The Expert Field

Steve Tadelis is a professor of strategy and leadership at the University of California's Haas School of Business. In this interview, Steve recounts his life journey from Montreal to Israel and then to the United States. Born to Holocaust survivors, he discusses the impact of family trauma and its unspoken nature. Initially pursuing engineering, he later transitioned to economics, spurred by career limitations and a desire for deeper intellectual engagement. His path led him to academia, then to roles at eBay and Amazon, where he applied economic principles to real-world business problems. Tadelis also shares his experiences as an expert witness and reflects on personal growth, therapy, and the importance of emotional openness. He concludes by discussing his passion for guitarists like Pat Metheny and his meaningful trip to Peru.