Sheena Iyengar

Date of Birth: November 29, 1969

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

Sheena Iyengar is a renowned educator, psychologist, and author, best known for her work on the psychology of choice and decision-making. Born in Toronto, Canada, she moved to the United States with her family at a young age. Iyengar’s early life was marked by significant challenges; she was diagnosed with a rare form of retinitis pigmentosa, which eventually caused her to lose her vision completely. Despite her visual impairment, Iyengar excelled academically, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Social Psychology from Stanford University. She is currently the S.T. Lee Professor of Business at Columbia Business School. Iyengar gained widespread recognition for her groundbreaking research on choice, particularly her study known as the “jam experiment,” which demonstrated that people are often overwhelmed by too many options. Her book, “The Art of Choosing,” delves into the complexities of decision-making and has been praised for its insightful analysis and practical relevance. Throughout her career, Iyengar has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Best Paper Award from the Academy of Management and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the National Science Foundation. She continues to influence both academic and public discourse on the psychology of choice, delivering lectures and participating in thought leadership forums worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Sheena Iyengar

1. Sheena Iyengar is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder.

2. She conducted the famous “jam experiment” which illustrated that too many choices can lead to decision paralysis.

3. Her book, “The Art of Choosing,” was a finalist for the Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award.

4. Iyengar’s research has been featured in major publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Time Magazine.

5. She is a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sheena Iyengar

1. “The art of choosing is one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping our lives.”

2. “Our freedom to choose is not just the ability to say yes; it’s also the ability to say no.”

3. “When people are given too many options, they tend to make poorer decisions.”

4. “Choices are the hinges of destiny.”

5. “The secret to happiness is to limit the number of choices we have.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Sheena Iyengar’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, primarily derived from her academic salary, book sales, and speaking engagements.