Instructors

Dr. Yelena Hydrie is a consultant and trainer in international and intercultural education. Originally from Russia, she earned her doctorate in comparative and international education at the University of Minnesota. She has been involved in several projects focusing on gender equality, teacher education, and educational quality in the countries of the former Soviet bloc, primarily in Central Asia. Most recently, her teaching and research interests have included (intercultural competence, intercultural conflict management, and negotiation across cultures. She also currently instructs Leading Self & Teams and greatly influenced this project.

Amee McDonald holds a B.A. in Marketing from Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business and an M.Ed. in Educational Technology from Arizona State University. She thrives on solving complex organizational problems, and is the head of the Carlson Impact Lab. With over a decade of progressive managerial experience, she has honed her skills in developing both remote and in-person teams, and has led peer teams of more than 40 individuals. Amee is as a senior leader and esteemed faculty member at the Carlson School of Management.

Corey Nelson is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at the Carlson School of Management. He received a degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota before moving to live and work in Seoul, South Korea for fourteen years. While living in Korea he graduated from the Syracuse University Asian program at Sejong University in Seoul. In Korea, he taught business and English as a Second Language for seven years at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. He is also an avid entrepreneur, starting many businesses with his wife.

Todd Williams is a Minneapolis native and University of Minnesota Alum who believes that community success is achieved and heightened with student investments. Todd Williams has experience working in corporate America as well as non-profit board leadership in marketing, sales, and merchandising, as well as in roles focused on promoting diversity, equity, & inclusion. Todd Williams believes that diverse experiences help everyone realize their personal and professional potential and also promotes sustainable community reinvestment.

Matt Ladhoff is a Senior Lecturer for the Impact Lab at Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. Matt Ladhoff holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management and a B.A. in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University. He currently teaches courses in Problem Solving, Leadership Development and Social Entrepreneurship. Along with 5+ years of teaching at Carlson, Matt has spent 10+ years working with corporate, nonprofit and consulting enterprises and has a passion for pairing business principles with an organization's impact aspirations. 

Before joining the Carlson School of Management in 2022, Eric was Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Bluestem Brands. Before this, he held various roles including Financial Analyst and Senior Financial Analyst at Target Corporation and Senior Financial Analyst and Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis at Bluestem Brands. He earned his MS in Finance from Indiana University - Kelley School of Business and his BSB (summa cum laude) from the University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management. He has experience teaching in a corporate setting (2015-2022) and as an adjunct lecturer at the Carlson School (2021-2022). Eric's teaching style is engaging, practical, and student-focused. In 2022, he was voted Undergraduate Instructor of the Year.

Vlad Griskevicius is a distinguished member of the faculty at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, where he serves as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education and the Carlson Family Foundation Chaired Professor of Marketing. His work is well-regarded in the areas of marketing and psychology, focusing on the evolutionary roots of consumer behavior and decision-making. Griskevicius has published extensively on topics such as the evolutionary basis of marketing strategies, the psychological influences on consumer behavior, and the impact of social influences on decision-making processes. His research has also explored how early life environments affect consumer behavior in adulthood. Beyond his research, Griskevicius is recognized for his excellence in teaching, having received numerous awards for his impactful and engaging educational methods​.

Morgan Kerfeld is an entrepreneur, MBA student, and adjunct lecturer at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. She is known for her entrepreneurial spirit, particularly highlighted by her role as the founder of Telo, a company focused on innovative mobility solutions. Telo has been recognized for its reimagined rollator walker, designed to increase independence and dignity for users. Her education includes a focus on Entrepreneurial Management and Public & Nonprofit Management, with a pre-medicine background.

Akshay R. Rao serves as a professor and the General Mills Chair in Marketing at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. His professional focus spans several fields including consumer behavior, pricing strategy, and brand management. He works across various industries, from food and airlines to apparel and financial services, providing insights that help solve complex problems in corporate strategy, pricing, and sales management. He also contributes to executive education programs and serves as an expert witness in legal matters concerning consumer behavior and marketing strategies​.

Britney Hayes serves as a senior student life and career coach, where she plays a pivotal role in guiding students through their career development process. Previously, she has also contributed as the Cargill THRIVE Program Coordinator at CFANS, supporting academic and career success for women and BIPOC students. Britney teaches multiple sections of Carlson's Design courses and manages various career-related programs and events. Notably, she has been recognized for her contributions to career development with the 2021 Irene Rossman Award from the Minnesota Career Development Association. Britney also currently serves as the Faculty Advisor to the Carlson Business Board.

Nick is a Senior Teaching Specialist in Finance at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. His professional background includes roles in a broker dealer, asset management, and a law firm. Notably, he managed a mortgage-backed security and fixed-income portfolio at AgriBank. Additionally, Nick holds a CFA Charter​. He also currently instructs the Business Scenarios in Excel class, where he is known for his humor and effective teaching style.

Laura is the Assistant Director of Student Life and Career Design and serves on the Board of Advisors at the Carlson School of Management, contributing to strategic decision-making and supporting the school's mission. In her role, she combines her empathetic and equity-minded approach with her strengths in relationship-building and background in coaching. Heilman is dedicated to helping individuals find their purpose and live a healthy, wholehearted, authentic life. Her commitment to personal and professional development allows her to empower others, enhancing their educational and career trajectories.