Yiannis Orfanidis

Graduation Year: 2007 (PMBA 10)

Head of Voice of the Customer at OPAP SA

LinkedIn Profile here

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

I would say it was accepting the challenge to work in Asia. I can’t think of a better way to learn not to take things for granted, than having to deal with an entirely different culture. It’s the definition of broadening one’s mind in both a professional and a personal way. One of the most rewarding decisions I ever took in my life.

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

They should keep in mind that their ALBA degree alone is a powerful tool in their hands, to pursue the professional life they want, be this in Greece or abroad. No compromises. Of course this should be combined with their personal will to dare and jump out of their comfort zone.

What made you choose ALBA for your graduate studies?

I decided that if for a good 2 years, I am going to spend half my life in an educational institution, then it better be a prestigious one! Joking apart, I chose ALBA because I wanted to gain much more than just an MBA title. ALBA is a life experience.

Share with us your fondest memory while studying at ALBA.

For 2+ years, I spent the majority of my life in ALBA classes or in ALBA team meetings. I NEVER felt bored. Going to classes until 22:00, two times a week, after a busy day at work, driving 80 km a day, was still the most rewarding part of the day, thanks to our professors and my course-mates.

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE 

• What is your greatest fear? Stagnation
• Which historical figure do you most identify with? Leonardo Da Vinci
• Which living person do you most admire? A close friend of mine. A life genius!
• What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Impatience
• What is the trait you most deplore in others? Lack of honesty
• What is your greatest extravagance? My travels
• What is your favorite journey? Off-the-beaten-track Myanmar
• On what occasion do you lie? Only when it’s the only way to avoid hurting somebody
• What is your greatest regret? Not escaping my comfort zone earlier
• What or who is the greatest love of your life? My family and closest friends
• When and where were you happiest? My first months in Yangon
• Which talent would you most like to have? Rhetoric
• What is your current state of mind? Excited
• If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would be more daring
• If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? I accept it as it is.
• What do you consider your greatest achievement? That I have been an inspiration to some people.
• What is your most treasured possession? My experiences – good and bad
• Where would you like to live? In an interesting different country every 2 years
• What is your favorite occupation? Travel photography
• What is your most marked characteristic? I’m adaptable and inventive
• What do you most value in your friends? That they are patient with me
• What are your favorite names? Strange question. Myrto
• What is your motto? Live for the day