge assumptions, stress-test strategies, and build the organizational resilience required to thrive in uncertain environments. Known for his ability to connect global insight with practical application, he helps clients see beyond the obvious and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
B.A. University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.A. George Washington University
Ph.D. Brandeis University
Written Articles/ Materials
Book
Red Team: How to Succeed By Thinking Like the Enemy
Insights
Five Things Every Leader Should Know About Red Teaming
Red teaming is one of the most effective ways to uncover risks and strengthen decision-making. This article shares five essential lessons every executive should know—from spotting blind spots to building organizational buy-in—to apply red teaming where it matters most.
The Myths of Strategy Alignment and How to Overcome Them
McChrystal Group's latest leadership roundtable centered on the importance of strategic alignment in organizations, focusing on the leading factors that prevent strategies from producing intended results.
