Gerald Harris is an accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in strategic planning, scenario analysis, and leadership development. Renowned for his ability to guide organizations through uncertainty and transform challenges into opportunities, Gerald combines deep analytical skills, global exposure, and a passion for fostering innovation. As the founder and president of Quantum Planning Group, Inc., he has spearheaded initiatives that have reshaped industries and delivered measurable success in energy, economic development, and sustainability.
A graduate of Morehouse College with a BA in Economics, Gerald earned his MBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Throughout his career, Gerald has held prominent positions in both corporate and consulting environments, including roles at Pacific Gas & Electric, Bechtel Group, Global Business Network (GBN), and the Monitor Group. His expertise has made him a sought-after advisor for high-stakes decision-making and a trusted leader in mentoring future generations of executives.
As the leader of Quantum Planning Group, Gerald has played a pivotal role in advising the Western Electric Coordinating Council (WECC) on electric reliability planning. For more than a decade, he led the development of scenario-based strategic frameworks that informed multi-million-dollar transmission expansion projects and provided insights for navigating technological and regulatory changes. Gerald’s innovative trend analysis system for WECC, featuring quarterly reports and a searchable online database, exemplifies his commitment to fostering continuous learning and adaptability in the energy sector.
Gerald has also left a lasting impact in the startup ecosystem. As an early advisor and angel investor for Mayvenn, he helped propel the company—founded and led by African American entrepreneurs—into the national spotlight. His guidance on business strategy and operations contributed to Mayvenn becoming a highly successful platform in the beauty industry, distributing products through a web-based system to hairstylists across the country.
During his 15 years at GBN, Gerald consulted for a diverse array of industries, including energy, IT, mining, education, and philanthropy. As a senior practitioner, he worked closely with industry leaders like Peter Schwartz to pioneer scenario planning methodologies that transformed corporate strategy. Gerald led over 50 consulting assignments, from facilitating strategic plans for multinational corporations to writing scenario reports for government agencies such as the U.S. EPA.
A thought leader and published author, Gerald is best known for his groundbreaking book, The Art of Quantum Planning: Lessons from Quantum Physics for Breakthrough Strategy, Innovation, and Leadership. This work bridges the principles of quantum physics with organizational strategy, inspiring business leaders to think creatively and embrace uncertainty. His insights have been featured in numerous publications, as well as in programs he has moderated for the Commonwealth Club of California.
Beyond his professional achievements, Gerald is deeply committed to education and public service. He has served on the boards of organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers, Saybrook University, and the Hoffman Institute Foundation, where he passed served as Board Chair. His leadership extends to his role at the Commonwealth Club of California, where he chairs the Science and Technology Forums and organizes programs that explore the intersection of technology and society.
Gerald is a passionate mentor and volunteer. Through his work with Cleantech Open West, he advises startup CEOs on business strategy, leveraging his vast experience in energy, sustainability, and entrepreneurship to guide innovative companies toward success. His dedication to fostering growth and sustainable practices underscores his belief in the transformative power of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Gerald’s expertise is complemented by his exceptional communication skills. He is a highly sought-after public speaker, known for his ability to simplify complex concepts and inspire audiences with actionable insights. Whether addressing a boardroom or facilitating workshops, Gerald’s unique blend of strategic vision and empathy creates a lasting impact on teams and individuals alike.
As a visionary strategist, Gerald Harris exemplifies the values of leadership, innovation, and integrity. His extensive experience, coupled with his ability to align strategy with execution, continues to shape the future of organizations worldwide.
Character:
Gerald Harris is a leader driven by integrity, empathy, and a strong commitment to mentorship, fostering trust and collaboration across all professional and personal endeavors. His dedication to guiding others and his passion for sustainable progress make him a valued and respected figure in every role he undertakes.
Knowledge:
With over four decades of experience, Gerald brings unparalleled expertise in strategic planning, scenario analysis, and economic development across industries like energy, sustainability, and technology. His global insights and analytical depth enable him to craft innovative, data-driven strategies that address complex challenges.
Strategic:
Renowned for his ability to anticipate future trends, Gerald excels in leveraging scenario planning to guide organizations through uncertainty and unlock new growth opportunities. His foresight and ability to align vision with actionable plans have consistently delivered measurable results for companies and stakeholders.
Communication:
Gerald’s exceptional communication skills allow him to articulate complex ideas with clarity, making him an inspiring and effective speaker and facilitator. His ability to engage diverse audiences and foster meaningful dialogue strengthens collaboration and drives impactful outcomes.
Publications, Podcast’s and Weblinks:
Substack Writings:
https://gerald968.substack.com
Publications:
https://athenaonline.com/sharedplaylist/D63D5TW4FBI29UN1178K
https://athenaonline.com/sharedplaylist/426N9X0BBIU0F9W9BX23
Western Electric Coordinating Council:
https://www.wecc.org/SystemAdequacyPlanning/Pages/Scenario-Planning.aspx
https://www.wecc.org/Reliability/2019%20WECC%20Scenarios%20Assessment%20Report.pdf
Commonwealth Club:
https://www.commonwealthclub.org/search?keys=Technology+and+Society
