It’s not every day you meet a professor who blends real-world business expertise with a passion for mentoring students. Libby Fakier joined the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at UTC in January of 2025 as a lecturer for marketing and professional sales classes. Her career journey is anything but traditional and that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful for students and young professionals.
A non-linear path to success
Libby’s academic journey was far from a straight line. She often describes it as a “tri-state tour,” beginning at Florida State University, transferring to Louisiana State University and ultimately finishing her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management at Kennesaw State University.
She later earned her MBA from Florida State University, equipping her with the strategic foundation that would take her career beyond corporate America, into academia.
Building brands and breaking boundaries
Following her undergraduate degree, she launched her career at Turner Broadcasting System. Her first role was managing the Turner Store. Although it wasn’t her dream job, she saw it as an opportunity to get her foot in the door. From there, she quickly climbed the ranks in marketing and distribution sales.
Throughout her time at Turner, she launched Cartoon Network, built NASCAR on TNT, worked on major media brands like CNN, TBS and Turner Classic Movies, and developed national partnerships and educational programs.
At Cartoon Network, her focus was on increasing the network’s value to distributors—cable, satellite, and broadband providers—through innovative B2B and B2B2C marketing campaigns. She collaborated with the network and sports creative teams to turn big ideas into scalable programs, ensuring every stakeholder benefited.
“Everything I did was a great big puzzle—but without a picture,” she said. “I had to create the puzzle and draw the picture as I built it.”
While that may seem daunting to some, she said her boss made all the difference. “I didn’t know there was anything I couldn’t do,” she said. “My boss was encouraging and believed in me, so I was fearless when they threw new projects at me.”
That mindset, coupled with her ability to connect strategy with execution helped her stand out in a fast-paced corporate environment.
Libby later became Director of Partnership Marketing for NASCAR on TNT, where she designed once-in-a-lifetime fan and sponsor experiences, such as access to drivers, pit road and victory lane.
After stepping away from corporate life to raise her family, she founded AdLib Communications Group (see what she did there?) a consulting firm where she spent 15 years advising clients across luxury travel, consumer packaged goods, media, sports and technology.
Her consulting role eventually turned into fulltime work with one of her clients, and she went full circle back into the corporate world.
A life-changing transition to education
Despite her impressive corporate resume, Libby’s true passion has always been working with young people. From her first job as a day camp counselor at age 14 to fostering 12 children over the years, her life has consistently centered around mentorship and impact.
That passion ultimately led her to UTC.
“I tell people this is not a job,” she said. “It’s the most fulfilled, happy and purposeful I’ve ever felt.”
At the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, she brings decades of real-world experience into the classroom, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Career advice you’ll want to learn from
For students and early-career professionals, Libby offers practical and inspiring advice:
1. Find your “why”
Inspired by Simon Sinek, she emphasizes understanding your purpose as the foundation for all career decisions.
2. Set clear goals
Know what you’re working toward and revisit those goals often.
3. Be fearless and relentless
Don’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity. Get your foot in the door, prove your value and build relationships.
4. Don’t wait for instructions
Take initiative. The most successful professionals create opportunities rather than wait for them.
Libby isn’t just teaching business—she’s lived it. Her journey from corporate executive to educator gives students:
- Real-world insights into marketing and strategy
- Exposure to high-level brand development and partnerships
- Mentorship grounded in empathy and experience
For anyone studying business at UTC, learning from Libby Fakier means gaining both knowledge and inspiration.
Libby’s story proves that career paths don’t have to be linear to be successful. From navigating major media companies to raising a family, launching a consulting firm and ultimately finding her calling in education, her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability and purpose.
Whether you’re a student, professional or aspiring leader, her message is clear: define your purpose, take risks, and never wait for permission to succeed. See what Libby is up to at the John “Art” Phillips Sales Institute at the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
