A Conversation with DBA Mentor Virginia Drummond, PhD

Paris School of Management (PSM) > News and Knowledge Hub > A Conversation with DBA Mentor Virginia Drummond, PhD

As part of our ongoing video interview series, the Paris School of Management (PSM) recently sat down with Virginia Drummond, PhD, a dedicated DBA Mentor at PSM, to discuss one of the most critical competencies for today’s leaders: strategic thinking.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Drummond shares how strategic thinking goes beyond theory and how it can be intentionally developed to address real-world business challenges.

During the interview, Dr. Drummond emphasizes that strategic thinking is not an abstract concept reserved for senior executives—it is a learnable and applicable skill that can be cultivated at every stage of leadership.


A central theme of the discussion is how DBA education at PSM is designed to prepare students for real-world application, not just academic success. Dr. Drummond explains how she mentors students to connect their research directly to their professional context—whether in leadership roles, consulting, entrepreneurship, or organizational transformation.

Dr. Drummond underscores the unique strength of the DBA as a doctoral degree that bridges academic rigor and practical relevance. Rather than separating theory from practice, the DBA integrates both—allowing students to generate knowledge while simultaneously improving business performance.

The full video interview with Virginia Drummond, PhD, offers valuable perspectives for professionals considering a DBA and for leaders seeking to strengthen their strategic mindset.

We invite you to watch the interview and discover how PSM’s DBA program helps transform strategic thinking into real-world leadership.