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‘You cannot resist disruption’: Professor Luca Pistilli on how to adapt to the ever-changing world of business
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Luca Pistilli, academic director of the UCD Smurfit School MBA Programmes, knows that the business landscape his students are entering is fraught with challenges, but there are plenty of ways they can set themselves up for success.
As the academic director of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School MBA Programmes, Dr Luca Pistilli is keenly aware that he leads these prestigious programmes at a time of great disruption. From technological disruption such as artificial intelligence, geopolitical instability, sustainability challenges, and more, the only constant is change. However, with a research background in innovation, technology and strategy, he aims to make students able to “embrace the challenges of tomorrow”.
In fact, disruption is Luca’s area of expertise, in particular the effects of multiple disruptors on different kinds of businesses, from startups to multinational enterprises. Translating this knowledge into Smurfit’s MBA programmes is broad and varied, but one example is his approach to learning about AI. The programmes already integrate AI into a number of modules and continue to evolve at pace. “I really do believe that AI should not be considered as a standalone topic,” he explains. “Rather, it should permeate all the modules and all the courses. These type of discussions were ongoing for ESG in the last decade, but similarly, ESG is not something that stands alone, but should permeate the whole organisation. We should approach AI in the same way.”
Standard of excellence
It’s this constantly-evolving approach that is just one of the reasons why UCD Smurfit School has a longstanding reputation for being amongst the best in the world. It is one of an elite group of schools to hold the “triple crown” of accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. Ranked in the top 1% of global business schools, and its MBA is ranked first in Ireland, and 13th in the EU. Graduates have an average of 100% difference in salary from before the MBA to three years post-graduation, and with an MBA alumni network of more than 4,500, and a UCD Business alumni network of more than 92,000 around the world, students enter a lifelong network that offers incredible opportunities.
Being amongst the best in the world means staying at the forefront of evolving business challenges, and this is why, Luca explains, he is helping his colleagues to review the programme, to make sure it is equipping students in the best possible way.
“I think adaptation is key,” he says. “What I have learned from studying disruption and innovation strategy, in just one sentence, is this: when disruption happens, you have to adapt. You cannot resist it.” He gives multiple high-profile examples of businesses that have failed to adapt to disruption in the market, such as Nokia and Kodak – once industry leaders who lost their market position. “I want to equip students with the necessary tools, the necessary framework, theories, experiences that would help them understand which is the best adaptation strategy to this technology transition, and trying to be ambitious, ideally also for the next technological transitions that will occur in the near future.”
Developing future-proof skills
Along with the many tangible skills students learn on the MBA programmes, Luca’s aim is for them to also learn skills which will help them adapt to a changing landscape. “I think the real competitive advantage for an entrepreneur, for a top manager, for a scholar as well, is the ability to renew your own capabilities, your own competencies, when something is changing. I believe that this is going to be the key source of competitive advantage in the near future.”
Part of the way the programmes help students develop these kinds of skills is with lots of hands-on experience, from company visits and meeting speakers from different industries, to international trips where students engage directly with businesses overseas. An example is the LEAP (Leadership & Employability Advancement Programme) module, which, among other things, offers MBA students the opportunity to participate in employer mock interviews and receive industry feedback on their performance; navigate career transitions with the support of a senior Smurfit Alumni Mentor; engage in cross-industry employer visits throughout the year; and network and build professional relationships.
Experience for life
This vast range of experiences and opportunities means the MBA is in many ways a holistic programme, suited to a wide range of people, from those who want to pivot their careers, to those who want to advance in their chosen industry. “You get different perspectives, you get a very blended combination of knowledge, experience and networking,” Luca points out. “So, contacts that can be helpful no matter what your ultimate goal is. Sometimes students also change their opinion in terms of overall goals and overall career ambitions during the MBA programme. It is also something that will last, because you will create your network, you will keep those contacts and relationships, even when the MBA programme is done.”
And unlike many other kinds of courses, Luca points out that in the MBA, you’re learning not only from your lecturers, but from others in your class, as people come together from a diverse range of backgrounds and disciplines. “All the years I’ve been teaching my digital strategy and transformation module, I learn a lot from my students as well.”
Find out more
To learn more about UCD Smurfit School MBA programmes, attend the UCD Smurfit School Virtual Open Event on April 1. Register here.
IMAGE MBA Scholarship
IMAGE is delighted to once again partner with UCD Smurfit School in offering one MBA Scholarship to a female candidate to cover up to 100% tuition fees (valued up to €38,860) for a choice of the Full-Time MBA, or Executive part-time MBA, commencing August 2026. You can read about our current scholar, Heather Cronin, here.
The scholarship is open to all successful female applicants for the MBA who are resident in Ireland. The closing date for applications is April 30, 2026.
To find out more and apply, click here.
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