Riccardo Nucci

Not out of superstition, not really out of celebration… maybe just a tradition. Yesterday, we received an Revise & Resubmit, and naturally, the only logical response was to make pizza at home... Because, at this point, it just seems to be a universal solution to everything.

I'm very happy to share that our latest paper, with Orla Byrne and Dimo Dimov, has been accepted and is now available open access online in Entrepreneurship & Regional Development - An International Journal.

In this paper, we explore how entrepreneurs learn from role models while starting their businesses. We analyze entrepreneurs’ stories to examine the characteristics of these role models, the emotional and cognitive mechanisms involved, and the learning outcomes for the entrepreneurs.

We identify three role modeling narratives: taking the leap, learning the trade, and soothing the nerves. Within each of these narratives, the characteristics, mechanisms, and outcomes of role modelling vary throughout the start-up process. Popular entrepreneurs with successful companies and wealthy lifestyles initially exert greater influence on young individuals. However, as entrepreneurs progress in their startup journey, they seek role models who have gradually grown their companies and struggled against adversities to achieve success.

This implies that entrepreneurial role models, rather than fixed, are dynamic and context bound social constructions that entrepreneurs build to meet the learning needs at different stages of the start-up process. These findings have important implications for entrepreneurs who are encouraged, not only share their successes, but especially their challenges and fears as this can inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and support with overcoming challenges that prospective and early-stage entrepreneurs may be experiencing.

I invite you to explore our full findings here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08985626.2024.2368157

I would like to share a short story about something that happened to me recently—not for any particular 'social' reason but rather to reflect and remind myself of the importance of small achievements. Those small accomplishments are often overlooked because I'm focused on bigger end goals.

Over a year ago, I submitted a research paper to a major journal, the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and unyielding passion. A few days ago, I received an email from the editor; the reviewers are asking for a second round of revisions.

Initially, there is a mix of emotions with a touch of disappointment: frustration with the work done so far and discouragement with the amount of work ahead of us, which seems like a mountain. As I let things go and focused my attention elsewhere—on cooking a delicious pizza, to be precise—I began to see ways to complete the new revisions. There came a surge of excitement about the possibility of further refining the paper.

Every draft, every paragraph, and every sentence is a stepping stone. While the end goal is publication, the smaller milestones that pave the way are no less important.

Research is a journey, not a destination. The reviewers' feedback is not a setback but an opportunity for development. It's a reminder that development is a process, often an iterative loop of feedback and small incremental changes.

So, here's to the late nights, the pizzas, the setbacks, and the victories—big and small.

Riccardo, embrace the process, enjoy the journey, keep pushing, and cook pizza. Please, keep this in mind ;)

Back in early September I attended the Brunel Business School Away Day. Shall days like these remind me that in the world of academia, it's not just about research papers and lectures it's not just about research papers and lectures; it's about the people , the relationships we build and the moments we share. And of course, the charm of the English countryside is timeless.

What a great start of the academic year!

Thrilled to welcome all new students to campus. Here's to an exciting year full of learning, innovation, and fun. Let's create, innovate and inspire together. Stay tuned for exciting events, workshops and opportunities to connect with industry leaders. The journey begins here!

This Wednesday I will deliver a guest lecture on creative pedagogies at Dhofar University (Salalah, Oman).

We will discuss about various pedagogical methods and approaches. Specifically, we will delve into the concept of play and explain how playful approaches can be used in class to foster active learning environments.

The session will also be streamed online. If you would like to participate, do contact me for the login credentials.

Thanks to all the students who participated in the course!

The Entrepreneurship course for MSc students at Brunel Business School concluded this week. It has been two intense months in which we explored the business creation journey. Well done for the commitment and participation! Wishing everyone all the best for your studies and your future!

A special thanks to our guest speakers for sharing such interesting entrepreneurial stories with us. Thanks Maggie, Nish*t and Sab!

Back in October, I had the opportunity to represent Brunel University London at the ISBE 2022 Conference in York! It was great to see all those interesting projects and meet so many inspiring colleagues. 🙂

Few weeks ago I had the pleasure to participate to conference in Seville.
It's been great to see so many researchers, listening to new studies and meet old friends.

Not to mention the wonderful Seville. Thank you to Prof Linan and the organising committee!

See you all next year in Tallin for !

Do you think people play when creating new businesses?
Please, complete or share this short survey to help us finding the answer! 😄

---> https://buff.ly/3TpRqKL

That satisfying feeling when I randomize all items in random order questions and minimise known and unknown variables that can creep in with other selection processes to confound analyses.

I am really excited to share our latest research project at Brunel University London funded by the Institute of Communities and Societies

My fantastic colleagues and I will be exploring how individuals play while creating new businesses.

If you are interested in the topic and would like to join the team, please contact us. Collaborations are welcome!

many thanks to Farah Al-Taji, Marco Cuvero Calero, Mariana Bogdanova, Joyce Ko and Virgilio Failla for all your work and support!

Playful approaches in adulthood The project explores how adult people play in the various contexts of their lives.