Dr. Annette Hemphill, MBA, DBA
Dr. Annette Hemphill, DBA, MBA, is an accomplished academic, operations consultant, and entrepreneur based in Orlando, Florida. She currently teaches in the business department at Rollins College, where she focuses on business communications, negotiations, and personal selling. Alongside her academic role, Annette has managed and grown her consulting practice, An Affair of Excellence, for over a decade, providing operations and administrative support to small businesses, and she co-owns CrossFit Broken Chains, overseeing HR, payroll, and overall operations. She balances teaching, business management, and consulting with remarkable efficiency, demonstrating her commitment to operational excellence and leadership.
Annette’s career is guided by a philosophy of honesty, integrity, faith, and perseverance. She has a proven track record of building systems that allow organizations to operate efficiently, whether through her consulting work, gym management, or academic instruction. Her ability to simultaneously complete her Doctorate in Business Administration (2025) and secure an academic position within five months—while still managing her gym operations and consulting clients—highlights her dedication, time management skills, and relentless drive for excellence.
Her professional journey has been shaped by strong mentorship from her mother and the support of her husband, who is also her business partner. Annette is an active member of Athena Alliance and Florida Executive Women, and she contributes to her community through volunteer work with organizations such as PACE Center for Girls, The Greatest Investment (TGI), and Make Your Mark. Her multifaceted career reflects a commitment to empowering others, fostering operational excellence, and leading by example across academia, entrepreneurship, and community service.
• Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College - Executive Doctorate of Business Administration, Business Administration and Management, General
• DeVry University - Bachelor of Science (BS), Business Management and Technical Operations
• Athena Alliance
• Florida Executive Women (FEW)
• PACE Center for Girls
• He Greatest Investment (TGI)
• Make Your Mark
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, perseverance, and faith, guided by a constant drive for excellence. These values have helped me navigate the challenges of balancing academia, consulting, and business ownership while consistently striving to achieve my goals. They keep me focused, motivated, and committed to delivering my best in every endeavor.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that there’s no such thing as perfect work-life balance, and it’s essential to be kind to yourself. Life and work are constantly evolving, so focusing on progress, self-compassion, and thoughtful prioritization helps sustain both personal wellbeing and professional growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering the industry that there’s no such thing as perfect work–life balance, and learning to be kind to yourself is key. It’s important to recognize that different seasons of life call for different priorities. For example, during the demanding period of completing my doctoral work, having a child fit well into my personal journey, showing me that with planning, flexibility, and self-compassion, it’s possible to pursue both professional and personal goals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face in academia is fostering meaningful student engagement in the classroom, especially as students balance multiple responsibilities and learning formats. In my gym, the challenge lies in balancing the demands of being a business owner while managing relationships with staff, members, and clients. Both arenas, however, present opportunities to develop leadership, mentorship, and communication skills that create lasting impact and strengthen the communities I serve.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are honesty, integrity, and faith. I strive to approach every decision and interaction with transparency and ethical consideration, while letting my spiritual foundation inform my actions, priorities, and relationships. These principles help me lead with purpose and stay grounded amid the demands of business, academia, and personal life.