For our Inspirational Women Shaping The Future Of Business Education series we speak with Antonella Moretto – Associate Dean for Open Programs, POLIMI Graduate School of Management

• Name: Antonella Moretto 
• Job title: Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Open Programs 
• Institution: POLIMI Graduate School of Management 

Antonella is Associate Dean for Open Programs, and Associate Professor at the POLIMI Graduate School of Management. 

She teaches Supplier Relationship Management and Purchasing and Supply Management on the MSc of Management Engineering and is part of the core faculty in the area of Purchasing and Supply Management.  

In the Department of Management Engineering (DIG), she is Director of the Observatory Supply Chain Finance. Her main areas of research and expertise are Purchasing, Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Digital Procurement. 

Why do you work in education? 

The motivation for working in education pertains to the possibility of being part of an environment that offers continuous stimulation and allows me to explore new frontiers of knowledge and topics. I’ve always loved studying and now I have the chance to do it as a profession.  

Additionally, teaching provides the opportunity to work with the younger generation, giving me the satisfaction of contributing to moulding the future. Reflecting on my journey, I remember the hours spent researching and developing curricula that resonate with students’ needs and interests. Each project brings its unique set of challenges, pushing us to innovate and adapt. The joy of seeing a concept come to life in the classroom and knowing that we played a part in their educational journey is unmatched.  

Moreover, being in education means committing to lifelong learning, constantly updating my skills, and staying abreast of the latest educational trends and technologies. This dynamic and ever-evolving landscape keeps the passion for teaching alive and thriving.  

What’s the most rewarding part of your role? 

The most rewarding part is the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in designing innovative training programs. We try to envision the path students will take, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to witness their progress, see them study diligently and eventually achieve their dreams. The entire process; from initial brainstorming to the final implementation, is deeply satisfying as we strive to create impactful educational experiences.  

“There are not problems in life, just new challenges to overcome, such as in a videogame. This simplifies everything and makes both work and life more fun.”  

– Antonella Moretto

The iterative process of refining these ideas based on feedback and classroom experiences further enhances the quality of education we provide.  

Observing students’ journeys from their first day in the classroom to their graduation is very motivating. Every milestone they achieve, every challenge they overcome, and every success they celebrate becomes a testament to the collective efforts of the teaching community. It serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact education can have on an individual’s life.  

Please tell us about a challenge you’ve overcome to get to where you are today. What did you learn?  

One of the most significant challenges I remember concerns the Covid-19 period. I had been appointed Associate Dean for less than a month and felt the need to prove, both to others and to myself, that I was up to the role assigned to me. During this period, I found myself working from home, with no direct contact with the team; I had a strong desire to innovate and introduce new projects but had to manage the daily routine in a completely different way.  

This moment was crucial because it taught me the importance of focusing on one task at a time, concentrating exclusively on what is within one’s control, and tackling it with dedication and determination.  

Have you ever had a role model? If yes, who? And how have they impacted your career or outlook?  

I have a role model. He is a person who has impacted deeply my career, being for me a constant example of determination and importance to focus on your activities and what you could control, without wasting your energies in meaningless things. Seeing life in this way, I learned that there are not problems in life, just new challenges to overcome, such as in a videogame. This simplifies everything and makes both work and life more fun.  

Interested in this series? Keep reading…