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Welcome

Matthew A. Gilbert, MBA | Welcome | Photo Taken After Teaching a Consumer Behavior Class in Haines Hall at UCLA

Welcome to the website of Matthew A. Gilbert, MBA!

Guided by the motto “learn continuously, live generatively” I am an adjunct instructor, corporate trainer, and instructional designer with extensive experience as a writer, marketer, and speaker.

As an adjunct instructor I teach business, communication, and technology courses for UCLA, UC Santa Barbara and other academic institutions. In corporate settings I have conducted training about business writing, communication, and decision making. As an instructional designer I create entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, public relations, public speaking, social media, and technology courses delivered on campus and online with Angel, Blackboard, Canvas, eCollege, and Moodle.

A writer since grade school, I have authored scholarly papers, magazine features, and newspaper articles, while also publishing Doctorious, a blog about my adventures in education. With more than a dozen years of experience as a marketer, I have managed brands, products, and projects in the healthcare, non-profit, and technology segments. A charismatic speaker, I connect with audiences using sincerity and storytelling.

Educationally, I earned an MBA from Woodbury University and a Bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from UC Santa Barbara, where I was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. I also completed coursework in an organizational leadership doctoral program at Pepperdine University.

Raised near San Francisco, but born in Boston, I am a Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox fan. Fascinated with flight, I’ve had a lifelong love of aviation, science fiction, and comic book superheroes — especially Superman. When I am earthbound you can find me living in the Santa Barbara area.

I welcome an opportunity to learn with you, and invite you to contact me. While you are here on this site you can:

Philosophy

Matthew A. Gilbert, MBA | Philosophy | Photo Taken Outside the Humanities and Social Sciences Building Building at UC Santa Barbara

Internalizing Søren Kierkegaard’s idea that “to be a teacher in the right sense is to be a learner,” I join with my students on a journey of generative learning.

Sensitive to the unique experiences, challenges, and learning styles of adult learners, I assign papers, presentations, and projects relevant to their personal and professional perspectives. Whether teaching online, on campus, or in a blended classroom I leverage technology to increase engagement, manage knowledge, and maximize learning.

Believing education should create community, not competition, I combine learning with laughter to construct a collaborative, supportive, and innovative classroom. Interdisciplinary by nature, I welcome varied viewpoints: no idea is off limits so long as it contributes to the conversation. In that spirit I encourage my students to embrace their ideas and own their education.

Motivated to “learn continuously and live generatively” I embrace education as my career because it empowers me to shape the lives of others while giving my own life greater meaning.

Courses

Matthew A. Gilbert, MBA | Courses | Photo Taken in the Humanities and Social Sciences Building Building at UC Santa Barbara

Below are descriptions for selected courses I have taught and/or for which I created curriculum:

Empowered UCLA Extension

New Media Marketing (X 460.394): This course discusses how the Internet, the digital revolution, and the technological pace of change have dramatically changed the way products are marketed, promoted, and sold. Applicable for both veteran marketers who want to broaden their skill sets and newcomers to the marketing world, you will learn key marketing concepts along with the new techniques required to compete in a highly competitive economy. By course’s end, you leave with a new approach for marketing more effectively. 

 

National University

Organizational Communication(COM 103): Provides for the study and application of current theories and research on communication within and among organizations. Includes the study of the influence of management styles on organizational communication. Discussion of communication structure, functions, contexts in organizations, and communication ethics in organizations.

Public Speaking (COM 344): Introduction to the principles and practices of spoken communication, with special emphasis on the skills needed to communicate effectively in the workplace. Topics include platform techniques, interpersonal communication strategies, cross-cultural approaches and small group methods.

 

Strayer University

Business Ethics (BUS 309): Examines the applications of ethical principles through consideration of typical problem areas encountered in organizations. The course focuses on the ethical perspectives of business decision-making and policy development in a variety of key areas including individual behavior, human resource management, work environments, marketing, property rights, and international business. The analysis of case situations will illustrate the application of various ethical approaches (utility, individual rights, and justice) in managing organizations.

Business Strategy (BUS 490): Provides an opportunity for students to integrate management principles, techniques, and theories by applying previously acquired knowledge of all business functional areas to analyze, develop, and implement business strategy. Utilizes cases from a variety of organizations, with emphasis on problem identification, analysis, and decision-making on strategic issues.

Fundamentals of E-Business (BUS 107): Examines the development of electronic commerce, the basic technologies used to conduct e-business, and the various forms of electronic business. Presents marketing models used in e-business strategy. Examines the processes for business-to-business and business-to-consumer transactions. Reviews the electronic commerce infrastructure, designing and managing on-line storefronts, payment options, security, privacy, and the legal and ethical challenges of electronic business.

Introduction to Business (BUS 100): Provides a foundation in business operations through a survey of major business functions (management, production, marketing, finance and accounting, human resource management, and various support functions). Offers an overview of business organizations and the business environment, strategic planning, international business, and quality assurance.

 

University of California, Los Angeles (Extension)

Consumer Behavior (MGMNT X 460.300): We are all consumers. We use Facebook, Match.com, Groupon, and have our favorite stores and brands. But why? In business there lies an importance to adopt a customer focus. Marketing, in particular, begins and ends with the customer–from determining wants and needs to ensuring post-purchase satisfaction. Moreover, even the same consumer can make different decisions depending on the situation. So as marketers, how do we create sound marketing strategies? With this class, where you learn how and why consumers behave the way they do.

New Media Marketing (MGMNT X 460.394): This fast-paced course discusses how the Internet, the digital revolution, and the technological pace of change have dramatically changed the way products are marketed, promoted, and sold. To succeed in this new economy, marketing and advertising concepts must embrace evolving phenomena, such as Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, Twitter, podcasts, webinars, and blogs, social networking and virtual communities, mobile devices, and geo-local. You must learn to use these new tools and concepts to their optimal advantage to maintain an edge in today’s economy. Since email is still the best lead generation program for companies (followed closely by website registrations), this course explores email marketing, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), SEM (Search Engine Marketing), website development and design and many more internet marketing methods and concepts. Applicable for both veteran marketers who want to broaden their skill sets and newcomers to the marketing world, you will learn key marketing concepts along with the new techniques required to compete in a highly competitive economy. By course’s end, you leave with a new approach for marketing more effectively.

 

University of California, Santa Barbara (Extension)

Buying Behavior (BUSAD X 409.47): Buying behavior is the study of why consumers purchase goods and services, and the multiple factors that influence their decisions. In today’s volatile marketplace, gaining a better understanding of consumer buying behavior offers distinct advantages when selecting target markets and designing market strategy. With a particular focus on the impact of the Internet on marketing, this class explains what buying behavior is and explores how to successfully reach consumers and inspire them to take action.

Communication Skills for the Business Professional (BUSAD X406.00) Your skill in crafting letters, e-mails, memos, and presenting your ideas will determine how effectively you deliver your message to, or on behalf of, your organization. In this course students learn strategies for working well with others, including being attentive when others are speaking and responding effectively to others’ comments during a discussion. Students also learn best practices for presenting information verbally and in writing, either formally (through reports and business correspondence) or informally (through memos and e-mails).

Marketing Research and Strategic Applications (BUSAD X 409.25): One of the most important keys to success in business is knowing how to gather important marketing information that identifies customer preferences and brings those preferences to bear on consumer communications. In this course, students learn how to gather information about the marketplace that refines marketing campaigns and avoids wasteful spending on unlikely buyers. Students also explore aspects vital to identifying and understanding sales and marketing opportunities, customer prospects, product and service requirements, buying and usage patterns, product awareness, and customer satisfaction.

Personal Finance and Entrepreneurship (XLRN 861.9): Students learn the principles of investing and saving, including stocks and bonds. Discuss credit and investment, the difference between the NYSE and the NASDAQ, and how to deal with interest rates in an easy to understand way. Students make their own individual mock stock portfolios, and will monitor them throughout the class. Then, take your new found investing knowledge and research how to start a business of your own. This program is designed to help students take charge of their own financial life.

Principles and Practice of Public Relations (BUSAD X 401.30): With digital devices dominating an ever-expanding informational environment, knowing how to communicate effectively is essential to the survival of an organization. Serving this need, public relations is the communications bridge between an organization and its key publics. With a dual focus on its academic foundation and practical implementation, this course introduces you to the principles and practice, of public relations.

Principles of Marketing (BUSAD X409.65): In today’s highly competitive marketplace, effective marketing is a core requirement of any successful organization. A well conceived strategic marketing plan supported by effective execution is essential to profitable business growth and/or nonprofit success. This course, which provides an overview of marketing and the marketing process, is designed for those new to marketing or those trained in other disciplines. Course participants use these tools and ideas to create a strategic marketing plan for a product or service of their choice.

Student Leadership Development (XLRN 861.6): Organizations are only as effective as the individuals who work in them. This course focuses on enhancing students’ individual awareness, reflection, and effectiveness as leaders. Through a focus on self assessment, participants will learn to appreciate the differences between themselves and others and deepen their understanding of what motivates people in social, school and working environments. The team is the unit of an organization where most leaders begin to develop influential skills. A team can be defined as a group of individuals whom you directly manage or those whom you influence on a project basis. Leading teams involves managing different personalities, cultures, conflicting political agendas, and varying skill levels. Through participating in and observing team dynamics, students will determine the principles of building highly effective teams. The pragmatic approach used in this course combines learning through classic case situations with experiences in leading team-based activities.

 

University of Phoenix

Contemporary Business Communication (COM 140): In this course, students apply the basic writing process — transitioning from fluency to clarity to correctness — as they create a variety of effective business communication for both internal and external audiences. Selected readings provide the foundation for discussions of the purpose, audience, structure, tone, and content of business writing. Grammar exercises focus on sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, and bias-free language.

Effective Essay Writing (COM 150): In this course, students develop academic writing skills. Students use the writing process to construct an expository essay with an emphasis on coherence and correctness in written communication. Students also conduct basic research for the expository essay. Selected readings provide the basis for discussion regarding the difference between fact and opinion. Grammar exercises focus on verb tense and form, subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement, and pronoun case. Students also complete exercises covering topic sentences, paragraph development, citations, and formatting guidelines.

Effective Persuasive Writing (COM 120): Focuses on developing the writing skills of entry-level college students. This 9-week course emphasizes the use of Standard English grammar and mechanics, correct spelling, and basic documentation skills as well as coherence and correctness in written communication. Students will examine the characteristics of the persuasive essay and utilize the steps in the writing process to create a Persuasive Essay.

Research Writing (COM 220): This course focuses on effective internal and external business communication using written methods. Students will write a variety of job-related communiqués including letters, resumes, memos, reports, and presentations.

University Composition and Communication I (COM 155): This course addresses the key elements necessary for effective academic writing in college. The course begins with focus on pre-writing strategies and builds to drafting and revising essays. In addition, the course includes skill development at the sentence and paragraph level.

University Composition and Communication II (COM 156): This course builds upon the foundations established in COM-155. It addresses the various rhetorical modes necessary for effective college essays: narration, illustration, description, process analysis, classification, definition, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, and argumentation. In addition, requirements for research essays, including the use of outside sources and appropriate formatting, are considered.

Written Communication (COM 215): This course focuses on effective internal and external business communication using written methods. Students will write a variety of job-related communiqués including letters, resumes, memos, reports, and presentations.

Writing

Matthew A. Gilbert, MBA | Publications | Photo Taken of the UC Santa Barbara Campus Looking Towards Cheadle Hall

Below  are books, blogs, scholarly papers, newspaper articles, and magazine features I have written — along with works in which I have been cited. I have also presented many of these at academic conferences and industry events where I gave speeches related to the topics below.

Books

McNamara, J. & Gilbert, M. (n.d.). Entrepreneur’s guide to human resource management and the law. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger. Note: canceled by publisher.

 

Blogs

Gilbert, M. (n.d.). Doctorious: My Adventures in Education! [Web log]. Retrieved from http://doctorio.us

 

Refereed Academic Journals

Anderson, S., Gilbert, M., & Moring, D. (2004). St. Jude Medical Embraces e-Learning: A case study with industry insights. In Gordon, J., Demirdjian, Z. & Senguder, T (Eds.), Business Review, Cambridge, Vol. 2 (2) (pp. 85-90).

Gilbert, M. (2003). Intranets: Catalysts for improved organizational communication. In Gordon, J., Demirdjian, Z. & Senguder, T (Eds.), The Business Review, Cambridge, Vol. 1 (1) (pp. 30-33).

 

Refereed Conference Publications

Gilbert, M., Meni, F., Peck, J., & Stickney-Smith, W. (2007). H.I.G.H. O.C.T.A.N.E. – Ten additives that power high performance. In Adams, M. and Alkhafaji, A. (Eds.), Business Research Yearbook, Vol. XIV (pp. 1008-1013). Saline, MI: McNaughton & Gunn.

Gilbert, M. (2006). I’m with the broadband: The economic impact of broadband Internet access on the music industry. In Adams, M. and Alkhafaji, A. (Eds.), Business Research Yearbook, Vol. XIII (pp. 160-165). Saline, MI: McNaughton & Gunn.

Gilbert, M. (2005). Humanity, simplicity, humility: Lao Tzu on leadership. In Adams, M. and Alkhafaji, A. (Eds.), Business Research Yearbook, Vol. XII (pp. 951-955). Saline, MI: McNaughton & Gunn.

Gilbert, M. (2005). Power cycle: How Enron unplugged ethics and blacked-out business. In Adams, M. and Alkhafaji, A. (Eds.), Business Research Yearbook, Vol. XII (pp. 245-249). Saline, MI: McNaughton & Gunn.

Gilbert, M. (2004). From Montgomery to Memphis: Lessons on leadership from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In Alkhafaji, A., Biberman, J. & Gardner, C. (Eds.), Business Research Yearbook, Vol. XI (pp. 891-895). Saline, MI: McNaughton & Gunn.

Gilbert, M. (2004). Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP): Transforming telephony with technology. In Alkhafaji, A., Biberman, J. & Gardner, C. (Eds.), Business Research Yearbook, Vol. XI (pp. 260-264). Saline, MI: McNaughton & Gunn.

Gilbert, M. (2003). Intranets: Catalysts for improved organizational communication. In Alkhafaji and A., Biberman (Eds.), Business Research Yearbook, Vol. X (pp. 221-225). Saline, MI: McNaughton & Gunn.

 

Refereed Conference Proceedings

Agrusa, E., Craig, J., Gilbert, M., Martinez, J., Nwokorie, D. (2008). Thought leaders on leadership. In proceedings from the 2008 Southwest Academy of Management Conference, Houston, TX. (pp. 1008 – 1011).

Anderson, S., Gilbert, M., & Moring, D. (2004). St. Jude Medical embraces e-learning: A case study with industry insights. In proceedings from 4th Annual Hawaii Int’l Conference on Business, Honolulu, HI. (pp. 151-158).

 

Other Publications

Gilbert, M. (2005, March 28). At classic wire, they’re all brothers but only one boss. San Fernando Valley Business Journal. Vol. 10 (7) (p. 16).

Gilbert, M. (2004, August 30). Safety net: Wonder Years baby proofing helps give parents peace of mind by customizing houses to keep hazards for children at a minimum. San Fernando Valley Business Journal. Vol. 9 (18) (p. 30).

Gilbert, M. (2004, August 2). Royal reputation: Diane Knight’s persistence and a passion for baking has kept her Lady Di’s cookies in Valencia a local favorite despite news events beyond her control. San Fernando Valley Business Journal. Vol. 9 (16) (p. 22).

Gilbert, M. (2004, April). Preparedness, prevention and education: Your family’s strategy for survival in an emergency. LA Parent. Vol. 24 (4) (pp. 16-19).

Gilbert, M. (2004, March). Marc Germain: Mr. KABC. UCSB Alumni Association “Coastlines.” Vol. 35 (2) (p. 34).

Gilbert, M. (2003, February 17). Targeted campaigns bring in repeat donations. Marketing News. Vol. 37 (4) (p. 15).

Gilbert, M. (1996). Greek pride for life: UC Santa Barbara Greeks adorned their bodies with various tattoos, proving that Greek pride was more than skin deep. La Cumbre. Vol. 75 (pp. 88-91).

Gilbert, M. (1995). Doing it alone: For single parents, school often took a back seat to the needs of their children. La Cumbre. Vol. 74 (pp. 42-43).

 

Works Cited In

Riecken, G. (2008, February 6). Monetary Donations to Charitable Organizations: A Case Study. Services Marketing Quarterly. Vol. 29 (2) (pp. 67-78).

Stralser, S. (2004, September 24). Chapter 13, E-Commerce and Uses of the World Wide Web in MBA In A Day: What You Would Learn At Top-Tier Business Schools (If You Only Had The Time!). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

 

Speaking

Matthew A. Gilbert, MBA | Presentations | Photo Taken on 101 Freeway South in Ventura, CA

Listed below are academic and professional events at which I presented scholarly papers or gave speeches related to my subject matter expertise. If you would like me to speak at your event or organization please reach out and contact me!

Academic Conferences
Gilbert, M. (2007, March). H.I.G.H. O.C.T.A.N.E. – Ten additives that power high performance. Paper presented at the International Academy of Business Disciplines Conference, Orlando, FL.

Gilbert, M. (2005, April). Power cycle: How Enron unplugged ethics and blacked-out business. Paper presented at the International Academy of Business Disciplines Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.

Gilbert, M. (2005, April). Humanity, simplicity, humility: Lao Tzu on leadership. Paper presented at the International Academy of Business Disciplines Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.

Gilbert, M. (2005, April). Bite the wax tadpole: Marketing globally within cultural contexts. Unpublished paper presented at the International Academy of Business Disciplines Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.

Gilbert, M. (2004, October). St. Jude Medical embraces e-learning: A case study with industry insights. Paper presented at the International Business and Technology Research Conference, Las Vegas, NV.

Gilbert, M. (2004, March). Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP): Transforming telephony with technology. Paper presented at the International Academy of Business Disciplines Conference, San Antonio, TX.

Gilbert, M. (2004, March). From Montgomery to Memphis: Lessons on leadership from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Paper presented at the International Academy of Business Disciplines Conference, San Antonio, TX.

Gilbert, M. (2003, June). Intranets: Catalysts for improved organizational communication. Paper presented at the International Business and Management Research Conference, Honolulu, HI.

Gilbert, M. (2003, April). Intranets: Catalysts for improved organizational communication. Paper presented at International Academy of Business Disciplines Conference, Orlando, FL.

 

Invited Presentations

Gilbert, M. (2013, February 23). Individual Goal Setting. Given to undergraduate students at the Theta Chi Fraternity Mid-Year Leadership Conference held at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA.

Gilbert, M. (2013, February 14). Marketing Your Non-Profit with Social Media. Given to community members and students of Antioch University, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA.

Gilbert, M. (2013, January 30). Sharing your story with social media. Given to individuals and small business owners on behalf of S.E. Consulting, Curious Cup, Carpinteria, CA.

Gilbert, M. (2004, November). Clear Pixel Communications: An overview and introduction. Speech given to the inaugural meeting of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO), Woodbury University, Burbank, CA.

Gilbert, M. (2003, May). Analyze Clearly: A strategic summary of Clear Pixel Communications. Speech given to Communications 530 (graduate class of Joseph E. Massey, PhD), California State University, Fullerton, CA.

Reviews

Matthew A. Gilbert, MBA | Reviews | Photo Taken on the 405 Freeway North Heading to Valencia, CA

Reviews from clients, colleagues, and students my consulting and teaching follow:

“I wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I have learned in this class. I came into it with quite a few years of marketing experience but knowing hardly anything about social media after being in an operations role for the past 8 years. Now I feel as if, with the help of the appropriate team members, I could plan and orchestrate a social media program on my own…I’m also grateful for the class in that it has opened doors for me during my job search. Being downsized and unemployed for the first time in 26 years is no fun, but the class kept me and my brain going. Without sounding too sappy, this course could not have come along at a better time – it literally kept me going on those days when headhunters and colleagues weren’t calling!” – A former student at UCLA Extension


“Mr. G is a superior instructor who leads his students with an authentic hunger for acquiring and sharing new knowledge. His course at UCSB is thought provoking, and interactive. Mr. G sets himself above the rest by launching students in new directions of thought and following through as a partner in their learning process. I will never hesitate to send Mr. G an email or Tweet – ‘cant say that about many professors.” – Amanda Kastelic, former student at UCSB Extension


“I personally hired Matthew to teach English and Business courses for the Bakersfield Center of DeVry University. During my tenure with the school he consistently received high ratings from students and was known for implementing suggested changes regarding curriculum, teaching style or administrative issues. He is of high integrity and willing to do what is needed to help students reach success. He prepares for his classes, engages students in the learning process and many seek him out as a mentor. His dedication to the learning process has also inspired other faculty members and he has been used to help train other faculty. I highly recommend Matthew! ”Barry J. Bailey, MBA, Director at ITT Technical Institute and Principal of The Barry Bailey Group


“Matt did an excellent job for VitalCareers, showing a lot of initiative in what was a start-up operation. He was key to us in getting the project off the ground.” Bill Seaton, CEO, EmplawyerNet


“I am a student at National University who just took the first on campus class. Mr. Gilbert was my instructor for Communications 103. Before the class, I was a very shy when it came to speaking in front of a class or audience. Through his teaching, techniques and activities in class, I learned to not fear public speaking and also how to prepare my self before speaking in front of the class. I want to recognize him for his great job as a teacher in this class. I learned a lot through him.” – A former student at National University


“In our time working together, Matthew quickly proved himself a bright and capable person with good marketing insight and thorough attention to detail.” Mike Charlasch, former manager at Princess Cruises


“Matt [was] instrumental in the early branding work for my financial planning company. He helped clarify my vision into something workable. I would recommend him highly if you need marketing or branding work done.” Rob Jupille, Owner, RTJ Financial Management, Inc.


“I was fortunate to work closely with Matthew and found him to be a strategic and creative collaborator with an innate understanding of how to appeal to our target audience. He is extremely proficient in handling the nuances of our various constituents, including patients and donors, and was always interested in advancing his own knowledge and skills. It was a pleasure to work with Matt” Roya Alt, former manager at City of Hope


“Matthew was my UCLA instructor on Social Media Marketing and New Media. I knew I was in store for an amazing and epiphanous learning experience from the moment I perused his in-depth syllabus. Throughout his well-planned semester, I received personalized feedback, critique and input. I learned how to leverage social media for marketing purposes from an enthusiastic expert. There are innumerable charlatans claiming to be “Social Media Gurus and Experts”. Matthew “Mr. G” Gilbert, however, is the real deal. I would take any course of learning from him in the future.” Shay Gross, Business Development/Marketing Manager and UCLA Extension Student.


“Matthew is a thorough and detail oriented marketing professional. I’ve interacted with him on various occasions and was always impressed with his professional demeanor and dedication to the company. He is a joy to work with and would be a great asset to any company.” Valerie Turnbow, former co-worker at Princess Cruises


“Matt was instrumental in the early branding work for my financial planning company. He helped clarify my vision into something workable. I would recommend him highly if you need marketing or branding work done.” Yuksel Ulgen, former student at UCSB Extension

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