Teaching

Kathryn’s passion for teaching stems from a lifelong commitment to sharing knowledge and shaping the next generation of leaders. Through her courses at Yale and Cornell Tech, she guides students on navigating the intersection of technology, innovation, and crisis management. Her classes go beyond theory, challenging students to think critically, act decisively, and lead responsibly.

Praise for Professor Guarini

"I LOVED this class! The professor is so incredibly sharp and organizes her material super super well."

" Professor Guarini did an AMAZING job teaching this course. Her public speaking skills, ability to facilitate discussion in the class, and design of the course work were IMACCULATE."

"The instructor's guidance, command of the subject, and years of experience and relationships in the private sector enabled course discussions that cannot be taught in a book."

"Brilliant overview of what creates innovation and some of the most innovative stories of our time."

"This class was truly amazing. I learned so much about how to think about technology, innovation, and the way in which companies foster a culture of innovation."

"This class was overall one of the strongest classes I’ve taken at Yale, the structure was amazing, the assignments were doable, just overall amazing."

"Professor Guarini is everything a professor should be. She listened to her students, everything about the class was extremely organized, and she really knows what she is talking about."

Yale Engineering

ENAS 217 – Disruptive Technologies and Responsible Innovation

In this course, students delve into the world of disruptive technologies—understanding how they work, their societal implications, and how they shape the future. The curriculum combines technical insights with case studies, teaching students to develop innovative solutions, assess risks, and make informed decisions that drive responsible innovation.

Key discussions include:

The anatomy of groundbreaking ideas and how they come to life.
Frameworks for responsible innovation.
Case studies on emerging technologies and their global impact.

Yale School
of Management

MGT 800 – Crisis Management in Tech

Leadership is tested in moments of crisis. This course equips students with tools to navigate high-stakes scenarios like data breaches, cybersecurity threats, and product failures. By dissecting real-world case studies, participants gain hands-on experience in crafting crisis management plans and strategies to build resilience in a volatile tech landscape.

Topics include:

Building comprehensive risk mitigation strategies.
Understanding the anatomy of tech crises.
Developing leadership skills under pressure.

“The case studies are especially helpful. I enjoy learning from what people have done and applying what we’ve learned and discussing what could have been done better.”

Cornell Tech

TECH 5290 – Crisis Management in Tech

This course mirrors Kathryn’s Yale School of Management class, tailored for the dynamic environment of Cornell Tech. Students gain practical insights into managing crises in the tech industry, from regulatory challenges to service disruptions. The focus is on empowering future leaders to respond with agility, foresight, and confidence.

Key takeaways:

Strategies to lead during crises and turn challenges into opportunities.
Comprehensive playbooks for crisis management.
Lessons learned from real-world tech industry case studies.

“A highlight of my time at Cornell Tech. Thank you for taking the time and preparing the class materials so thoughtfully.”

Kathryn’s teaching philosophy is simple:

Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and lead with integrity. Whether discussing disruptive technologies or navigating crises, she inspires her students to not only adapt to change but to drive it.