Georgio Georgiades
Hult International Business School
“Prof. Georgiades has enormous knowledge that is able to transfer to students as well as the ability to facilitate the process of observing and reflecting under many diverse perspectives. Because of his ability to connect on a human and individual level, beyond the technical aspect of his job, Prof Georgiades builds a beneficial and engaging environment for each student and he is very likely to become a mentor more than a professor over the course of a class.” – Elia Lorenzi
Georgio Georgiades, 46, is Assistant Professor of Management at Hult International Business School. In 2017, Hult students voted him as the school’s Professor of the Year for the undergraduate management program.
He has extensive business experience in HR and change management at companies such as Hilton Hotels, Inmarsat Inc, and VUE Entertainment.
His research interests include change management, organizational psychology, and how communication and power structures operate in periods of uncertainty. He has been published in journals such as Journal of Business and Economics and Business and Management Research Journal.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2012
Education: PhD: Henley Business School, University of Reading
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Change Management, Managing Human Resources, Principles of Management, Navigating the Business Environment, Consulting, Coaching, Power & Politics.
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when… Coming from a family of Academics, I always secretly knew I wanted to become a professor, hence why I pursued my PhD degree. Before entering the academic world, I felt it was essential for me to gain practical experience working in business. Therefore, I chose to work in different industries such as Entertainment, Broadcasting-Racing Services and Hospitality and Tourism, always in the fields of Human Resource Management and Change Management. My PhD itself related to Organisational Psychology and majorly focused on Change Management.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I have been carrying out some research with my colleague Dr. Uma Gunasilan on the effectiveness of Classroom Debates as an assessment tool for student performance.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be… Perhaps I would have been a Counsellor or even a Coach. I am very much about trying to help people figure out themselves and what triggers their decision-making process, therefore I would not stray far away from what I am naturally interested in and passionate about.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? The way I view my job is in two ways. There is the technical side which is all about content delivery and methods of achieving an interactive learning environment, and then there is the human side which is all about relationship building and creating healthy bonds with students. I truly believe that younger people respect and appreciate honesty, constructive feedback and a Professor that truly loves and cares for them, and for what they do. Based on that, I feel I have managed to touch them at a level that has produced results and effectiveness. Additionally, my humour is my way of connecting to people and to that effect it has allowed me to get close to them, and create the relationship needed for a happy, productive, healthy and safe learning space. Their opinions are valued and they know that judgement is not allowed during our sessions.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Exhilarating
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: How gratifying and amazing it will be to practice this profession which I see more of a contribution than a job.
Professor I most admire and why: My PhD supervisor, Professor Christopher Nobes, for the level of knowledge, professionalism and kindness he showed me over the years. A superb person that has achieved so many things in his career, in multiple areas, from teaching at various Universities, to leaving his practical mark on the business world. The list of his activities is endless and that is something to aspire to.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? Being part of the process of allowing them to understand their own strengths, capabilities as well as areas for development. Moulding young minds into something special, see them grow, flourish and represent themselves and the school with pride.
What is most challenging? Whilst the process described above is wonderful, it comes with its own challenges, that no one can deny. The joys definitely outweigh the difficulties of this journey.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Professional – and by that I mean, knowing when joking stops and serious begins.
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Not realising that human relationships need boundaries and to that effective not respecting them to the degree expected.
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as… Fair – I make sure that they understand that evaluation methods are not about witch hunting but their opportunity to realise where they stand with their own learning, strengths and areas for improvement.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? Dog walking, travelling, gardening.
How will you spend your summer? Spending time with my family that I do not get to see as much as I want.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Cyprus – specifically my hometown Pafos.
Favorite book(s): Odyssey by Homer, Gone with the Wind, Anna Karenina, The Silent Companions, The Spanish Princess.
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? I cannot claim there is currently a movie or show that has thrilled me, therefore I will mention that I really enjoy period productions and also love horror movies because they get the adrenaline running.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? At this stage in my life I enjoy listening to Podcasts more, such as In Our Time: Culture, because I feel that knowledge never ends and I get excited learning about something new. I also like songs from Musicals as they tend to be happy and joyful.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this… That they are completely built on human relationships, fun, interaction and understanding.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at…. Pay more attention to the direction they try to go, assess the impact on people around them and learn to accept failure when things do not work out. There is a real issue today with accountability and with learning to admit when wrong. Accepting failure shows strength of character, it is not a weakness.
I’m grateful for… Finding my calling and for having had an amazing trip so far with Hult International Business School. Allowing me to be who I am has enabled me to thrive, be happy and share my story right now. Thank you.
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