BIOGRAPHY
Brigitte Stangl | Senior Lecturer in Tourism, Director of the Centre for Digital Transformation in the Visitor Economy – University of Surrey
As an academic and innovator, Brigitte has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between technological advancement and human flourishing. Her journey in academia, crowned by a doctorate and two master's degrees from the Vienna University of Economics and Business, has been a testament to her commitment to harnessing digital innovation for societal benefit. Her expertise spans innovative pricing, digital communication strategies, and the intricacies of online customer engagement, underpinned by a robust foundation in multi-channel distribution and social media strategy.
With a passion for education, she has designed and delivered workshops at all levels of academia, focusing on the practical implications of theoretical knowledge. Her current role as the Director of the Centre for Digital Transformation in the Visitor Economy and her previous role as Communication Director at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Surrey has allowed her to share her insights on innovation, digital marketing, decision support systems, and web design, with an emphasis on the impact of technology on tourism and leisure.
Her research, recognised by prestigious awards like the IFITT/JITT theses excellence award and the Austrian Rudolf Sallinger Award, reflects her interdisciplinary approach, combining marketing, tourism, information systems, and psychology. She is particularly drawn to the challenges and opportunities presented by an AI-dominated society, exploring how digital tools can enhance socio-emotional skills. Her work as a researcher, presenter, and consultant revolves around the future of work, internet addiction, and wellbeing, striving to innovate solutions that empower individuals in a digital age.
She is currently focused on developing a game that not only entertains but educates, equipping users with the socio-emotional skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly AI-dominated world. This project encapsulates her vision of blending technology with human-centric values, aiming to prepare society for the complexities of the future workplace and beyond. It will be particularly relevant to manage pressure, making it an invaluable resource for athletes and coaches alike in fostering resilience and emotional intelligence in competitive environments.