Kelly Watson, Ph.D.

Kelly Watson is a Clinical Professor of Management at LMU College of Business Administration. Her areas of interest include talent development, DEI, management strategy, international business, cultural competence, HR data analytics, and teaching in VR. Kelly holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada, an MBA from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in business from the University of Denver. She is also co-author of two books – The Next Smart Step: How to Overcome Gender Stereotypes and Build a Stronger Organization and The Orange Line: A Woman’s Guide to Integrating Career, Family, and Life.

Kelly is also managing partner of Orange Grove Consulting and has spent more than 20 years as an accomplished operations and organizational development consultant. Her company provides training & development, assessment, DEI program implementation, and strategic consulting to major clients like Toyota and the US Government. Prior to consulting, Kelly served as Vice President, Marketing for Telecom New Zealand USA and has held other senior operational roles. Kelly is also a Recreation & Parks Commissioner for the City of El Segundo, CA. Outside of work, Kelly helps women and girls reach their full potential through coaching, refereeing, and playing soccer. She also serves on several non-profit boards.