Yiannis Koutrakis

Graduation Year:  1996 (MBA 4)

Human Resources Leader, Systems, Central & Eastern Europe at IBM

LinkedIn Profile here

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

My most important decision was to pursue my MBA degree at ALBA. It was from the ALBA career forum where I started this wonderful journey in HR; while it was during my studies at ALBA when I decided to shift my career towards the HR function influenced by Professor Nielsen and Professor Tsoukas (my Bachelor’s degree was in Statistics & Insurance Science).  In addition, at ALBA, I made some very good friends with whom we continue to exchange ideas and grow our careers together, helping each other whenever needed.

What’s the most important thing for recent grads to keep in mind as they start out their careers?

According to my opinion, vision and love for what you do is the base for a successful career. Further to this, being humble and respectful, as well as always looking for new knowledge are also cornerstones. To be in alignment with our inner-values, which sometimes is underestimated, is in the long run what makes the difference between happiness and unhappiness in the workplace.

What made you choose ALBA for your graduate studies?

It was the best choice for someone who wanted to get an MBA degree in Greece and I believe that it still remains the best choice.

Share with us your fondest memory while studying at ALBA.

The time during which we worked on our Field Consulting Project was an unforgettable experience for me. Professional experience, exploration, teamwork and fun made this period of time unique. I still remember the summer of 1996 like it was yesterday!

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE 

• What is your greatest fear? The health and well-being of my family.
• Which historical figure do you most identify with? Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi are an inspiration for me.
• Which living person do you most admire? I admire Bill Gates.
• What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? When I am in a “complaining mood” and when I am tough with people. Both of them happen from time to time. Fortunately, not so often anymore.
• What is the trait you most deplore in others? Lack of accountability and lack of honesty.
• What is your greatest extravagance? My marriage.
• What is your favorite journey? Crete is always my dream destination.
• On what occasion do you lie? Small lies are allowed only if we can avoid hurting somebody else.
• What is your greatest regret? When I don’t express my feelings to others. Again, this doesn’t happen often anymore.
• What or who is the greatest love of your life? My family and friends.
• When and where were you happiest? Whenever I am at Chania. I feel attached to my roots and memories from childhood.
• Which talent would you most like to have? I always wanted to be able to play music (guitar or piano).
• What is your current state of mind? Creativity, contribution and development.
• If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Be less stressful and worried for small things.
• If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? Nothing.
• What do you consider your greatest achievement? The journey of my life, so far, is full of change, new experiences, hard work and lots of fun. This is my greatest achievement.
• What is your most treasured possession? My books and my Christian Cross.
• Where would you like to live? Chania is my favorite place.
• What is your favorite occupation? My current occupation is the greatest of all.
• What is your most marked characteristic? Discipline and entrepreneurial thinking.
• What do you most value in your friends? Their friendship.
• What are your favorite names? Konstantinos and Nikolas.
• What is your motto? «μέτρον άριστον» & «πάντων χρημάτων μέτρον άνθρωπος».