Dr. Michael Barbera

Dr. Michael Barbera is a distinguished consumer psychologist and business strategy consultant, currently serving as faculty at the Thomas School of Business and Economics at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Prior to this role, he held faculty positions at National Louis University and Purdue University, where he contributed significantly to the academic landscape through his expertise in consumer behavior and strategic business practices.

An acclaimed expert in consumer perceptions and decision-making processes, Michael's research encompasses a broad spectrum of topics including social psychology, brand management, marketing, behavioral economics, and behavioral finance. His extensive experience in understanding consumer behavior both online and offline has made him a sought-after advisor for Fortune 500 companies and various other clients, where he provides actionable insights to enhance customer experiences and drive business growth.

As the Chief Behavioral Officer at Clicksuasion Labs, Michael leads a multidisciplinary team that combines psychology and economics to analyze and leverage evidence-based strategies of influence and persuasion. Through research, data interpretation, and real-world applications, he helps organizations decipher the underlying drivers of consumer decisions and optimize their marketing strategies and operational processes accordingly.

Throughout his career, Michael has collaborated with notable organizations such as Boeing, Microsoft, The Washington Post, and Harley Davidson, as well as prestigious academic institutions including Duke University and Ithaca College. His expertise extends beyond corporate partnerships to include collaborations with renowned recording artists such as Warrant and Goo Goo Dolls, showcasing his versatility in applying behavioral science across diverse industries.

In addition to his consulting work, Michael is a celebrated keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and host of the Clicksuasion podcast, where he shares his insights on applied social psychology and behavioral science. His thought-provoking talks have reached audiences worldwide, earning him recognition as a leading authority in his field.

Beyond academia and consultancy, Michael is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and business leadership. Having embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at a young age, he continues to mentor and support aspiring entrepreneurs through various initiatives, including his role as a board member of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce and as co-founder and vice-president of Revolutionary Coworking.

Michael holds a PhD in behavioral economics with a specialization in time pressure and scarcity, along with two MBAs focusing on entrepreneurship and executive management. He also earned a BS in business administration, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning. Recognized by the White House for his contributions to entrepreneurship in 2015, Michael remains dedicated to advancing the fields of consumer psychology and business strategy through his research, teaching, and advocacy efforts.