For our Inspirational Women Shaping The Future Of Business Education series, we speak to Federica Pazzaglia, Professor of Management and Associate Dean of UCD College of Business and Director of UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School

• Name: Federica Pazzaglia 
• Job title: Professor of Management and Associate Dean, Director of UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School 
• Institution: UCD College of Business

Federica Pazzaglia is Associate Dean of the UCD College of Business and Director of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School in Ireland. She has lived and worked in Spain, Ireland, Italy and Canada and has earned a PhD from the University of Alberta Business School in Canada.  

Her areas of expertise are strategic management and leadership, and her research focuses on social cognition, identity, and behavioural strategy – an interdisciplinary field that examines decision-making and strategic choices in organizations.  

Her research focuses on timely topics with implications for business and society. She has been published in some of the most prestigious journals in her discipline and has been recognised with numerous research awards.  

Federica is also a member of the Editorial Boards of several international academic journals in her field. Prior to joining UCD, she was an Assistant Professor in the Asper School of Business at University of Manitoba in Canada and a Visiting Professor at IE Business School in Spain.  

Why do you work in education? 

At its core, my work in education is driven by curiosity and a belief in the transformative power of knowledge. From an early age, I have been curious about new subjects and new ideas.  

I have always been an avid reader and enjoyed reading books spanning subjects as diverse as history, philosophy, physics, business, and the classics.  

This early interest in understanding how ideas develop and evolve eventually inspired me to pursue a PhD. This was a turning point for my career and brought to a focus how education can both spark and channel a curiosity and desire to contribute to addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our times.  

“My work in education is driven by curiosity and a belief in the transformative power of knowledge.”

How organizations and those working within them deal with risk and adversity and foster a culture where everyone strives to achieve their potential has inspired my research, teaching, and leadership approach.  

Every classroom discussion, research project, strategic initiative, and conversation in a hallway has been an opportunity to spark new ideas on these and other timely challenges. These experiences bring together diverse perspectives and are bound to have a lasting impact on the organizations our students join and on society overall. 

What is the most rewarding part of your role? 

The most rewarding part of my role is the opportunity it offers to foster a vibrant environment where ideas thrive and where our work contributes to meaningful conversations that can shape business and society.  

Being part of a College that has a long history of pushing boundaries, shaping business, and connectivity on a global scale means that the impact of what each of us does extends far beyond our classrooms and our campus.  

Seeing our faculty push the boundaries of knowledge, observing firsthand the transformational nature of our students’ time with us, and seeing them go on to be thoughtful and impactful leaders while remaining connected and engaged with us as our alumni is incredibly gratifying.  

Beyond that, I love the intellectual energy of what I do. Every day, I engage with diverse perspectives and different stakeholders, work on new initiatives and projects, and learn something new. This and contributing to a shared mission make my work deeply fulfilling.  

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 in my career was embarking on my PhD journey in Canada – a leap into the unknown away from my experience up to that point, and one that is familiar to many considering a career in academia.  

I was confronted with the rigour of a demanding academic program and the practical difficulties of settling in a new country, as well as a realization of the opportunity I was offered to hone my academic skills and have a say in some of the open questions that academics and business leaders were grappling with.  

“I love the intellectual energy of what I do. Every day, I engage with diverse perspectives and different stakeholders, work on new initiatives and projects, and learn something new.” 

A similar sentiment has marked several other times in my academic career since then and has involved elements of learning and unlearning – often simultaneously – and overall gaining a richer vantage point. But what these experiences have taught me is that every new experience, and the challenges it poses, is an opportunity. I have seen firsthand that stepping outside our comfort zone enables us to do more than what we initially thought was possible. 

Ultimately, the challenges I have faced have enriched my perspective and have enabled me to contribute more effectively to the communities I belong to within academia and beyond. 

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

I have never had just one role model; rather, I have been inspired by different people at different stages of my life and career. Early on, I admired great thinkers and writers-people whose ideas shaped the way we look at and understand the world. Later on, I have been inspired by mentors and colleagues who demonstrated intellectual rigour, curiosity, and the ability to challenge conventional wisdom while remaining open to new perspectives. 

I have been fortunate to work with many colleagues who are truly passionate about their work. Their pursuit of meaningful questions, their ability to bridge theory with real-world impact, and their desire to have an impact and a lasting legacy have fuelled my own and have shaped my thinking and my approach to teaching, research and leadership. They have shown me that education is about creating knowledge as much as enabling others to contribute to the conversations that matter for business and society. 

Beyond academia, I have also been inspired by leaders who balance ambition with empathy, listen as much as they speak, and create spaces where others can thrive. Rather than following in someone’s footsteps, I have sought to learn from those who embody qualities I admire – intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to challenge oneself and others in a constructive way. These values continue to shape how I approach my work today. 

What advice would you give to others to succeed in their careers? 

My advice is to be curious, embrace challenges, and never shy away from opportunities that stretch you beyond your comfort zone. Some of the most rewarding experiences in my career came from saying yes to things that felt uncertain or difficult at first. Growth happens when we push ourselves to take on new perspectives, new roles, and new ways of thinking. 

Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Careers are not built in isolation – seek out mentors, peers, and colleagues who will support you but also push you to think differently and aim higher. At the same time, be that person for others. Success is not just about personal achievement; it’s about contributing to your community, sharing knowledge, and helping others grow. 

Finally, resilience and adaptability matter just as much as skills and expertise. Every career will have setbacks, unexpected turns, and moments of doubt. These are learning experiences, not roadblocks. The ability to navigate uncertainty with confidence and curiosity will not only help you succeed but will also make the journey more fulfilling. 

Interested in this series? Keep reading…