Senior Lecturer of Management
Dr. Christopher Leo is a double Knight and longtime member of the Barry S. Miller College of Business, where he has been teaching since 2011. As an educator and leader in the Department of Management, Dr. Leo is passionate about helping students learn, grow and develop into valuable professionals through practical, engaging experiences. Learn more about Dr. Leo below:
How long have you been a Knight? I am a double Knight, having earned my Master’s in Management from UCF before joining the faculty. I have been teaching at UCF since 2011. I earned my doctorate at the University of Florida.
What is your favorite UCF memory? As a former UCF student, my favorite memory was competing in the Great Capstone Case Competition. The client was Apple and our team developed a new line of home automation products that we called the iCore (like the core of an apple). We didn’t win but we placed as finalists – we worked so hard and were very proud. It was a great way to end my undergraduate experience in the College. As a faculty member, geez, I wouldn’t say I have a single favorite memory. I love teaching; I get to work with amazing students and wonderful colleagues!
What professional awards or honors have you earned during your career? During my career I have earned the All-Star Faculty Member Award, Most Transformative Moment Award, Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, UCF’s Teaching Incentive Program and the Excellence in Faculty-Student Engagement Award.
What do you love about what you do? The privilege of helping students learn, grow and develop into valuable professionals. I enjoy providing a practical, engaging learning environment that emphasizes persistence and hard work.
What do you find most exciting or rewarding about your field of study? Honestly, the most rewarding moments for me are when our alumni reach back out to say how my class helped them achieve “fill in the blank” in their career. I want my students to leave my class stronger than when they started.
When you’re not in the classroom, what can we find you doing? Racking up “Killionaires” on Halo Infinite, LOL! Yeah, I enjoy video games today just as much as I did when I was “slaying it” in my twenties. I don’t golf and I never got into watching sports, so my free time is spent on my Xbox; I see it as my therapy! I also get to play with my two boys – online, we’re known as the Leo Trio which is Latin for “three people who blame the router when we roasted.”
What are some little known facts about you? I grew up in my family’s Italian restaurant so I’m passionate about cooking: (inserting shameless plug here): https://www.youtube.com/@christopherleo8632)
What is your advice for Business Knights? Some advice I have is persistence and hard work are paramount to success. Focus on signaling your value—how you can solve problems and contribute to an organization. Develop strong transferable skills that make you invaluable in any role.