Faculty

Human growth and development is a core theme of Tara Wernsing’s research and teaching activities.  “Whether studying the unconscious ways adults learn or testing new developmental exercises in the classroom, I am always looking for ways to expand people’s capacities in order to responsibly lead positive changes in the world,” she says.

With considerable professional experience in Marketing, working in large companies like Sears and Life Fitness/Brunswick, and consulting with organizations including Unilever, Walgreens, Johnson & Johnson, and the National Institute of Corrections, Tara has experienced the challenges and limitations inside businesses and government institutions. She has also seen the possibilities.

Her major research stream examines adult learning processes applied to leadership development. Her projects investigate the role of self-awareness as a bridge between conscious (intentional) and non-conscious (incidental) learning, study models of ethical and authentic leadership, and inquire into the effects of positivity in the workplace.

Professor Wernsing’s most recent research contributes to models for developing global leadership with particular focus on diversity (gender and cultural), expanded values, and relational models of leadership. She adds, “I invest a lot of energy in my students because I view them as our future business leaders. With all our academic and practical knowledge, let’s hope we prepare them well for an unknown, ever-changing future.”

 

Academic Background

  • PhD in Management, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, USA
  • Master of Science in Marketing, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
  • Bachelor of Science in Advertising, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA

 

Professional Experience

  • Assistant Professor, IE Business School, 2008-present
  • Developmental Coach & Workshop Facilitator, 2004-present
  • Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) Database Manager, Sears/TGI, retailer, 2002-2003
  • Marketing Consultant and Personal Coach, 2001-2002
  • Director, Partners in Loyalty Marketing, consulting firm, 2000-2001
  • Research Manager, Life Fitness/Brunswick, manufacturer, 1997-1999
  • Marketing Project Manager, Sears, retailer, 1995-1997
  • Marketing Analyst, Sears, retailer, 1992-1994