Skip to Main

Sana Rafiq leads Boston Consulting Group’s Behavioral Science Lab in North America. She is also a core member of BCG’s Public Sector and People & Organization practices.

Trained as a behavioral and development economist, Sana brings over a decade of experience advising public and private sector organizations on their strategies, and creating sustainable organizational change. She is an expert in behavioral science, having taught as a Lecturer in Behavioral Economics at Harvard University and published in leading behavioral science journals.

At BCG, Sana helps clients use behavioral insights to solve their toughest organizational and public policy challenges. She is deeply involved in developing BCG's intellectual property (IP) on behavioral science, leveraging her research and teaching experience. Sana was an ambassador with BCG Henderson Institute (BHI)--firm’s think tank--on applying behavioral science to change management.

Prior to joining the firm, Sana worked at the World Bank, applying behavioral insights to global development challenges. She also worked at the International Monetary Fund and the Analysis Group.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EDUCATION


  • MPA in International Development (MPA/ID), Harvard Kennedy School  
  • BA (Magna cum laude), Economics and Political Science, Carleton College

Publications and Videos

Africa’s Opportunity in Digital Skills and Climate Analytics | rectangle

Africa’s Opportunity in Digital Skills and Climate Analytics

The continent is rich in youthful, entrepreneurial energy. Well-planned investments now can help Africa transform itself into a global center of technological and ecological innovation.
Six Megatrends that Are Changing Africa and How to Navigate Them Hero Rectangle

Six Megatrends That Are Changing Africa—and How to Navigate Them

Africa is setting its sights on a future shaped by a young population, rapid urbanization, climate change, growing digital capacity, regional cooperation, and entrepreneurial innovation.
Why Airlines Need to Nudge Behavior Not Just Hedge Fuel Costs Hero Rectangle

Why Airlines Need to Nudge Behavior, Not Just Hedge Fuel Costs

Saving fuel is everybody’s business, from dispatchers and pilots to cabin crews and passengers.
Beyond-Agree-to-Disagree-hero-rectangle

Beyond “Agree to Disagree”: Why Leaders Need to Foster a Culture of Productive Disagreement and Debate

Senior leaders must hear the full, unvarnished truth from employees. Use simple rules of thumb and checklists to gauge and ensure your organization’s openness to productive dissent.
Familiar Yet Fatal Hero Image

Familiar Yet Fatal: 10 Common Pathologies of Failed Change Efforts

Change management is overdue for an overhaul. Don't fall victim to any of these ten trusted, but fatally flawed, approaches.
Nudging Consumers Toward Sustainability - rectangle

Nudging Consumers Toward Sustainability

Companies that empower consumers and create a societal surplus can reward shareholders, build sustainability markets, and protect the planet. It’s a win-win-win.
vaccinating nations.png

Vaccinating Nations: Country Planning for an Unprecedented Immunization Campaign

The pandemic has exposed weaknesses in countries' health systems. Mid- to long-term planning for vaccines and beyond is necessary as the world moves toward controlling a virus that will be endemic.