Robert E. Spekman
Professor. Scholar. Survivor. Advocate.
Robert E. Spekman, PhD, is the Tayloe Murphy Professor of Business Administration Emeritus at the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia. He is recognized for his extensive work in business-to-business marketing, supply chain management, channels of distribution, and strategic alliances. After decades of academic leadership and consulting, his life took a dramatic turn in 1995 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. That diagnosis did not define him. Instead, it became the catalyst for a profound inner transformation and the inspiration for his memoir.
Academic Career & Professional Achievements
Before his diagnosis, Robert devoted his life to academia and business research. At the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, he held the Tayloe Murphy Professorship, teaching and advising future business leaders. His research and writings on business-to-business marketing, supply chain management, and strategic alliances have been widely cited and respected in the business community. His co-authored books include Bringing Technology to Market, The Extended Enterprise, and Alliance Competence.
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Decades of teaching at Darden School of Business
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Consultant to corporate clients
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Author of multiple business textbooks and scholarly articles
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Thought leader in strategic alliances and supply chain theory
Living with Parkinson’s: A Life Transformed
Robert was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease on January 2, 1995. At the height of an accomplished academic and consulting career, the diagnosis felt devastating. He kept the news private and continued his work while quietly struggling with fear, anger, and uncertainty. Journaling became his private outlet during these early years when he found it difficult to speak openly about his condition.
The memoir captures this early period of denial and secrecy and then follows Robert's gradual shift toward acceptance. It is a detailed and heartfelt look at how a person can rebuild purpose and meaning while living with a chronic illness.
Business & Academic Books
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Bringing Technology to Market (co-authored)
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The Extended Enterprise (co-authored)
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Alliance Competence (co-authored)
Works by Robert E. Spekman
Personal Memoir
My Journey with Parkinson’s Disease: A Story of Hope and Personal Transformation is Robert’s deeply personal memoir drawn from more than three decades of living with Parkinson’s disease. It is available in eBook, paperback, and audio editions.