Credentials
Ph.D., University of Exeter, Management, 2017 B.A., Western Colorado University, Environmental Science; Environment and Sustainability, 2006
Interests & Passions
Bio-inspired innovation and design, circular economy, regenerative innovation, sustainable supply chains, sustainable product development
Introduction
Taryn Mead is a sustainability, innovation and management scholar whose research focuses on the interface between corporate strategies and socio-ecological systems. This includes subjects such as systems of production and consumptions, sustainability-oriented innovation, circular economy, biomimicry, and the role of corporations in sustainable development. In her role as Product Track Coordinator for the Outdoor Industry MBA, she supports students in developing their product-related Capstone projects, and providing guidance in product strategy, new product development, and supply chain management. She also has expertise in creativity for sustainability among business, design and engineering professionals in interdisciplinary settings. Before pursuing her Ph.D., Taryn worked as design consultant, sustainability strategist and certified biomimicry professional consulting with over 30 corporate, municipal and non-profit organizations. As a practitioner of nature inspired innovation, she consulted on domestic and international projects ranging from new product design, to industrial ecosystems, to new cities for two million inhabitants. She has also served as the lead facilitator for numerous workshops with corporate clients and has lectured for large audiences.
Why am I an OPEN fellow?
As an interdisciplinary scholar working in a business school, it’s inspiring for me to be engaged with a group of faculty who address sustainability in business holistically.
How can I help change agents?
I love to create expansive problem-solving spaces and support generative processes to envision new possible futures.