Stefanie Boyer
Bryant University College of Business
“Since my time at Bryant, Dr. Boyer has without a doubt been my most influential professor. She has opened so many doors for me and helped set me up for success for a career in sales. Her dedication to her students and commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment make her a standout educator. I truly believe that her impact extends beyond the classroom, as she equips her students with the essential skills and confidence needed to thrive in their careers.” – Brian Kotalik
Stefanie Boyer, 44, is a professor of Marketing and executive director of the Bryant University Sales Institute.
She is an innovator, author, TEDx speaker, RNMKRS co-founder, and popular conference presenter. She is listed as one of Forbes’ Next 1,000 Entrepreneurs, AMA Sales Educator of the Year, Marketplace Simulations Innovation Winner; Demand Base 100 Powerful Women in Sales, and recipient of a variety of research and teaching innovation awards.
Boyer speaks and writes regularly, with 27 journal articles, four books, and more than 20 blogs and 50 podcast appearances about how strategies businesses can deploy to achieve sales excellence, grow and succeed, while keeping sales teams motivated and loyal.
She heads up the Bryant University Sales Institute and instructs students on ways to leverage AI, automated role play, advanced game mechanics and the science of learning to revolutionize sales conversations and performance.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2009
Education: Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Psychology and Criminology B.A.; Marketing, International Business and Finance M.B.A.; Business with minors in Methodology and Industrial and Organizational Psychology PhD, University of South Florida
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Professional Sales, Sales Management, Sustainability Marketing, Foundations of Marketing, Design Thinking
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … I took a management course as an undergrad with Dr. Marvin Karlins. His lessons reshaped how I saw leadership, life and resilience. The experience left such a mark that I knew I wanted to create that kind of impact for others, helping students unlock their own potential for success.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I’m exploring AI-driven sales training that is shifting the paradigm of how we train sellers. It unlocks seller potential by offering individual coaching and feedback that helps them become better performers, more satisfied, and happier in their organizations. The biggest discovery is how much coaching is needed to significantly build selling skills, and before AI, managers didn’t have enough bandwidth to support their teams. Now that AI can help, their teams are able to build proficiency faster and there is a way for sellers to adopt training methods more easily and stay on message.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … a firefighter. I worked as a firefighter early in my college career and loved helping my community.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I focus on creating conversations that stick and applied experiences that build practical skills. My goal is for students to graduate with the confidence to approach any situation, to understand how to manage difficult people, to be able to advocate for themselves and offer valuable insights, and to have a road map for pursuing their dreams.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Thrilling
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: It is so much more than the content you teach; it is about connecting with students and building confidence, resilience, adaptability and a love for lifelong learning.
Professor I most admire and why: Dr. Mike Roberto, for driving innovation at our university, spotlighting faculty and research for the larger community, always taking time to help me with projects, and constantly advocating to elevate the experience of our students.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? Seeing my students win and helping them understand their own potential. Students begin the program without a clear view of what they can accomplish, and graduate with confidence and skills, and usually have a job or internship offer in hand.
What is most challenging? Cutting through the myth that sales is slimy and you don’t need an education to do it. The truth is it’s an honorable profession that requires a lot of practice and analytical and relationship skills to help people because that is what sales is all about – helping customers by making a positive impact in a meaningful way.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Driven
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Distracted
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … Fair, but a stickler for effort. When you put in the work, it shows.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? I love traveling to speak about my research, empowering sellers, and creating improvements in sales training and AI when I’m not spending time with my family.
How will you spend your summer? Hosting workshops, building our sales institute and speaking at corporate events and conferences.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Anywhere with a view, good company, a little music and a beautiful landscape, whether it is water, rolling hills or a beautiful city view from a balcony, makes me happy.
Favorite book(s): How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday. Both help you think beyond surface level to empower you to be better.
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? I’m into podcasts more than shows right now and listen to Andrew Huberman to hear scientists sharing the latest research on topics I care about. That being said, I watched The Fall Guy on a recent flight and love the idea of doing things that are hard and the resilience that comes with picking yourself up when you’re down.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? I love anything that gets you in a positive mindset to take on the day. My daughters love listening to “I Am Woman,” by Emmy Meli, and I have to say it really makes you feel like you can accomplish anything!
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this … Immersive tech experiences that give students a chance to apply skills they will need in life and their future careers with simulations, AI, and role-play labs.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at …training their teams and leaders. Companies do a good job at onboarding new employees, but often fail to continue developing employees through their careers with impactful and engaged learning. Most managers get no training on how to effectively lead their teams. I see a lot of check-the-box training that doesn’t move the needle, such as watching videos or completing online courses that ask for multiple choice responses to content. Companies need to understand how adults learn and use more applied, self-directed learning strategies to build better teams that have the skills, culture and confidence to adapt to the chaotic and changing environment.
I’m grateful for … My university, for giving me the freedom and support to go after my dreams. The mentorship and people who believed in me along the way that now gives me the opportunity to help students build skills, confidence and their network in class and through competitions. Our thoughtful and generous alumni network at Bryant University. And most of all, my family, for supporting me through my long hours of work and travel, and helping me work through challenges.
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