Educating Leaders, not Managers: Meet Dr. Joëlle Vanhamme, Academic Director of EDHEC’s Executive MBA Programme
With a passion for sustainability and a commitment to collaborative learning, Dr. Vanhamme is helping reshape leadership education for a changing world.
Why Purpose, People and the Planet Matter in the EDHEC EMBA, According to Its Director
As Academic Director of EDHEC Business School’s Executive MBA programme, Dr. Joëlle Vanhamme brings a unique mix of academic rigour, energy and humanity to the role.
A Professor of Marketing with a research focus on sustainability, she challenges students to think beyond short-term success and develop the kind of leadership that aligns profit with purpose.
Her belief that companies must "shift away from an obsession with relentless growth and instead embrace a more responsible and sustainable approach" is a reflection of her own values and her vision for business education.
Dr. Vanhamme fosters an environment where learning is collaborative, active and grounded in real-world complexity.
Discover why the EDHEC EMBA is #1 for alumni satisfaction
When she’s not in the classroom or supervising consulting projects, she recharges through movement and mindfulness.
Hiking, yoga, cycling and Latin dances are among her favourite pastimes, while her ideal holiday is "a sunny and peaceful environment, surrounded by nature," a setting that mirrors her balanced and grounded approach to both teaching and life.
Here, she shares her perspective on teaching, research and what makes the Executive MBA at EDHEC Business School experience so uniquely rewarding.
Inside the Classroom and Beyond: Dr. Vanhamme on Teaching, Research, and EMBA Learners
Q: When did you know you wanted to become a business school professor?
Dr. Vanhamme: In secondary school, my classmates often asked me to explain course content, and I really enjoyed doing it. By the time I was 17 or 18, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Later, at university, I discovered that professors were also engaged in research, which fascinated me. That is when I decided to pursue a career as a university professor. Since my interests were in business, I pursued a PhD in management, which was a requirement for becoming a professor at a university or an accredited business school.
Q: What is your current research focus and what is the most important insight you have gained?
Dr. Vanhamme: I am working on sustainability issues and exploring how marketing can help drive positive change. For example, in one of my latest articles, I examined the textile industry and how marketing strategies can help reduce its environmental impact.
The most significant discovery I have made is that finding effective sustainability solutions that work for all consumers is extremely challenging. In most of my research, it becomes clear that there is always a segment of customers who do not behave as expected, which can undermine, or at least partially offset, the efforts companies make to improve the sustainability of their products and practices.
Q: What do students often say makes you stand out as a professor?
Dr. Vanhamme: My course evaluations consistently highlight my dynamism, enthusiasm and positive energy, along with my friendly, supportive and professional approach to teaching. I believe these words best describe me and reflect my commitment to creating an engaging and encouraging learning environment. I see my classes as a collaborative experience, where students actively interact and participate as much as possible.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching EMBA participants?
Dr. Vanhamme: They come from diverse backgrounds and bring significant professional experience, making every session dynamic and enriching. No two cohorts are ever the same. I enjoy not only teaching but also engaging in insightful discussions with them, as their expertise adds depth to the learning experience. Their high motivation, since returning to the classroom is a conscious choice, makes teaching them particularly rewarding. Additionally, guiding and challenging them on consulting projects and in-company assignments is especially engaging, as these involve complex business challenges with real stakes. This keeps me closely connected to current industry trends and evolving business landscapes.
Q: What is the most challenging part of teaching EMBA participants?
Dr. Vanhamme: The diversity of backgrounds makes every class both exciting and unpredictable. You never know what kinds of questions or insights will come up. The same course material sparks completely different discussions depending on each student's professional experience, which keeps things fresh and engaging. I love that no two sessions are ever the same. It makes teaching a real adventure.
Q: What type of student do you enjoy teaching the most?
Dr. Vanhamme: My favourite type of student is open-minded. I really appreciate students who are genuinely willing to question themselves and eager to explore different perspectives and insights from others.
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