London Campus Celebrates Prof Argyro Avgoustaki’s Inaugural Lecture at ESCP Business School

The night was opened by Professor Pramuan Bunkawanicha, Dean of Faculty at ESCP Business School, who warmly celebrated Prof Avgoustaki’s dedication and expertise. He highlighted her exemplary leadership as Head of Research at the London Campus and her pivotal role in advancing the School’s academic reputation in the field of human resource management.

Prof Bunkawanicha spoke of her ability to navigate challenges with clarity and grace, her innovative solutions to problems, and her inspiring leadership in strategic programmes. These included acting as the Academic Director of the Master in European Business, later transformed into an MBA in International Management, and creating custom HR analytics courses for executives at global corporations like LVMH.
 

A Remarkable Academic Journey

Prof Avgoustaki’s lecture explored her unexpected journey into academia, beginning with her Master studies, which inspired her move from HR practice in Crete to an international research career. Her doctoral work at Carlos III University focused on the impact of human resource practices on firm performance, laying an important foundation for her lifelong interest in the intersection of HR practices, work effort, and employee well-being.

Since joining ESCP as an Assistant Professor, Argyro's research focused on human resource management and industrial relations, exploring topics like high-performance work practices, incentive pay, flexible working arrangements, and the factors influencing employee work effort. She has published in renowned journals such as the Journal of Management, ILR Review, Industrial Relations, and Human Resource Management, and attracted media coverage from outlets including the Financial Times, CNBC, World Economic Forum, and The Guardian.
 

Inspiring Lessons and Words of Wisdom

Drawing parallels between her lecture and Thanksgiving, celebrated in the United States on the same day, Prof Avgoustaki expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and colleagues who supported her journey. She also shared valuable advice for aspiring academics, acknowledging the solitary nature of the profession but emphasising the importance of collaboration and resilience.

This commitment to creating meaningful connections and fostering mutual growth among academics led her to co-found the CYGNA network - a now 400-member global community for female scholars.

At the end of her address, she highlighted the importance of carefully selecting your words in everything you do, and the power words can have in shaping one's professional and personal growth. She urged everyone to speak truthfully and be specific when given the opportunity to provide feedback, even when it is tough to do so. These types of interactions are at the root of inspiring positive change.
 

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt tribute by Professor Daniela Lup, a colleague and Head of Faculty at ESCP London Campus when Prof Avgoustaki’s full professorship was awarded. Daniela praised Prof Avgoustaki for her hard work, humility, unwavering support for others, and her willingness to celebrate the achievements of her peers with kindness and generosity.
 

Argyro’s inaugural lecture was more than a celebration of her achievements—it was an inspiring reflection on the resilience, curiosity, and humanity that define her academic career. For the ESCP community, this event reaffirmed the School’s commitment to fostering excellence and building a legacy of impactful research and meaningful connections.

Once again, a warm congratulations from the whole ESCP community, Professor Argyro Avgoustaki!