Teaching Marketing by Bridging Academia and Industry with Dr. Gabriela Birnfeld Kurtz

In this episode of Marketing Corner Talks, host Dave Keighron launches the show’s new format of blending real-world marketing conversations with student voices and applied learning insights. Joining him is Dr. Gabriela Birnfeld Kurtz, Assistant Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, whose career bridges academia, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship.Together, they discuss Gabriela’s path from Brazil’s marketing industry to Canadian classrooms. From her early days in digital marketing in Brazil to her current work in data visualization and entrepreneurship, and as a professor, Gabriela shares how research, storytelling, and practical experience shape her teaching philosophy. Together, they explore how educators can prepare students for an AI-driven marketing landscape while keeping creativity, ethics, and human insight at the forefront.Later in the episode, student guest and Marketing Corner Talks producer Neehaa Kannamreddy joins to ask Gabriela questions ranging from building professional networks as an international student and navigating industry connections in a new country, to maintaining one’s individuality while adapting to professional environments.About Dr. Gabriela KurtzGabriela Birnfeld Kurtz is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at the University of the Fraser Valley, where she teaches and researches at the intersection of marketing, social media, and digital culture. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing across Brazil and Canada, she specializes in B2B strategy, entrepreneurship, brand storytelling, and digital engagement. Her work bridges academic theory and industry practice, helping students connect creativity, analytics, and strategy in today’s digital marketplace.Before joining UFV, Gabriela taught marketing and communication at Douglas College, Langara College, University Canada West, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. She is also a researcher with the DaVInt (Data Visualization and Interaction) Lab at PUCRS, where she studies how interactivity and data visualization shape consumer behaviour and digital experiences.Gabriela holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Information from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, where her award-winning dissertation examined gender and power in video game narratives. Recognized with the QS Reimagine Education Award, she champions experiential learning, storytelling, and inclusive communication. Connect with Dr. KurtzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielakurtz/Email: [email protected] Connect with Marketing Corner TalksWebsite: http://marketingcornertalks.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/marketing-corner-talks/id1729155917Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3brRP5j4Flru1lxjHe6BuN?si=31e0a7bc080c45feInstagram: @marketingcornertalksInterested in being a guest? Email us at: [email protected]