How do you incorporate your industry experience into the classroom?
I teach from the perspective of someone who has worked with teams to launch, build, and revitalize iconic consumer brands. My classes are grounded in live case examples from my career across consumer products, entertainment, sports, and technology — including brand turnarounds, billion-dollar launches, and leadership challenges under pressure. Students don’t just learn frameworks; they apply them to real situations, make decisions with imperfect information, and discuss what actually worked, what didn’t, and why.
What are you most proud of professionally and why?
I’m most proud of leading teams that achieved outcomes many didn’t initially believe were possible — whether that was revitalizing legacy brands like Hot Wheels and Razor, or launching new platforms like L.O.L. Surprise into global, category-defining franchises. Those results came not just from strategy, but from fostering culture, trust, and teamwork — lessons I now bring directly into the classroom.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at LMU?
LMU students are intellectually curious, values-driven, and eager to connect business success with purpose. I enjoy helping them bridge ambition with integrity — and showing them how leadership, creativity, and disciplined execution can coexist. LMU’s emphasis on developing the whole person aligns perfectly with how I’ve approached leadership throughout my career.
What advice do you have for students?
Stay relentlessly curious. Don’t chase titles early. Chase learning, reps, and working with top-tier managers. Learn how to think critically, not just what to do. And remember, leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating clarity, calmness, and consistency for others.
What’s a fun fact you’d like others to know about you?
I’ve spent most of my career working at the intersection of business, sports, and play — and I still believe play is one of the most underutilized tools for creativity, resilience, and leadership development. I also enjoyed 15 years of competing with friends at an ultimate sports camp where 40 guys competed in 14 sports over 2 ½ days for 1 trophy (which I lifted a couple times 😊.)
Anything else you’d like to share?
My goal as a professor is simple: to help students leave the classroom more confident, more prepared, and better equipped to lead when the stakes are real. Teaching keeps me sharp, optimistic, and deeply connected to the next generation of business leaders.
To learn more about James Wagner's professional and academic experience, please visit his LinkedIn profile and faculty bio.