João Albino-Pimentel
University of South Carolina
Darla Moore School of Business
“João has had a huge positive impact on my academic and professional journey. His passion, knowledge, and expertise came together to form one of the best classroom environments I’ve ever been a part of. He went out of his way to make sure our learning environment was one that was inclusive and supportive; but also challenged us in a manner that made all of us students feel valued and motivated to excel. Thanks to his course, I felt inspired to become a ‘change maker.’ I had always been interested in how to combine environmental considerations and business; and had been wondering how to do it. João’s class helped me realize this was possible.” – Paul Torlotting
João Albino-Pimentel, 39, is Dean’s Fellow and Assistant Professor of International Business at University of South Carolina, Darla Moore School of Business.
His research interests lie at the intersection of non-market and global strategy. His work sheds light on how non-market resources and capabilities influence firms’ global strategy and performance. He is particularly interested in studying how firms’ strategies and activities can effectively contribute to tackling climate change, violent conflict, infrastructure development and socio-economic inequality. His work has been published in several journals such as Strategic Management Journal, Journal of International Business Studies, Global Strategy Journal and Research Policy.
He is winner of the Academy of Management IM Division FIU Business Emerging Scholar of 2023. He serves on the editorial review boards of prominent journals such as the SMJ, GSJ, JIBS, JIBP and Business & Society.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2022 (but also 2016-2020)
Education:
- Ph.D. in Strategic Management, HEC Paris, France
- M.Sc. in Management, University of São Paulo, Brazil
- M.A. in Business Economics, University of Grenoble Alpes, France
- B.Sc. in Economics, University of São Paulo, Brazil
List of Undergraduate courses you teach:
- Global Stakeholder Management
- Globalization and Business
- The Old and the New at the Edge of Europe (study abroad course in Portugal)
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … during my master’s, I understood the transformative power of education and recognized business as a powerful force for the betterment of the world. I concluded that, as a business professor, I could blend my interest in rigorous research and the opportunity to educate future leaders. If my passion for business as a tool for societal change can inspire my students even a bit, then I am convinced I am leaving a mark in the world.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? My research focuses on multinational corporations’ strategic interactions with global stakeholders, including governments and civil society, and how these relationships shape their international operations. Currently, I’m working with several collaborators on research about the strategies firms employ to mitigate geopolitical tensions and other societal pressures they may face in the various countries where they operate. For instance, we find evidence that multinationals can leverage the complexity of their global structure to alleviate geopolitical risks.
My published work delves into questions such as how firms’ capabilities determine their investment decisions in conflict zones or in countries with varying strictness of environmental regulations.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … a diplomat or work for an international organization.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I think what sets me apart as a professor is my commitment to understanding and connecting with my students on a personal level. I approach teaching as a social interaction and, as such, I believe it requires both sides to be in sync and willing to participate. I think my students realize very fast that I love what I do and really want to be there, in the classroom. Overall, I believe that my enthusiasm for teaching and my diverse international and social experiences enable me to engage effectively with students from all walks of life, fostering a dynamic and inclusive classroom environment.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Robotic. My excessive preparation and rehearsal resulted in a polished delivery, yet lacking spontaneity…
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: I wish I’d known earlier how amazingly rewarding being a business school professor is—I would’ve pursued my Ph.D. sooner with even greater enthusiasm!
Professor I most admire and why: Selecting just one admired professor is challenging due to the diversity of my career, but Lenina Pomeranz, Jacques Marcovitch and Pierre Dussauge stand out. Lenina and Jacques were my first academic mentors, at the University of Sao Paulo. They instilled in me invaluable lessons I still hold dear, like the importance of self-awareness and prioritizing meaningful goals, and the value of talking to people on the ground, alongside scholarly work. Pierre was my Ph.D. supervisor at HEC Paris, and now a collaborator and friend. He ingrained in me the ethic that teaching, not only research, deserves a lot of dedication—a principle that I take very seriously, and hope is reflected in the honor of this award.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? I most enjoy the pragmatism of business students, their keenness to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
What is most challenging? The challenge mirrors the joy: the pragmatism of business students demands that I constantly update and deepen my understanding of different concepts, tailor examples to diverse experiences, and maintain intellectual rigor. Additionally, it drives me to try to integrate concepts from the arts, literature, and science in my classes to ensure students’ practical focus enriches rather than limits their intellectual growth. These challenges, while demanding, also make teaching invigorating and fulfilling.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Engaged
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Apathetic
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … fair.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? I do many things outside of the classroom and they receive nearly as much dedication as my work in research and teaching. I’m very passionate about Zumba and take classes at least four times every week—one of my personal aspirations is to become a certified instructor! I also try blending my love of reading and travel by constantly exploring literature from my upcoming destinations. This helps enrich my immersion in the cultures and mindsets of different countries, but also keeps my extensive reading list manageable.
How will you spend your summer? I typically dedicate summer to doing research, but often change locations to refresh my surroundings. Over the last few years, my husband and I have spent several weeks of summer in Sao Paulo or Paris, connecting with family, friends and research collaborators. Of course, we also reserve a few weeks for vacations, visiting new areas each year, from road trips in Portugal and Sicily, to gastronomic explorations of Tuscany, Salvador and Andalucía, among other amazing places.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Italy!!!
Favorite book(s): I wanted to specialize in literature at some point! Choosing a single favorite book is challenging, but Clarice Lispector, Mia Couto, and Mario Vargas Llosa are authors whose works resonate deeply with me. They represent two types of literature that I love: introspective dives into the human psyche and into processes of self-discovery, and the interplay of realistic and magical elements in telling stories that explore salient political and social issues. If I had to recommend specific books, I’d say Lispector’s ‘The Hour of the Star’ and ‘The Passion According to G.H.,’ Couto’s ‘Confessions of the Lioness,’ and Vargas Llosa’s ‘The Discreet Hero.’
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? I love movies, but currently, I have been addicted to ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ I have watched every season of the show, including most of the spin-offs from various countries. I mostly appreciate two dimensions of the show. First, the artistic brilliance and transformative performances of the contestants—these individuals are sometimes natural, raw artists. I also love the drama, the colors, the beauty, the wit.
Second, and equally important, I appreciate the show’s role in highlighting and increasing awareness about queer issues, fostering inclusion, and bringing to light the power of art in overcoming adversity and building community.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? I enjoy listening to very dramatic styles of some, I believe timeless, European and Brazilian singers like Dalida, Rocio Jurado, Gigliola Cinquetti, Laura Pausini, Francoise Hardy, Adriana Calcanhoto, Maria Bethania, among others.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this … The business school of the future that I envision would give students more opportunities to broaden their curriculum beyond core business skills, notably incorporating humanities, sciences, and a wealth of cultural perspectives, for example through international experiences and community outreach. It would prioritize nurturing students’ abilities to engage with diverse value systems, speak multiple languages, and use business to navigate the global landscape of societal challenges effectively.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at … Recognizing and managing the broader impact of their operations. By efficiently (and ethically) internalizing both positive and negative externalities, I believe companies can contribute significantly to addressing global challenges, such as those outlined in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
I’m grateful for … having parents who valued education and instilled a love of learning, despite not being college-educated. As a first-generation college student and a member of the LGBTQ+ community from a country with persistent social inequalities, I’m also grateful for having been fortunate to encounter mentors and friends who saw my potential and helped me seize opportunities that led to my current position.
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