Welcome back to Your University: The FGCU Podcast. Today our host Katie Cribbs sits down with Gina Tran, Associate Professor of Marketing at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she specializes in consumer behavior, digital marketing and celebrity endorsements.

Gina shares her fascinating career path, as she details how she transitioned from a background in chemical and bioengineering to a deep expertise in marketing and consumer behavior. They talk about the scientific foundations of marketing, Gina’s work with multiple industries including oil and gas, and corporate merchandising with companies like Neiman Marcus and Michaels.

Gina shares her best insights on consumer behavior, the current overlay of engineering skills in business academia, and the rising trend of 'de-influencing' on social media. Katie also digs into Gina’s teaching methodologies, the importance of real-world experience in academia, and Gina shares valuable advice on becoming a smarter consumer.

Your University: The FGCU Podcast is produced by University FM.

• 01:01 Journey from Engineering to Business
• 02:47 The Science Behind Marketing
• 03:28 Early Career and Industry Experience
• 07:01 Transition to Academia
• 10:58 Consumer Behavior and Influencer Trends
• 19:07 Research and Student Engagement
• 20:05 Community Involvement and Social Media Insights
• 28:41 The Role of AI in Marketing
• 30:00 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

On the de-influencer movement

11:53: You're not an influencer. Is this really in your budget? Maybe you should save your money. And then there's some de-influencers that tell you, like, ″Stop and think about things before you purchase it." Do you have enough shirts? Do you have enough shoes? Do you have enough Stanley Cups already? And if you do, then maybe you don't need to purchase this, save your money.

Social media can be used for good

13:00: Social media gets a lot of flak for encouraging bullying, negative behaviors, and over-materialism. And so, I think that social media can be used for good things as well.

What are the top questions consumers should be asking before they make purchases?

​​13:43: Okay, so there's a couple things that you can ask yourself. First, you can start with "Do you really need this? Do you have things at home that you can already use instead of buying a new thing? And if you decide that you do need this because it's replacing something that has worn out, then consider this, like the company that you're purchasing it from, are they sustainably producing their goods? Are they doing the repair, replace, and do they stand by their products?” Because if they do, then likely, they're going to be higher quality items. And so, you can keep it for a longer time and use it for many seasons.

• Gina Tran | FGCU Profile
• Gina Tran | Google Scholar Research
• Gina Tran | LinkedIn
• Too Many Streaming Services? | Gulf Coast News
• FGCU | Website

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In this episode of Your University: The FGCU Podcast, host Katie Cribbs welcomes Raina Harmon to the show. Raina is the head coach for FGCU’s Women’s Basketball team, beginning her association with the school last April.

Raina recounts her journey from her Midwest roots in Detroit to her current coaching position. With a strong background in sports from her childhood and gaining experience through various roles, including coaching for players who would go on to great professional success, like Caitlin Clark, Harmon discusses her aspirations for the team and community and the principles guiding her career.

Raina drills down on the importance of her relationships with her players, the significance of academic excellence combined with athletic excellence, and the Midwestern work ethic that drives her.

Harmon emphasizes how FGCU's unique community engagement and its reputation for athletic excellence, results in amazing support from local fans. Above all it’s clear that Raina Harmon has a commitment to making a positive impact on FGCU players' lives both on and beyond the court.

Your University: The FGCU Podcast is produced by University FM.

• 00:00 Introduction and Midwest Roots
• 01:54 Journey to Coaching at FGCU
• 03:37 Finding Passion in Coaching
• 05:38 Manifesting Success and Building Relationships
• 08:32 Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics
• 15:14 Academic Focus and Student Support
• 17:21 Building a Winning Culture at FGCU
• 18:29 FGCU's Championship Pedigree
• 21:03 Community Engagement and Support
• 29:08 Memorable Moments and Fan Support

More than championships

12:06: Oh, you may not leave with, like, rings or championships. I can’t promise you all that. I can’t promise you that. But you’re going to leave with your degree, that's number one, and you’re going to leave having a good time, and I’ll be in your life for the rest of your life.

Basketball can be fleeting, education matters

15:46: “Hey, what are you here for?” “Oh, I’m playing basketball.” “But yeah, but what are you here for?” Because basketball’s fleeting. At some point, the ball’s going to stop bouncing.

And your degree and your experience here, as you network throughout your major, is going to matter.

FGCU is your hometown team

22:21: So, I’ll just tell anybody that’s down here, we are your hometown team. No matter what sport you want to support, we’re probably pretty good at it.

• Raina Harmon | FGCU Profile
• FGCU ‘Feels Like Family’ | FGCU360 Article
• The IX Basketball | Article
• Raina Harmon Era Begins at FGCU | GulfCoastNewsNow
• Introduction Conference | WGCU News
• FGCU | Website

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