An organizational psychologist focused on the science of connection without burnout.

Ryan Fehr is a Michael G. Foster Endowed Professor of Management at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business, where he teaches courses on leadership, personal change, and related topics. His work focuses on helping people build more joyful and energizing relationships, with a particular interest in topics including social burnout, gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness, which he has studied in organizations ranging from a microlending nonprofit in Pakistan to a large airline catering service in China. His research has been featured in news outlets such as the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, and in bestselling books such as Dan Pink’s When and Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein's Joy at Work.

In addition to his research experience, Ryan has worked with organizations such as Mercer Human Resources, the University of Washington Hospital System, and IDEO's open innovation project, and gives talks on relationship building to a range of audiences. He received his Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Maryland under the guidance of Michele J. Gelfand, and has served as an Associate Editor at OBHDP. His first book, focused on overcoming social burnout, is scheduled for publication in early 2027 with Simon and Schuster.

Email: rfehr@uw.edu