A Relational Approach to Impact: Reflections From a Lifetime ‘In the Field’

Laura Empson reflects on her academic career, advocating for a relational, long-term approach to impactful research. Despite institutional discouragement, Empson integrated practitioner engagement into her work, developing mutually beneficial relationships that enhanced her research and its application. She critiques business schools’ transactional approach to impact, arguing that meaningful contributions require understanding practitioners’ needs and embedding impact into academic training and priorities. Through initiatives like tailored keynote speeches, advisory roles, books, and podcasts, Empson bridged academia and practice. She encourages researchers to pursue impact for its intrinsic value and calls on business schools to prioritise impact as integral to their mission.