Back

Italy, UCLA-NUS EMBA (Class of 2023/2024)

Elena Azzolini

Associate Professor

Humanitas University

Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Humanitas Group

Breaking barriers and honoring her father’s legacy: Elena Azzolini of Class ‘23/24

For Elena Azzolini (Class of ‘23/24), completing the UCLA-NUS EMBA program was more than just a huge stepping stone for her professional journey. It was dedicated to her late father, who’s her greatest cheerleader in this journey.

“Entering the EMBA was the last beautiful thing I managed to say to him before he passed on unexpectedly, without giving me the chance to say goodbye just a month before the start of the program,” Elena shared. “But he was with me every step of the way, and I felt his blessings with me all the time.”

Currently, Elena is an Associate Professor at the Humanitas University in Milan and a Business Unit Manager at the Humanitas Research Hospital. She also holds the role of the Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the Humanitas Group, a scientific institute of admission and care, where she manages ten hospitals and 21 outpatient clinics. 

It was her CEO at the Humanitas Group who suggested that she enroll in an EMBA program. “I’m trained as a doctor and he believed it could strengthen and expand my skill sets beyond just the medical aspects as I take on more managerial roles,” Elena explains. 

But she hesitated and was filled with doubts about herself. “I thought that I would never be accepted because of my English proficiency, my lack of financial knowledge and so on.” Her father was the one who spurred her on, and was her greatest cheerleader. With his encouragement, Elena rushed to apply for the program on the last day of registration. “To my surprise and happiness, I was accepted! But unfortunately, he passed away soon after and I brought his love with me for the entire journey.”

A rewarding journey

Balancing hospital management, academia, and research in Italy presented Elena with a significant challenge: the time zone differences. “I also underestimated the intensity of the EMBA program,” she admits.

However, the rewards proved invaluable. Elena notes that the program not only honed her professional skills but also bolstered her confidence. “I’ve developed a quicker speed of thought and execution, particularly in strategic thinking. I also find myself devouring English books and readings effortlessly now.”

Elena reflects: “It felt like the course sparked millions of new neural connections. The transformation has been truly remarkable.”  Her newfound skills haven’t gone unnoticed at work, especially among colleagues in business departments. Elena, whose top priority has always been the quality of patient care, now finds it easier to communicate effectively with other hospital departments, using their language and terminologies. “This has helped to bridge many gaps! I am better able to contribute, and everyone notices and values my advice. That’s why I really believe that this course is so powerful.”

True women empowerment requires real inclusion

Sharing on her personal struggles, Elena explains that she had to “overcome some barriers in terms of self-confidence and being able to assert my view points” in her career journey.

In several modules in the EMBA program, Elena and her classmates had the opportunity to discuss this topic and how women are often underrepresented in the professional world. A key takeaway for her was: If you don’t ask, you won’t get it! “Many women miss out on opportunities simply because they don’t even try to ask, and this leads to the accumulation of disadvantages over time. This revelation was very enlightening for me,” Elena says.

Recognizing that while many industries are already trying to balance the presence of women, Elena points out that it can sometimes seem as though companies are just trying to meet a KPI for diversity. “But to truly empower women, it has to be a real inclusion, not just some formality.”

As a single career woman, Elena notes that she certainly has an easier path compared to many mothers. “To date, I believe that one of the greatest barriers is the lack of sufficient support from companies and a strong system in place to enable women to balance career ambitions with personal and family responsibilities.” This is especially so in cultures or workplaces where traditional gender roles are still prevalent, she says.

The solution? More flexible work policies, as well as accessible and convenient childcare services are needed, Elena stresses, “if we want to empower women to continue working without excessive concerns about taking care of their family”. 

For women considering or currently pursuing an EMBA program, Elena has a simple piece of advice: Embrace the journey with confidence and curiosity – and don’t forget to have fun! As a woman, she says, “it’s important to recognize the value of your unique perspective and experiences, and never underestimate your ability to excel in the business world”.

“Remember, you belong in the boardroom just as much as anyone else. So, dare to dream big, work hard, with passion, and never stop believing in yourself.”