Innovative Anthropologies w/ Angela K. VandenBroek

On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we talk with Angela VandenBroek, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology and Business at Texas State University. Angela shares her winding path into anthropology and how she's applied it in unexpected places—from archaeology to retail—showing that anthropology is a versatile mindset and toolkit, not just a career. Angela explains how anthropology can improve business practices by helping companies better understand people—both consumers and employees. She highlights its role in strategy, culture, and innovation, especially for entrepreneurs. In her teaching, Angela emphasizes that human behavior is complex and can't be understood through yes-or-no questions. She encourages students to take an empathetic approach—putting themselves in others' shoes to better understand different perspectives. Tune in to learn how anthropology can powerfully shape the world of business.