My story begins with a moment of revelation during my MBA studies. What started as another course requirement transformed into a profound fascination. Marketing wasn’t just about selling products; it was about understanding the intricate dance between human psychology and business strategy.

Fresh out of graduate school, I dove headfirst into the bustling world of a full-service marketing communications agency. It was the perfect laboratory for a curious mind like mine. Every day brought new challenges: one morning I might be analyzing consumer data for a tech startup, by afternoon developing a campaign strategy for a healthcare company, and by evening conducting market research for a fashion brand.

Over the course of my agency career, I had the privilege of working with more than 100 brands across diverse industries. I became skilled at predicting consumer behavior, recognizing patterns in purchasing decisions, and crafting strategies that resonated with target audiences.

But something was missing from this equation. While I could predict what consumers would do, I couldn’t fully explain why they did it.

This burning curiosity led me back to academia, where I pursued a PhD in marketing. The transition from practitioner to scholar opened up an entirely new dimension of understanding. I immersed myself in marketing theories and strategic frameworks. I explored specialized niches within marketing, examining everything from consumer behavior to marketing strategy. Upon graduation, I discovered that I possessed something valuable in academia, a dual lens that combined extensive industry experience with rigorous theoretical knowledge. This unique perspective allows me to bridge the gap between textbook concepts and real-world applications in ways that truly resonate with students.

My teaching philosophy centers on a fundamental belief: marketing isn’t confined to boardrooms and advertising campaigns. It’s woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Every interaction we have, from conversations with friends to professional networking, involves marketing principles. I help my students recognize that they’re already marketers in their own lives; they just need to become more intentional about it.

In my classroom, theory meets practice through case studies, simulations and real-world projects. I am passionate about preparing students not just for exams, but for the competitive job market they’ll soon enter. Having recently completed my own PhD journey, I understand their challenges intimately, which creates a natural bridge of empathy and understanding between us.

When I step away from the world of consumer insights and strategic frameworks, I am drawn to water in all its forms. Whether I am paddle boarding across a lake, swimming in a pool, or discovering a hidden river during a mountain hike, water provides my reset button. Yoga complements these activities, offering both physical strength and mental clarity.

My commitment to growth extends beyond my career. I actively seek new experiences that challenge my perspectives. This openness to novelty keeps me humble and curious, qualities I believe are essential for any educator or researcher. I am a dedicated listener of podcasts and diverse viewpoints. I make it a practice to seek out both sides of any argument, understanding that the most dangerous enemy of learning is the assumption that we already know everything.

Today, I stand at the intersection of academia and industry, helping shape the next generation of marketing professionals while continuing to push the boundaries of what we know about consumer behavior and business strategy. It’s a role that combines my greatest passions: understanding human nature, solving complex problems, and empowering others to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.