Economics, Business, and Accounting

Neil Watson

Instructor in Marketing
“Advertising can itself contribute to the betterment of society by uplifting and inspiring people and motivating them to act in ways that benefit themselves and others. Advertising can brighten lives simply by being witty, tasteful and entertaining.”
— Ethics in Advertising, The Pontifical Council for Social Communications

Faculty Information

Additional Faculty Information for Neil Watson

Education

PhD in Business ethics (candidate), HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
MS in Business analysis, The Catholic University of America
BA in Business (entrepreneurship), John Paul the Great Catholic University

Previous Teaching Experience

Adjunct Professor of Business, Ave Maria University

Industry Experience

Ave Maria University
Tillamook Creamery
adidas (North America and Global HQ)
TaylorMade Golf
TED Conferences
Microsoft
Baker Street Consulting

Affiliations

Society of Catholic Social Scientists
Visiting Fellow, The Institute at Ave Maria University
Scholar-Fellow, Human Ecology Institute

Presentations, Research, & Publications

Watson, Neil. (Oct. 2024). “Crafty Men: A Framework for Marketing Rooted in Catholic Social Thought.” Presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists.

Watson, Neil. (Nov. 2024). “The Make-Things-Happen-er.” In Jim Constable et al. (Eds.), Workplace Wisdom: 100 Lessons for Better Performance. UK.

Watson, Neil. (Jan. 2025). “Bed, Bath, and Beyond: Thomistic Remedies in an Increasingly Sorrowful World.” Presented at the 2025 Aquinas Conference, sponsored by The Institute of Spirituality at the Angelicum and the Aquinas Center.

Watson, Neil. (Feb. 2025). “A Catholic’s Review of Super Bowl LIX Ads.” Presented to the Ave Maria University Chapter of the American Marketing Association.

Watson, Neil. (Mar. 17, 2025). “St. Joseph’s Heavenly Habits Teach Us About the Dignity of Work.” National Catholic Reporter.

Watson, Neil. (May 2025). “Can Marketing Be Catholic?” The Catholic Theology Show.

Watson, Neil. (Oct. 2026). “The Lion’s Roar: Leo XVIII and Catholic Social Teachings for the Digital Revolution.” Accepted for presentation at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists.

Biography

As a scholar-practitioner, I aim to bridge theory and application for my students. Building on the liberal arts foundation, I leverage my experience to develop career-relevant acumen while exploring the deeper human truths that (should) drive business and commerce.

Having lead teams and worked on projects at companies ranging from startups (my own firm, Baker Street Consulting) to Fortune 500s (like adidas and Microsoft) and everything in-between (TaylorMade Golf, Tillamook Creamery), I want my students to learn the skills they need to excel in today’s job market while understanding that business – and especially marketing – is first and foremost a community of persons.