2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
Dr Graciela Corral de Zubielqui is an Associate Professor at the Adelaide Business School, University of Adelaide. Prior to academia, Graciela worked in diverse roles in private sector companies (food, machinery, port services) and as a SME consultant. She holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours), Master in Economics and Business Administration, and a PhD in Business and Management. Her main research interests are collaborative innovation, digital technologies, business transformation and knowledge and technology transfer in SMEs and startups. She has extensive experience in quantitative research methods. Graciela has also been involved in projects which have linked government departments, industry and universities.
Graciela has held diverse administrative roles such as Associate Head of Engagement (2022 – current), MBA online program Coordinator (2019-2021), Associate Head Research (2012-2019), Postgraduate (PhD) coordinator (2012-2014), Project Manager Master program coordinator (2015-2016). Also, she held positions (2001-2004) at The National University of Rosario, Argentina and as a researcher at the Economic Science Council and College of Graduates in Economic Science.
Graciela has led projects on open innovation, appropriability methods, absorptive capacity for innovation purpose, types of knowledge transfer for innovation activities (traditional and digital), business resilience and impact of COVID 19; and the role of modern HRM practices and their effect on financial and non-financial measures of performance. These research projects have led to government and industry reports and publications in high-impact journals, including Industrial Marketing Management, Small Business Economics, Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, and the International Journal of Small Business.
// Favourite inspirational quote
Well, done is better than well said. Benjamin Franklin
// Let’s get to know you
My life has been a journey, one that many migrants can recognise, characterised by the effort to discover yourself and how much you can offer. With an incredibly diverse background, and having three citizenships, I made the deliberate choice to live and work in this beautiful country with my family twenty years ago, and Adelaide was our first choice. I hold a Bachelor’s (Honours) in Economics, a Master’s in Economics and Business Administration, and a PhD in Business, my experiences in both industry and academia have shaped my identity.
Joining the University of Adelaide in 2010 marked a pivotal moment in my career, opening doors to numerous leadership opportunities and personal growth. Through my roles, I’ve continually enhanced my expertise in innovation and project management, making significant contributions to research and education while becoming an integral part of the academic community.
Beyond my academic accomplishments, I am known for my dedication to community engagement and outreach. Over the years, I have actively participated in volunteer roles, ranging from sports clubs to serving as a board member of a professional association (PMI). These experiences underscore my commitment to making a positive impact both within and beyond the university campus.
In essence, my passion for innovation and project management, coupled with my dedication to excellence in research and teaching, continues to inspire and shape the next generation of professionals and scholars. In my personal life, I enjoy traveling with my family which allows us not only to share quality time but also experiences.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I am passionate about research, driven by a desire to contribute to the business community and facilitate innovative outcomes that lead to higher performance. My enthusiasm extends to collaborative approaches, where individuals collectively connect their strengths to achieve greater results through teamwork and mutual support. I advocate for a fair and equitable environment where equal opportunities exist for all. Furthermore, I am committed to mentoring younger generations, nurturing their potential so they may grow and make their mark in their respective fields (as I lecture multi-disciplinary groups at the Master level). Throughout my academic career, I have achieved numerous milestones. I have authored multiple publications and successfully secured grants, allowing me to advance knowledge in my field. Attending events and leading groups have provided valuable opportunities for collaboration and networking. Moreover, I take pride in achieving teaching excellence, as evidenced by positive feedback from students. Receiving awards at the university level and mentoring young academics have been particularly rewarding experiences. However, none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support of my family and friends. Their encouragement been invaluable, shaping my journey and enabling me to overcome challenges along the way. I am deeply grateful for their guidance.
//What are you goals or intentions for the year ahead? What are you going to do to achieve them?
I would like to continue building on my previous achievements, and my involvement in various roles across different areas. As a Chief Investigator of multiple grants and within my research teams, I aim to continue advancing our projects and contributing to academic knowledge. Additionally, in my capacity as the leader of Engagement for the Business School, I aspire to expand networking opportunities with local businesses. My goal is not only to showcase the university’s initiatives but also to facilitate knowledge exchange and provide support to local organizations.
This year presents exciting opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing internationally. I have been invited by a Japanese university to share our expertise in the field of innovation. Furthermore, a university in Norway has extended an invitation to continue collaborating on aspects of business continuity and innovation. Exciting times to show what we do in South Australia.
I remain committed to bridging the gap between industry and academia. This includes supporting my students in gaining industry experience and facilitating networking opportunities with professionals. Furthermore, I will continue my efforts in mentoring young academics and providing them with opportunities for mentorship from industry professionals. Through these endeavours, I aim to foster relevant connections and contribute to the development of both students and early career academics.
// What would being a Woman to Watch mean to you?
For me, being recognized as a Woman to Watch in 2024, would mean acknowledgment of my achievements, leadership, and potential to make significant contributions in my research field and industry. It could serve as a platform to inspire others, encourage for important causes, and pave the way for greater representation and equality. Such recognition can also bring opportunities for networking, mentorship, and further career advancement. Ultimately, being a Woman to Watch signifies not only individual success but also the collective recognition of women’s impact and influence in various aspects of society.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
In envisioning the future for South Australian women and girls, I hope to see a society characterized by equality, and opportunity. Not only the equal access to education that already exists here but the access to opportunities after, including opportunities for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). I would like to see women in South Australia have equal opportunities in their careers for advancement and leadership roles across all sectors. Greater representation ensures that the diverse perspectives and experiences of women are reflected in policies and practices that affect them.
This includes efforts to address the gender pay gap. I would like to see more education for parents, to start equality from home, and to make sure that the SA girls’ dreams are supported from home. Summarizing, I would like to see a future where South Australian women and girls are empowered to reach their full potential, free from gender-based barriers and inequalities.
Get in touch with Graciela:
LinkedIn: Graciela Corral de Zubielqui
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.
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