Isabella Hatak

Isabella Hatak is a Professor of Management of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), leading the KMU-HSG research unit. Her work focuses on entrepreneurial resilience, mental health in entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, and ethical research practices. She holds a prominent position in academic and business management circles with extensive contributions to scholarly journals like the Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.

Her research explores how entrepreneurs navigate challenges through recovery mechanisms, the interplay between early-life experiences (e.g., parental divorce) and business success, and the ethical dimensions of academic research. Notable contributions include uncovering resilience-building strategies for entrepreneurs and analyzing how family background influences entrepreneurial trajectories.

Dr. Hatak has received the 2023 Best Paper Award (BCERC) for her groundbreaking work on entrepreneurial resilience. Her research often bridges psychology and management, addressing topics such as ADHD symptoms and entrepreneurial passion, stress management during crises, and the role of leadership in fostering employee resilience.

Active in interdisciplinary collaborations, she investigates global trends in student entrepreneurship and sustainability-oriented ventures. Her work emphasizes practical implications for policymakers, educators, and business leaders aiming to enhance entrepreneurial ecosystems and well-being.