Bozena I. Mierzejewska
Fordham University
Gabelli School of Business
“She is an exemplary faculty member, dedicated to her students individually and collectively. She works tirelessly in support of her students and, as department (area) chair, in support of our schoolwide integrative programs. For instance, she is the faculty champion for our team in the University Innovation Fellows program. Each term she organizes voluntary workshops on “Design Thinking” attended by hundreds of students. During the pandemic, she organized virtual water-coolers for our students. She is one of the most productive and effective faculty members in the school. Moreover, her very analytical mind makes her a valuable colleague for providing feedback.” – Mark S. Silver, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Bozena I. Mierzejewska, 55, is an Associate Professor of Communications and Media Management at the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University.
Her research and teaching focus on media management and media economics, scholarly publishing, innovation, and creativity processes within media organizations and business models.
Before joining Fordham University, Mierzejewska was a Marie-Currie Research Fellow at Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) in Sweden (2011-2012). Since 2015, She has served as the editor-in-chief of The International Journal on Media Management.
Mierzejewska is a passionate educator and a recipient of multiple teaching awards: the 2010 Barry Sherman Teaching Award, the Dean’s Award for Teaching Innovation (2015 and 2019), and The Gladys and Henry Crown Award for Faculty Excellence (2021).
She currently serves as the chair of the Communications and Media Management Area and is an Academic Program Director of MS in Media Management offered at the Gabelli School of Business. Since 2018, she has championed Stanford’s University Innovation Fellows program at Fordham and, in 2022, was named the inaugural Faculty Innovation Fellow by Stanford’s University d.school.
BACKGROUND
At the current institution, since what year? 2012
Education:
- Ph.D., University of St. Gallen, Switzerland
- M.A., Tilburg University, The Netherlands
- Ms. Sc., Warsaw School of Economics, Poland
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: The Business of Media and Entertainment, Social Media, Design Thinking, Business Communication.
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … As an undergraduate student, I was a Teaching Assistant and became fascinated with the idea of sharing knowledge and helping others understand a complex topic.
What are you currently researching, and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I am currently working on projects that explore how innovation and creativity happen in the media businesses. I am interested in understanding how different organizations contribute to creative eco-systems and networks. Also, I am looking at differences in educating media managers around the world.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … An entrepreneur or stand-up comedian.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I like to think that it is the energy and excitement about the subject that I bring to every class. Through the course discussions and activities, I share my international journey, and do my best to convey that each of them is talented and has the agency to create their own journey. Many students frequently seek my advice on their career plans, and in every conversation, I try to understand their interests, motivation, and purpose so I can help them build their self-awareness. It is through classes, and in those conversations, I become a part of their journey.
One word that describes my first-time teaching: Eye-opening. I learned a lot about myself, my audience, and the class subject matter, and I wanted to repeat it again and again.
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: It is a lifestyle and a vocation rather than just “a job.” Students are constantly changing, so you also need to innovate and learn constantly.
Professor I most admire and why: I have a long list of scholars who I admire, not just for their research but also for their influence on the academic community. I cherish them for being open-minded, mentoring younger academics, and being humble all along in their careers.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? I enjoy how pragmatic and optimistic they are. They often want to know how to apply whatever we discuss in class in their next work project and have a “Yes and” mentality.
What is most challenging? Keeping up with them.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Curious. The type of student who is open to exploring new topics and asking questions.
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Unmotivated. The type of student who is uninterested in what is offered to them in the classroom and beyond.
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … Fair, but firm.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? Travel, exploring new places and their history. I also like learning languages and cooking.
How will you spend your summer? I have a growing book pile that I would love to tackle. I also plan to chill in the Nordics and play lots of games with my two wonderful grandkids.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Anywhere as long as my loved ones are with me. There is also nothing quite like sipping coffee while watching life go by in a place that I am visiting.
Favorite book(s): I love books, so the list is too long, but a few that I like returning to are Victor Frankl’s “Mans’s Search for Meaning,” Clayton Christensen’s “How Will You Measure Your Life” and “Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? I am not very much into TV shows or movies but enjoy documentaries like from National Geographic.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? I love many types of music, from disco and rock to classical and opera. I enjoy the emotional connection that music brings and accompanies me in different stages of the day – energizing, soothing, or reflexive.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this … Learning opportunities where the skills of reflection and discernment is being practiced more regularly.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at … Valuing the contributions of different styles, appreciating originality, and out-of-the-box thinking. Organizations should accept that failure shows a strength of character; it is not a weakness.
I’m grateful for … My family and other amazing people who shaped my life and contributed to who I am today.
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