
Nita Umashankar, Ph.D.
From classrooms to boardrooms -transforming purpose into performance and social impact.
Consulting
Motivational Speaking
Coaching
Academic Research
About Me
As a tenured marketing professor, I’ve built my career on using marketing principles to drive both business results and social impact. My passion is helping people and organizations grow with purpose.
I’m an award-winning teacher known for creating emotional connection—because people learn and perform best when they feel seen, inspired, and empowered. I bring that same energy to every workshop and keynote.
I am also an award-winning researcher and an Associate Editor at two of the top four marketing journals globally. I apply my research rigor and expertise when consulting for companies, helping them measure impact and motivate multiple stakeholders.
I help professionals and teams build confidence, elevate their personal brands, and rediscover their purpose at work. I also speak about work–life synergy, choosing alignment over the impossible chase for balance. This message is grounded in my own journey raising two children while building a purpose-driven career.


Education
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Ph.D. Marketing, UT Austin (2010)
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M.S. Marketing, UT Austin (2007)
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B.B.A. Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Honors, U of Arizona (2004)
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B.S. Molecular and Cellular Biology, U of Arizona (2003)
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One-On-One Coaching
Personal coaching to help you find your voice, build your brand, and lead with confidence.
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Employee Workshops
I offer engaging conference keynotes and corporate workshops focused on leadership, motivation, and purpose.
My Services


Teaching Awards & Mentorship Recognition
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Teaching Excellence Award, San Diego State University
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Mentor, Marketing Strategy Consortium
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Mentor, Doctoral Consortium in Marketing
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Poets & Quants Top 40 Undergrad Business Professors
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Twice Top Professor, Master’s Program, Georgia State University
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Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Texas at Austin
Research Awards
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AMA–EBSCO–RRBM Award for Responsible Research
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Financial Times Top 10 Article (UN SDGs)
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Shelby D. Hunt/Harold H. Maynard Award, Journal of Marketing
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AMA/MSI/H. Paul Root Award, Journal of Marketing
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Fowler College of Business Faculty Fellow
Outstanding Reviewer, Journal of Marketing -
Fisher IMS & AMA Servsig Dissertation Award
Happy Customers
What they’re saying

Holly McKay, Present of Women in Business, SDSU
"Dr. Umashankar captivated our large club with her insight, presence, and ability to translate complex ideas into meaningful, memorable takeaways. Her depth of expertise is matched only by the confidence and grace with which she carries herself. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Umashankar as a guest speaker for any organization looking to spark inspiration, encourage critical thinking, and create a truly engaging experience for their audience."

Kelcie Parra, Director Crisis House
"What truly sets Nita apart is that she is not just talk; she consistently shows up in authentic ways, providing tangible support and focusing on solutions. Her deep care for our success has been evident in every interaction, and her support has made a meaningful difference in advancing Crisis House’s ability to serve vulnerable individuals and families.”
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Jalaja CK, Vice President Anudip
"Our engagement with Nita was deeply impactful. From the outset, she demonstrated an exceptional ability to understand our organisational landscape, the operational nuances of our programs, and the larger mission that drives our work. Her approach combined analytical rigour with a genuine human-centred perspective, allowing her to strengthen our research design, refine our analytical frameworks, and bring clarity to complex questions..”

"Hands down the best professor I have ever had in my years of schooling. She pushed me to my limits, and surprised us all with capabilities we often don't use. She changed my outlook on learning and real-world applications, and I am forever thankful to have been taught by her, and been able to also call her a mentor and friend. Truly lucky!"
Journal of Marketing Research (2024)
Journal of Marketing (2023)
Journal of Marketing (2021)
Journal of Marketing (2021)
Journal of Marketing (2017)
Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science (2016)
Marketing Science (2016)
Strategic Management Journal (2015)
Marketing Science (2014)