Bio

As founder and CEO of Lexicon Lens, AnnaSophia Kristjansson brings over 25 years of experience guiding mid-cap organizations through complex strategic initiatives—mergers and acquisitions, organizational redesigns, product launches, and market expansions. Anna’s expertise centers on aligning workforce strategy with business processes, leading cross-functional teams through critical transitions, and translating complex challenges into actionable plans.

Education

Sophia earned her M.S. in Science, Neuroscience and Leadership from Middlesex University, UK and is a Ph.D. candidate in Professional Practice, Psychological Perspective, Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK. Sophia earned her French language, culture and history certificate at the University of Grenoble, France.

Professional Background

Throughout her career in senior human resources and strategic operations roles, Sophia has partnered with C-suite executives to develop strategies that drive sustainable business results and organizational alignment. She has managed high-stakes initiatives including post-merger integration, new division launches, and infrastructure development for business growth.

At Lexicon Lens, Sophia designs customized experience labs where leaders collaborate to test, refine, and implement strategic solutions that drive measurable performance. This methodology—grounded in real-world complexity and data-informed decision-making—informs how she teaches and mentors professionals. Anna is a recognized speaker at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Annual Conference and HR People + Strategy executive forums, and a contributing author on transformational leadership and organizational change.

Teaching Philosophy

Sophia is passionate about seeing organizations succeed and enjoys teaching the leaders of today and tomorrow about how to avoid pitfalls and build organizations that thrive. Sophia teaches students how to leverage their success and how to bridge their academic learning with professional reality. She’s flexible and is available via email and virtual office hours to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer insights from the business world.

Bio

With over 14 years of global experience, Levi is a seasoned professional specializing in intercultural communications and adult learning. He has cultivated tailored intercultural learning programs for executives from Fortune 500 companies in Europe and Asia while living and working across diverse regions like Mexico, Costa Rica, Australia and Switzerland. His commitment to teaching intercultural communications has spanned seven years, empowering students and professionals alike.

At the College of Professional Studies, Levi integrates practical expertise with theoretical knowledge to create an engaging learning environment. He employs real-life experiences and case studies, fostering critical skills for navigating cross-cultural complexities. Through his dynamic teaching methodologies, merging extensive work history with interactive approaches, Levi equips students with tangible tools to excel in diverse global environments, fostering a deeper understanding of intercultural communication.

Education

Levi earned an MBA, and an MA in International and Intercultural Communication, both from the University of Denver.

Bio

Wayne E. Mayer, CEO of When Everything Matters (WEMCo), empowers people to see the big picture among disparate elements. His proactive, whole-systems approach to business mitigates risks, engages stakeholders, and improves efficiencies, revenues, and profits. Wayne’s regional expertise encompasses Latin America; for years he resided in Venezuela and, later, Peru.

Education

Wayne earned his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science at the University of Denver, his Master of Science in Forest Ecology & Conservation at the University of Washington, and his Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy at Duke University. He also earned graduate certificates in International Development Policy and in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from Duke.

Professional Background

Wayne is a strategic sustainability consultant with technical and leadership skills gained during 20+ years as a change agent focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. He empowers organizations to integrate environmental and social value into core business and turn business models into sustainable-development partnerships. He helps companies set science-based goals and leverage data and technology to measure, monitor, and communicate ESG risks, impacts, and opportunities. Wayne holds affiliate faculty positions at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and, as a Senior Fellow, at the Duke Center for International Development. He also teaches for Duke Corporate Education’s ESG Academy.

Motivation for Teaching

Wayne’s international experience motivates him to share the excitement of thinking in different ways. He enjoys sharing ideas and calls teaching and learning “fun with a purpose.”

Helping Students Be Successful

Wayne recognizes that solving complex problems requires cross-functional, interdisciplinary thinking. He helps students unlock their imaginations, identify interconnections, and think in proactive and novel ways.

Darryl Meekins (Ph.D., North West University) is a seasoned leader in the cultural competency space. He is the CAO at Lightbox Consultants and has started several leadership programs and businesses aimed at increasing learning in the CQ and multinational leadership arenas. Originally from South Africa, Darryl has lived and taught across four continents and has been helping students and organizations navigate the complexities of the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world for nearly two decades. A specialist in Cultural Intelligence and Action-Reflective Practice, Darryl loves to engage learners of all backgrounds and vocations in a multi-modal, multidisciplinary journey of learning and discovery.

Bio

Arianna Nowakowski’s research explores questions of international gender politics, cultural identity, and political change. Her teaching portfolio reflects this expertise, including courses such as “Culture, Identity, Power,” “Russian Identity,” and “The Puerto Rican Paradox: Challenges and Opportunities in Uncertain Times.” Arianna additionally serves in an administrative capacity focused on developing ongoing partnerships and designing academic courses and curricula, particularly experiential learning and travel courses.

Education

Arianna holds a Ph.D. in International Studies from the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs.

Bio

Marcel Thomas has over a decade of experience in leveraging data insights at leading universities. His background in research and teaching informs his approach as a leader in higher education strategy. Marcel is a relationship-builder, collaborator, and project manager with a strong track record of ideating and scaling data solutions.

Education

Marcel has a Ph.D. and M.A. in history from the University of Bristol. He earned his B.A., also in history, from the University of Manchester.

Professional Background

A historian by training, Marcel taught modern European history at universities in the UK (Oxford, Bristol and Manchester) before relocating to Denver and transitioning into higher education strategy.

He currently serves as Director of Academic Quality and Data here at the College of Professional Studies. In this role, Marcel developed and implemented a data and operations strategy which has radically transformed the college’s ability to make data-informed decisions. He is currently working on co-creating the college’s AI strategy.

Motivation for Teaching

Marcel is passionate about sharing insights from his research and professional practice with students. He enjoys experimenting with new learning technologies and has a particular interest in linking education with emerging trends and practical examples from the world of work.

Helping Students Be Successful

A first-generation college student himself, Marcel is passionate about expanding access and demystifying higher education. His teaching revolves around real-life examples and skills that prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. He is readily available via email and virtual office hours to answer questions and provide guidance.