Monica Giulietti

Monica Giulietti is associate professor of global energy at Warwick Business School in the UK, where she studied for a masters and PhD in economics. She has also worked at Nottingham University Business School and the Department of Energy and Climate Change, a UK government department. Her research covers policy relevant issues dealing with regulation and liberalisation and energy markets in the UK and in Europe.

Prof Giulietti grew up in Bologna, Italy. In her spare time she enjoys languages, literature, theatre and opera.

1. What is an average day at work like?

Since starting in a specialist role in global energy, I try to devote some time during the day to keeping abreast of business and policy developments in my industry. I spend most of the day developing my research, often with colleagues, and reviewing student work. The work of an academic is never done so I have to refrain from working in the evenings so that I can spend time with my family.

2. Do you have a teaching routine?

I like to be well prepared so I always spend time before my lectures revising the main point and think of interesting examples from topical issues in the media. I like to involve students in the discussion but it is getting more difficult as class sizes increase.

3. What would you do if you were dean for the day?

I would spend time with doctoral students and early career academics to understand what drives them and how to retain them in academia. I would try to channel their zeal and motivation to improve standards.

4. What is the best piece of advice given to you by a teacher?

Always be true to your original objectives and avoid shortcuts when looking for meaningful answers.

5. What academic achievement are you most proud of?

My contributions to the understanding of how energy consumers make their choices and how policy can help inform this.

6. What advice would you give to women in business?

Don’t be afraid to rely on your mentors for advice and support.

7. How do you deal with male-dominated environments?

I try not to worry too much about how my views are going to be perceived. Having female collaborators and allies also helps.

8. What is the last book you read?

I recently re-read The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, a favourite from my youth. This time I read it in the original language to fully appreciate Allende’s warm style and captivating descriptions of life in the distant past.

9. If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?

I would not worry so much about being judged by my colleagues and about where my career was going.

10. What are your future plans?

I hope to find the time to learn Mandarin Chinese.