De Montfort University, United Kingdom
Author Profile
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Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Bridget Irene’s academic journey reflects a deep and evolving commitment to understanding complex socio-economic and cultural dynamics within the field of entrepreneurship. Her higher education began at the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Foreign Languages and Literature from 1991 to 1996. This foundational degree laid the groundwork for her critical thinking and global perspective, elements that would later deeply influence her academic and professional work.
Her pursuit of knowledge took an international dimension when she enrolled at the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom, where she earned an MBA in Strategic Management between 2011 and 2012. This phase signaled a significant pivot from humanities to business, allowing her to develop strategic insight into organizational operations and leadership. Driven by a passion to contribute scholarly value and social relevance to entrepreneurship discourse, she embarked on a PhD in Entrepreneurship and Business Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University from 2013 to 2016. Her doctoral studies became the cornerstone of her academic identity, focusing on gender, entrepreneurship education, and socio-cultural influences on entrepreneurial behavior.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Irene’s professional trajectory showcases her as both an academic leader and a passionate educator. Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer in Business Management at De Montfort University since October 2023, she plays a pivotal role in guiding students, fostering critical thought, and shaping curriculum innovation. Her earlier academic engagement at Coventry University highlights her as a dynamic lecturer and academic leader. She not only delivered lectures tailored to varied learning needs but also took responsibility for course design, student mentorship, pastoral care, and module planning.
Her leadership extended beyond the classroom. She led a team of 25 academics, ensuring the integrity and quality of undergraduate teaching. She coordinated with timetable departments, engaged with external examiners, and contributed to overall departmental planning and academic administration. Her experience in higher education reflects a rare combination of pedagogical excellence and institutional leadership, grounded in empathy and strategic foresight.
Contributions and Research Focus
At the heart of Dr. Bridget Irene’s academic identity is her research in entrepreneurship education with a specific focus on gendered experiences, particularly among women entrepreneurs. Her PhD research critically examined the interplay between entrepreneurial competencies and gendered cultural expectations, challenging traditional narratives. Her feminist lens brings a transformative perspective to entrepreneurial discourse, highlighting how educational and policy frameworks may inadvertently perpetuate gender disparities.
Her scholarly interests are impressively interdisciplinary, weaving together threads from entrepreneurship, gender studies, informal economies, and family business dynamics. Her work delves into the culturally instantiated frameworks that shape entrepreneurial engagement and success, particularly for women navigating socio-economic constraints. She also explores themes like work-life balance, strategic decision-making, and competency-based business performance, making her research deeply relevant in both academic and policy circles.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Irene’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was appointed Vice President of Partnership at Social Entrepreneurs International (SE International), a role that highlights her international leadership in fostering social entrepreneurship. That same year, she became the Country Representative for the Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Policy (Global WEP) network, further reinforcing her reputation as a thought leader in global women’s entrepreneurship.
From 2017 to 2022, she served as Head of Education & Training at The Centre for Community and Social Development in Southern Africa, showcasing her long-standing commitment to educational empowerment and community transformation. These roles speak volumes about her strategic insight, advocacy for inclusive policies, and influence on global entrepreneurship education.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Bridget Irene’s work transcends academic boundaries. Through her consultancy, teaching, and scholarly work, she has directly influenced policy discussions, academic discourse, and community-based entrepreneurship initiatives. Her leadership within academic institutions has shaped learning environments that are inclusive, critical, and globally oriented. Moreover, her contributions to gendered entrepreneurship research have offered a deeper understanding of the structural challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, enabling educators and policymakers to rethink how entrepreneurship is taught and supported.
Her influence is also reflected in her ability to mentor emerging scholars and entrepreneurs, particularly women, and her active engagement in international knowledge networks positions her as a connector between academia, industry, and community.
Legacy and Future Contributions
As an academic deeply rooted in social transformation, gender justice, and entrepreneurial education, Dr. Bridget Irene is poised to make even greater contributions in the future. Her legacy lies not only in her published research or institutional leadership but in her commitment to challenging systemic inequities within entrepreneurship. She is likely to continue driving inclusive educational practices, developing entrepreneurship frameworks that are culturally nuanced and empowering, and influencing global entrepreneurship policy with feminist insights.
Looking ahead, one can expect her to expand her research collaborations, contribute to global education reform, and mentor the next generation of scholars and leaders. Through her passion, intellect, and unwavering dedication, Dr. Bridget Irene continues to illuminate paths of opportunity for women and marginalized groups in entrepreneurship, leaving an indelible mark on the academic and development landscape.
Notable Publications
Tourism Service and Digital Technologies: A Value Creation Perspective
Authors: A.P. Opute, B.N. Irene, G.C. Iwu
Journal: Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure
Year: 2020
Women Entrepreneurship in South Africa: Understanding the Role of Competencies in Business Success
Author: B. Irene
Journal: The Southern African Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Year: 2017
Technopreneurship: A Discursive Analysis of the Impact of Technology on the Success of Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa
Author: B.N.O. Irene
Book Chapter In: Digital Entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa
Year: 2019
The Effect of Top Managers’ Years of Experience on Innovation
Authors: J. Okrah, B. Irene
Journal: International Journal of Innovation Studies
Year: 2023
Gender and Entrepreneurial Success: A Cross-Cultural Study of Competencies of Female SMEs Operators in South Africa
Author: B. Irene
Journal: [Not Specified]
Year: 2016