Heidi Schultz

Heidi Schultz, Ph.D., Sarah Graham Kenan Scholar, Clinical Professor
Full-Time MBA| MBA@UNC| Charlotte MBA| Evening MBA| Weekend MBA

 

What courses do you currently teach, and what do you love most about them?

I teach “Storytelling to Influence and Inspire.” I love the vulnerability that students bring into my classroom, which allows for authentic connection.

 

How do you bring real-world business challenges or trends into the classroom?

I’m constantly looking for storytelling examples from business leaders. And it feels like I’ve struck gold when I find a good one. Those stories serve as models that validate what we’re doing in the classroom.

 

What’s one lesson or insight you hope every MBA student takes with them after your course?

Crossing the threshold into professional life doesn’t mean leaving our humanity behind. When we bring our authentic selves into the workplace, especially through storytelling, we create space for deeper meaning in both what we do and whom we do it with. That matters.

 

Can you share a moment or student success story that’s stuck with you?

I remember one student in particular. He had been struggling to get past the first round of interviews, despite having a strong resume and relevant experience. So he enrolled in my course. He worked hard to craft stories that highlighted his resilience, values, and leadership moments. The next time he interviewed, everything changed. He received two job offers, both from top-tier companies. I really appreciate this student so much because he made a special effort to find me and share the news. He told me, “I’m convinced the difference was storytelling. That’s what helped me stand out and connect.” It was a reminder that the ability to tell a clear, honest, and compelling story is an important differentiator.

In what ways do you see our students standing out in the workplace or making an impact?

Our students are incredibly accomplished, AND they’re some of the nicest people on the planet.

What excites you most about the future of business education or your field?

What excites me most about the future is that it’s in the hands of our amazing students. Headlines can make us think that only gloom and doom await us. But when I finish teaching a course, I tell my students that the (business) world in in great hands because of them. It’s something I believe to my core.

What advice would you give to incoming MBA students?

Take the courses that are outside of your comfort zone. If I were an incoming student, I’d take all the numbers courses I could because I am so strong in the soft skills side of things but horrible at the numbers side of things. The ability to connect left brain with right brain thinking will make you stand out.

Is there anything you’d like to highlight about your research, industry partnerships, or other projects?

I’m super excited to be working on my next book “Storytelling to Influence and Inspire” with Cognella Publishing. I think it’s scheduled for publication in 2027.

What’s something your students might be surprised to learn about you?

Before I was a professor, I hosted my own music show, “A Little Night Music with Heidi Schultz” on WDAV 89.9, and I spent seven years on-air anchoring “All Things Considered” for WUNC 91.5 (I was working on my PhD simultaneously).

Is there a student, colleague, or industry partner you’d like to recognize?

I think I’ll send a ‘shout out’ to my dear 96-year old mother who encouraged me to consider the Business School as a career path. As an English PhD, I didn’t have Kenan-Flagler on my radar. After 28 years, I can still say I have the best job in the world. So… listen to your mother!