For our Inspirational Women Shaping The Future Of Business Education series we speak to Eileen McAuliffe, Executive Vice President at AACSB
- Name: Professor Eileen McAuliffe PhD
- Job title: Executive Vice President, Chief Thought Leadership Officer, MD EMEA
- Organisation: AACSB
After a distinguished career in the oil industry, Professor McAuliffe made a dynamic shift into academia, where she quickly became a prominent figure in higher education, holding pivotal leadership roles at several renowned UK business schools, including as Dean of Sheffield Business School and Executive Dean of Birmingham City Business School.
Today, Eileen serves as the Executive Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and Chief Thought Leadership Officer at AACSB.
A qualified accountant with a PhD in taxation, she also contributed significantly to AACSB’s governance, serving on its Board of Directors from 2021 to 2024 and in her role chairing the Finance & Investment Committee.
Why do you work in education?
Education is the great equalizer, the force that opens minds, shapes futures, and empowers individuals to reach their full potential. My own journey is deeply rooted in this belief. As the daughter of an Irish immigrant family with limited financial resources, I grew up understanding the true power of education-not just as a means to a career, but as a tool to expand one’s horizons and contribute meaningfully to society.
My educational journey was unconventional, but it led me to a calling-to ensure that education is accessible, enriching, and transformative for all, regardless of background. Education is a bridge, a gateway to limitless possibilities. How far one chooses to travel and in what direction is a deeply personal choice, but my mission is to ensure those bridges are strong, well-built, and open to everyone.
“Business education must evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly shifting world, and being at the forefront of that transformation is exhilarating.”
– Eileen McAuliffe
Today, as Executive Vice President at AACSB, I have the privilege of elevating the quality of business education, amplifying its voice across EMEA, and driving global thought leadership. Beyond that, I have the extraordinary opportunity to help shape the leaders of tomorrow-the change-makers, innovators, and visionaries who will navigate and address the world’s greatest challenges. From climate change to technological disruption, from social inequality to economic transformation, the next generation of leaders will need courage, adaptability, and purpose.
Through my role at AACSB, I help build an education system that fosters these qualities, ensuring that the business leaders of the future are equipped not only with knowledge but with the vision and ethical compass to drive meaningful change.
This is more than a role-it’s a responsibility and a passion. When we invest in education, we don’t just build knowledge; we build futures, we build communities, and ultimately, we build a better world.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
Without a doubt, it’s the people-connecting with them, learning from them, and creating opportunities for them to connect with each other. Education is about building bridges, and I have the privilege of being a bridge-builder every day!
It’s incredibly fulfilling to support and mentor business schools as they navigate complex and ever-changing geopolitical landscapes. These institutions are shaping the leaders of tomorrow, and helping them stay resilient, innovative, and impactful is both a challenge and an honour.
I also thrive on pushing the boundaries of business education-championing bold, transformative ideas and driving research that creates real, measurable impact. Business education must evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly shifting world, and being at the forefront of that transformation is exhilarating.
At its core, my work is about inspiration, empowerment, and action-helping institutions, educators, and students unlock their full potential to create a better future. The most rewarding part? Knowing that the connections we build today will shape the leaders, businesses, and societies of tomorrow. This is more than a job-it’s a mission, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Please tell us about a challenge you’ve overcome to get to where you are today. What did you learn?
One of the most defining challenges of my journey has been navigating leadership as a woman in environments where leadership was traditionally male-dominated. Time and time again, I found myself overlooked, underestimated, or excluded-not because of my abilities, but because of long-standing biases and unspoken barriers.
Leadership isn’t about waiting for permission. It’s about creating your own opportunities, standing firm in your values, and proving-through action-that you belong. I learned to push forward with resilience, confidence, and an unwavering belief in my own potential. Instead of being discouraged, I became even more determined to claim my space, amplify my voice, and support others who faced similar challenges.
“How far one chooses to travel and in what direction is a deeply personal choice, but my mission is to ensure those bridges are strong, well-built, and open to everyone.”
– Eileen McAuliffe
Then came a turning point-a moment when I was finally seen for my leadership, my vision, and my ability to drive meaningful change. That moment wasn’t just personal validation; it was proof that perseverance, excellence, and authenticity will always break through.
What did I learn? That leadership isn’t about fitting into a mould-it’s about breaking it. It’s about lifting others as you climb, creating space where there wasn’t any before, and using every challenge as fuel for growth. Today, I lead with that same energy, ensuring that no one is overlooked and that diverse voices are not just heard but valued. Leadership isn’t about titles-it’s about impact.
Have you ever had a role model? If yes, who? And how have they impacted your career or outlook?
Great leadership isn’t about authority-it’s about influence, integrity, and the ability to inspire others while remaining grounded in kindness. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to observe and learn from leaders who embody this balance-people like Madeleine Atkins and David Mba. Their leadership is strong, decisive, and unwavering, yet always delivered with respect, empathy, and grace. They have shown me that kindness is not a weakness, but rather a profound strength-one that builds trust, fosters collaboration, and drives meaningful change.
Rather than a single role model, I find inspiration in a type of leader-those who are polite yet firm, respectful yet unafraid to challenge the status quo, and endlessly creative in their approach to problem-solving. These are the leaders who don’t just demand excellence but cultivate it in those around them.
From them, I’ve learned that true leadership is about balance-having the courage to make tough decisions while leading with humanity, creating space for others to thrive, and pushing boundaries with both conviction and compassion. That is the kind of leader I strive to be every day.
What advice would you give to others to succeed in their careers?
Build those bridges from day one – be creative and encourage creativity; processes are processes the fun comes with creativity
The Key to success? Build bridges, spark creativity, and embrace the journey!
From the very first step in your career, start building bridges. Connect with people, seek out mentors, and create opportunities-not just for yourself, but for others. Success isn’t a solo journey; it’s built on relationships, collaboration, and the impact you make along the way.
Be bold. Be creative. The greatest breakthroughs don’t come from following the rules; they come from challenging them, reimagining them, and daring to think differently. Processes will always exist, but the magic happens when you bring creativity to the table-when you push beyond the expected and turn ideas into innovation.
Most importantly, enjoy the ride. A career isn’t just about climbing a ladder-it’s about making a difference, finding joy in what you do, and leaving a legacy that inspires others to dream bigger, reach further, and lead with passion. So go out there, build those bridges, and make your mark!
Interested in this series? Keep reading…