Cambridge Judge academic named to gifted young professors list

Madeleine Rauch, Associate Professor in Strategy and International Business at Cambridge Judge Business School, was named by the business school publication Poets & Quants to its 40 Under 40 list of talented professors under the age of 40. Madeleine’s research and teaching often focuses on how people operate in extreme contexts including UN peacekeeping missions in warzones such as Afghanistan and South Sudan. 

Now in its 13th edition, the goal of the 40 Under 40 recognition is “to identify and celebrate the most talented young professors currently teaching in MBA programs around the world,” says Poets & Quants. 

Inspired by the constant curiosity of students 

Asked by the publication when she knew she wanted to be a business school professor, Madeleine said it was when “I continued to have more questions than answers, the longer I spent at university”, adding that what she most enjoys about teaching is the “constant curiosity” of students. 

She told Poets & Quants that companies and other organisations need to do a better job at “solving and focusing on the bigger picture, finding solutions and being less stuck in the ‘we cannot do this’ mentality, including an unhealthy obsession with bureaucracy and forms”. 

A transformative educational trip to Tokyo 

A Cambridge Judge Global Executive MBA student who was taught by Madeleine on the programme’s International Business Study Trip to Tokyo said: 

“Madeleine’s ability to weave cultural insights into business discussions made complex concepts more accessible and deeply engaging. She fostered an environment that encouraged critical thinking, pushing us to explore the intersections of culture, society, and commerce in meaningful ways. Beyond her academic expertise, her enthusiasm and dedication to our learning were inspiring. 

“She went above and beyond to ensure we gained a holistic understanding of international business, making the experience not only educational but transformative. There are valuable lessons I’ve learned from her that I will surely carry with me throughout the rest of my career and my life.”