Date & Time: 31 May 2024 | 16:00-17:00
In this webinar Aston DBA Director Dr Geoff Parkes will be interviewing Ariana Danquah, a current DBA student approaching the end of her research and completion of thesis. Ariana will present a short summary of her research and how she developed the research question and the process of academic enquiry. Geoff will all asking Ariana to reflect on her DBA studies, why she undertook the doctoral programme and what her plans are for the future, once she has graduated.
Dr Geoff Parkes
Dr Geoff Parkes is a Principal Fellow of Advanced HE and Associate Professor in Marketing & Strategy. His interests are in the application of marketing strategy, and how evidence-based decision making can improve marketing practice. He has taught extensively on Aston’s practitioner-focused teaching schemes including Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Programme. In 2017, he was seconded to Aston University Hong Kong where he established the first university international subsidiary incorporating several strategic partnerships in Asia.
Geoff’s published work includes the use of language as a source of competitive advantage in small firms, consumer behaviour and green marketing strategies in Asia and entrepreneurial behavioural traits and sources of funding in small firms. In 2022, he published an Instruction Manual in Science Commercialisation. Prior to his academic career, Geoff worked in practice and was the Sales & Marketing Director for Aga Cooker and Armitage Shanks. He now works with several businesses as part of Aston University’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP’s) and is an Executive Director of a UK Childcare business.
Ariana Danquah
Ariana Danquah is an Organisational Development and Leadership Development Advisor in Shell’s Centres of Expertise. In this capacity she partners with the business on transformational change projects alongside supporting OD practitioners worldwide in operationalizing Shell’s strategy and fostering a performance culture. She also leads the Employee Advisory Board for the Global Council for Race + Ethnicity, sponsored by Shell’s CEO, driving conversations on race across Shell globally.
Previously, as a Global Leadership Consultant, she provided leader and team coaching, and enhanced organisational effectiveness through bespoke interventions. She holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Purdue University and a BA in Psychology from Cal Poly Pomona. Currently a doctoral candidate at Aston University in the UK, her research explores leader influence on innovation in virtual contexts. Across her nearly 15-year career, Ariana has garnered experience in various HR roles, supporting every major business/function across the Shell portfolio.
Beyond Shell, Ariana is the President of the Board at Workplace Lab, a non-profit empowering the global workforce in navigating career dilemmas and challenges. She also co-authored the book “The Corporate Misadventures of Corissa Collins,” which delves into the experiences of a young woman of color in today’s corporate climate, which also has an accompanying workbook for use in universities, workplaces, and book clubs. She’s enjoyed speaking to students and professionals alike on navigating workplace challenges and career choices.
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