Ike Umunnah, J.D., Ed.M.

Ike Umunnah brings a wealth of practical experience and theoretical insights to the forefront of academic discourse. With a career that intersects global business strategy, military leadership, government policy, and entrepreneurship, Ike enriches his pedagogy with a diverse spectrum of real-world applications. His instructional approach is deeply rooted in the case method, utilizing Harvard Business School cases to illuminate the complexities of leadership in various contexts.

He is a two-time Biden-Harris administration appointee, currently serving as the Senior Advisor for Global Markets, a 1400-person agency with an annual operating budget of $350 million. Global Markets shapes policies to enhance U.S. exports, protect national business interests overseas, and stimulate foreign investment in the American economy.

Before joining the Biden administration, Ike held leadership roles at Target and Rockwell Automation, where he led global strategic partnerships and global external affairs, respectively. Additionally, Ike served in the U.S. Army National Guard, both as an enlisted soldier and a commissioned officer, adding a unique dimension to his teaching that emphasizes the principles of leadership, ethical decision-making, and team cohesion. His selection by Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush as a Presidential Leadership Scholar further underscores his commitment to leadership excellence and public service.

Ike earned his Master’s degree in Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, complemented by coursework at Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School. He also earned his J.D. from the University of North Dakota School of Law and a B.A. in international affairs from Morehouse College, enabling him to approach leadership from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

Beyond his professional and academic achievements, Ike’s global travels to approximately 50 countries enrich his teaching with a broad international perspective, encouraging students to consider global contexts in leadership challenges.

At Columbia University, Ike Umunnah stands at the intersection of practice and theory, guiding future leaders through the exploration of leadership challenges, armed with insights gleaned from an exceptional career and a commitment to academic excellence.