Bio
Bob Searle is a partner at the Bridgespan Group, which he originally joined in 2000 and where he has served in a number of roles, including lead for Bridgespan’s environment practice. After leaving Bridgespan to serve for several years as managing partner for portfolio performance and support at New Profit, Inc., a venture philanthropy fund, Bob returned to Bridgespan, this time as a partner in its leadership practice. His consulting work has focused on strategic and organizational growth for nonprofits and foundations across a spectrum of social issues, and in 2007, he created the original pilot that developed into Leading for Impact®, a two-year consulting and capacity-building program for nonprofit executive teams. Before attending business school, Bob pursued a career as a professional musician, including four years with the U.S. Marine Band and performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Seattle Symphony.
Current Research Topics
Strategic and organizational growth for nonprofits and foundations
Professional Activities
Academic positions
- Adjunct Professor, Tuck School of Business, 2021–present
Nonacademic positions
- Partner, The Bridgespan Group, 2016–present
- Partner, Portfolio Investments, New Profit, Inc., 2014–16
- Partner, The Bridgespan Group, 2000–14
- Associate and Manager, AT Kearney, 1996–98
- Manager, Business Process Redesign, Staples, Inc., 1999–2000
- Musician, 1980–94
Working Papers
- With L. Waldron, “Making Sense of Uncertainty: Nonprofit Scenario Planning During a Crisis,” 2020
- With S. Cox, “The State of Ecosystem Services,” 2009
- With S. Colby, K. Smith Milway, “Moving Eco-Certification Mainstream,” 2004
Selected Publications
- With A. Neuhoff, “In Bad Economic Times, Focus on Impact,” The Chronicle of Philanthropy, October 30, 2008
- With A. Neuhoff, “More Bang for the Buck,” Stanford Social Innovation Review, Spring, 2008