I am a pragmatist and I look to solve problems with direct real-world implications. What I love to do is strategic direction and design, complex problem-solving, operational execution, and leadership development as a Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship.

I combine my many years in management consulting with the academic rigor of empirical investigations to offer creative and realistic recommendations with scholarly insight to make a positive impact.
As an scholar and consultant, I have researched and witnessed firsthand the difficult decisions executives make and the type of impacts the decisions have on the stakeholders of both the target and acquiring firms.

As someone who has served in a range of roles from a front-line employee to an executive across many industries, I have a rare and somewhat unique perspective of both the academic and business world. For example, I have worked as a software engineer on enterprise system implementations and utilize big data in my empirical research investigations. I combine my deep understanding of technology and my ability to lead and communicate with people during times of uncertainty and change to implement new strategic directions and teach a diverse student body.

My commitment to principles, starting with ethics and integrity, is my foundation. I hold myself to a high standard and strive to create results and deliver service with excellence. To this end, I look to work with leaders and organizations who have a commitment to the greater good.

Highlights:
– Strategic leader with the ability to manage ongoing direct operational management and P&L responsibilities for clients, including setting and managing expectations proactively resulting in $8M+ in revenue generation.
– Led cross-functional teams and provided strategic direction to interdisciplinary teams of professionals for project completion as evidenced by supervising 170 stakeholders and leading 21 teams.
– Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with exceptional presentation skills and high emotional intelligence, as evidenced by 66 leader and executive presentations.

Reach out to me at kirwin@odu.edu if you want to engage in a collaborative research or consulting project or workshop.