Leigh Shamblin

Education

Ed.D., Adult Education, NC State University, 2006
MBA – Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC, 1991

Courses Taught

BUS 558 Communications, Privacy and Ethics in Data Science
MBA 510 – Critical Thinking
MBA 530 Leading People
MBA 531 Leading People 1
MBA 532 Leading People 2
MBA 538 Women as Leaders
MBA 589 – Jenkins Consulting Practicum
MIE 480 – Business Policy and Strategy
MIE 201 – Introduction to Business Processes

Area(s) of Focus/Expertise

Leadership, Systems Thinking, Design Thinking, Social Innovation, Critical Thinking, Ethics, Global/International Management, AI, Innovation, Marketing

Research Interests

My research interests are primarily related to “wicked” or complex problems. For example, how can we minimize the negative impact of social media on the mental health of our youth? Or, what does it take for businesses to focus more on the triple bottom line?

Recent/Past Research

Most recently I worked with Dr. Roger Mayer and Dr. Paul Mulvey researching the role of encouragement at work. 

Experience With Industry (and How it Informs What I Teach)

My first job out of college was working at a bank providing customer service. I continued in banking for several years, including in two marketing roles. I’ve also worked in health insurance, non-profits, and have owned my own small consulting business. 

My background also includes many years working in international development, helping to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as large organizations, in developing countries. I have a passion for helping individuals and organizations solve problems and achieve their goals. While working in development, I’ve lived in Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Macedonia, Namibia, and Jamaica and worked in more than 20 countries. This experience showed me how businesses operate across geographical and cultural borders.

I’ve been at NC State for 10 1/2 years and I currently teach undergraduate, graduate, and executive courses. Interacting with our graduate students and executive clients has given me insight into the many challenges that businesses are currently facing. 

For the last seven years, I’ve taught the Jenkins Consulting Practicum in the MBA program. This involves working closely with the North Carolina Small Business Technology Development Center (NCSBTDC) to complete consulting projects for small and medium-sized businesses the SBTDC supports. We’ve worked on more than 100 projects with companies in this class, including many which have focused on marketing/digital marketing. Lots of learning!

All of this experience has informed my teaching philosophy: We live in a complex and rapidly changing world. Because of this, what students need to learn changes rapidly too. None of my courses are focused on static content. Rather, in all courses, I strive to help students gain current subject knowledge, while simultaneously developing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Content changes, but honing these skills will help anyone deal with the situations and decisions they will face more effectively. 

Why Students May Want to Study Marketing Analytics

Finding a way to make sure that your customers, or potential customers, can receive and ultimately “hear” your message is increasingly difficult in our digitized world. There is so much competition for attention! Marketers who want to develop effective strategies in this crowded and chaotic environment need data. And they need to be able to make sense of sometimes vast amounts of data in order to make informed decisions. This is the power of marketing analytics.

Highlights of Teaching for the Program

Our students have a wide variety of experiences to bring to the program. Some are already marketing executives who want to add analytics to their skills. Others are switching careers. It is wonderful to work with and learn from, all of them. I also feel privileged to work with our fantastic MMA team!

Observations of Marketing Analytics Students in the Classroom

I teach an online class in the program. I love how students interact with each other, sharing experiences and expertise. Everyone brings something different to our discussions. 

Advice for Prospective Students

Talk to our current students about the program. Ask as many questions as you want! If you join the program, attend as many in-person events as you can. This will help you build a strong network that will support you throughout the program.

Why Choose the Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA)?

If you are interested in having a strong marketing career and remaining relevant in the marketing field, investing in the MMA program can give you the skills and credentials you need. 

Something Personal You Would Like to Share? (fun facts, interests, etc.)

I enjoy coaching, traveling, reading, and learning from others. This summer I spent five weeks traveling to eight countries outside the US while also teaching online.