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With more than 700 professors, including 200 permanent professor-researchers, IÉSEG offers to its students a high-quality learning experience, based on 4 key elements: an active, interdisciplinary learning process, focused on the acquisition of competencies, offered through customized curricula.

Each month, “Faculty in the spotlight” invites you to meet one of the School’s professors who presents their vision of teaching, their methods for transmitting their expertise and passion to students and shares their best memories and stories at IÉSEG.

This month, let’s meet Susana ESPER, professor of Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics at IÉSEG, on the Lille campus.

Susana, can you tell us about your educational background and how it led you to a career in teaching?

I began my academic journey in Argentina, where I studied political science at the University of Buenos Aires. However, as I delved deeper into my studies, I developed a strong passion for public policy and administration. This led me to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration, still at the University of Buenos Aires. I soon started to work for the Argentinian government and started teaching Public Administration in the University of Buenos Aires. I loved this job, but I also felt very passionate about organizations, and I wanted to get deeper into that field.

How did you transition from political philosophy to your current focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility?

My transition to sustainability and corporate social responsibility was gradual but deeply rewarding. While working for the Argentinian government, I was teaching at the School of Social Sciences and the School of Economics. During this time, I developed a keen interest in organizations and organizational theory, a field primarily studied in business schools. Wanting to delve deeper into this area, I decided to pursue a PhD at HEC Montréal, in Québec, Canada, where I was exposed to both North American and French perspectives on organizational studies. CSR and sustainability started to be a thing at that moment.

What inspired you to become a professor, and how do you see the role of educators in shaping future leaders?

When I was very young, I was already very passionate about my job, and I knew that being involved in teaching activities could be beneficial for my professional career as it brings even more credibility to your career path and enhances your reputation. Moreover, we have a tradition of giving back to public university in Argentina because studies are entirely free of charge while being top quality. So, I decided to give back in teaching there and sharing my expertise. But I quickly realized how intellectually stimulating the contact with students could be, and I found it wonderful! When you teach something, you never forget it, and you learn so much about the subject, about yourself, and your students.
What I also particularly enjoy is that some students ask you unexpected questions that may put you in a difficult situation. They really make you think, and that is really powerful! I believe that we, teachers, play a crucial role in shaping the future because we are educating future leaders who may have a real impact on the world someday, and we want that impact to be positive. When I started my PhD, no one was talking about impact yet. It has become a real thing since then. Actually, the most rewarding for me is to see that some of my former students are now holding leading positions of decision-makers in politics, companies, and other important areas. When I see this, I know that I am making a change in the world by teaching, and that is just fantastic!

How would you summarize your area of teaching?

Most of the courses I teach are related to sustainability. Whether teaching general management or strategy, I highlight the need for sustainable business models that do not harm the environment while remaining competitive. Business strategy is about designing the long-term direction of an organization: anything you do in strategy has to do with thinking and implementing changes today to shape the future of your organization. With climate change, social vulnerability, and a rapidly changing context, you need to develop business models that will at least, survive, but preferably thrive, in these circumstances. I want my students to recognize that they have the power to make a positive impact on the world through their future leadership roles.

What innovative pedagogical methods do you rely on?

I think the School always inspires us to be extremely practical because that’s what students want and need. Knowledge is important, of course, but putting it into practice makes a difference. Both my students and I enjoy games in class as it stimulates their learning while keeping them engaged in class. It also helps in developing their social skills and teamwork abilities.

With your international background, how do you feel you contribute to the School’s mission?

Personally, I believe my career changes and adaptability in different countries around the world serve as an inspiration to students. I want them to understand that change is possible, even desirable, and it should be planned carefully. My experience working with public organizations and in developing countries provides me with concrete examples of managing globally, which I share with my students. I aim to prepare them for a world where they must negotiate with stakeholders worldwide, each with different rules and expectations.

Can you share a memorable moment from your time at the School?

Generally speaking, I’ve had great fun with my students, using games and simulations to make learning practical and enjoyable. One of the most memorable aspects of my time at the School is the camaraderie among my colleagues. We get along very well, and the afterwork gatherings have been invaluable. These moments of bonding and friendship have helped us support each other during challenging times, such as the pandemic.