Evangelos Bertsekas

Graduation Year: 2001 (MBA)

Leadership Coach | Metanoia Leadership, London

Evangelos’ LinkedIn profile

Looking back on your career, what was the most important decision you made (or didn't make) regarding your career path?

Back in December 2014, my HR Director at PwC forwarded me the job posting of an executive coach role at Genesis Park, PwC’s Global Leadership Development program. She asked me if I knew someone from the Greek firm who might be interested to apply. I thought about it for a few minutes and I responded to her that I know someone. She asked me who this person is and I said myself. I didn’t know it back then, but it was the decision that opened my eyes about coaching and I then decided to change careers and become a leadership coach.

What do you believe recent graduates should keep in mind as they start out their careers?

Pursue roles/opportunities that will make you feel uncomfortable and will take you outside of your comfort zone. Looking to settle and be safe is soul destroying and will only limit your potential.

What made you choose Alba for your graduate studies?

Its position in the market, the faculty, reputation, vision and innovative pedagogical approach (team orientation, project-based approach, deadline driven, not letting students create their own study groups).

Share with us your fondest memory while studying at Alba.

I still remember how united we were as a cohort and the amazing time that we had together. The endless time spent in the study rooms and the fun we had, the initial 3-day survival trip to Kaliakouda shelter (2111m height) at Evritania where half of the participants were lost in the forest or were unable to hike to the shelter and the organizers had to ‘rescue’ them, the trip to Constantinople.

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE

• What is your greatest fear? Not finding my soulmate
• Which historical figure do you most identify with? Nelson Mandela
• Which living person do you most admire? Bruce Springsteen
• What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Being overly cautious
• What is the trait you most deplore in others? Fixed mindset
• What is your greatest extravagance? Exploring different cuisines and fine dining
• What is your favorite journey? Camino de Santiago (~900 km walking)
• On what occasion do you lie? It happens rarely but when it does, it’s not to hurt the other person’s feelings
• What is your greatest regret? Not starting my self-development journey earlier
• What or who is the greatest love of your life? Haven’t found yet
• When and where were you happiest? When I have an insight about myself and life and when meeting friends and family 
• Which talent would you most like to have? Storytelling
• What is your current state of mind? Expanding my knowledge and experimenting with new ideas, tools, methods
• If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Be more brave
• If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? Nothing
• What do you consider your greatest achievement? Following my path
• What is your most treasured possession? My life experiences and my friends
• Where would you like to live? Where I live now – I love London
• What is your favorite occupation? Coach
• What is your most marked characteristic? Curiosity
• What do you most value in your friends? Honesty and an open mind
• What are your favorite names? Ancient Greek ones
• What is your motto? Leadership development is about leading yourself by knowing yourself