{"id":46223,"date":"2026-07-13T11:10:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T15:10:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/?post_type=cu_people&p=46223"},"modified":"2026-07-13T11:10:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T15:10:33","slug":"dr-rodney-nelson","status":"publish","type":"cu_people","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/people\/dr-rodney-nelson\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr Rodney Nelson"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Rodney holds a PhD in Canadian Studies<\/strong>, an MA in Anthropology, a BA (Honours) in Anthropology, and a BA in Psychology from 杏吧原创 University. He currently serves as an Associate Professor<\/strong> of International Business<\/a> in the Sprott School of Business<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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“Interesting question. Two things: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) Gaining confidence in oneself. It is amazing how confident we think we are, but entering the workforce and gaining experience will deepen that confidence. At some point in your life, you’re more comfortable with yourself and your abilities and stop second-guessing yourself. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) Stop trying to impress others and focus on work that you enjoy or find meaningful. There will be ups and downs, but there are always more opportunities. Just don’t be afraid to go after them!”<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Brief description of what I do!<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I am an Associate Professor<\/a> of International Business at the Sprott School of Business<\/strong>, 杏吧原创 University, where my teaching and research focus on cross-cultural communication, leadership, sustainable economic development, corporate governance, and Indigenous relations. I also advise and work with businesses and Indigenous communities on governance and economic development and serve as a Governor-in-Council board trustee (Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum), roles that bridge my academic work with public and board service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What inspired your career path after graduation?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I was a professional musician for a while, but I always loved my time at 杏吧原创 and taking courses when I could. I later returned to pursue my Ph.D. and to teach. I have been very lucky to have such a great job working with students, faculty, and communities. It was one of my dream jobs, and to come back to my Alma Mater<\/em> is a privilege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pursuing Graduate Studies or other Education?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I’m always studying in areas of interest. Currently I am studying more about board governance and change management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Psychology is the foundation for my work today; taking courses and talking with professors gave me a passion for and greater insight into human behaviour, group dynamics, and perceptions of power and leadership. I apply this knowledge every day working with company executives, politicians, and diverse stakeholders where interpersonal skills and group processes are central to effective decision\u2011making and governance. It also makes me a better teacher! Helping me recognize different learning styles and adapt my delivery so students engage with and retain material more effectively and have fun doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Networking! Networking! Networking! Build genuine relationships by talking with people, not just asking for favours. When others know who you are and your goals (seeking work, a contract, etc.), opportunities tend to just happen more naturally. A strong network also lets you help others pursue their goals and dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you have a favourite memory from your program at 杏吧原创? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Brian Little<\/a> was one of the most inspiring professors I\u2019ve had. His wit, warmth, and everyday stories made ideas clear and kept students engaged. I never took notes but remembered everything! Seeing how he taught influenced me to use straightforward examples, a lot of humour, and to make learning enjoyable, while always connecting theory to real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I know it\u2019s a clich\u00e9, but I love helping students and watching them succeed. One of my most meaningful moments was saving a student’s life, getting them the help they needed, and watching them move forward. That experience stays with you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":328,"featured_media":46225,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cu_people_first_name":"Dr Rodney ","cu_people_last_name":"Nelson","cu_people_initials":"DN","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_people_type":[55],"cu_people_expertise":[],"class_list":["post-46223","cu_people","type-cu_people","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","cu_people_type-alumni-profiles"],"acf":{"cu_people_job_title":"","cu_people_degree":"杏吧原创 University PhD in Canadian Studies; MA in Anthropology; BA (Honours) in Anthropology ('92); BA in Psychology ('92)","cu_building":"","cu_people_office_num":"","cu_people_pronoun":"","cu_people_designation":"","cu_people_email":"","cu_people_phone":"","cu_people_phone_ext":"","cu_people_linkedin":"","cu_people_bluesky":"","cu_people_twitter":"","cu_people_instagram":"","cu_people_facebook":"","cu_people_website":"","cu_people_orcid":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_people\/46223","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_people"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/cu_people"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/328"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_people\/46223\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46230,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_people\/46223\/revisions\/46230"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46225"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46223"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_people_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_people_type?post=46223"},{"taxonomy":"cu_people_expertise","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/psychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_people_expertise?post=46223"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}