Could you please describe yourself in a few sentences:
I was born and raised in Crete/Greece some 33 years ago. When I was a teenager I didn’t have a mobile phone, Internet, computer or anything similar to a “smarter device” than me. I was lucky enough to experience the agricultural life and have beautiful memories of my homeland. Amongst other things, I was involved with Javelin Throwing sport for more than 10 years. I also enjoyed participating in mathematical competitions and reading about physics and biology. I do realize that lots of people will dislike me for the last sentence, but exploring the wonders of our world always fascinated me. I am also an amateur astronomer, owning a small telescope, though the majority of the nights it is facing towards the ceiling of my flat.
With regards to my studies I hold a BSc in Management and Marketing, a two-year MBA and a PhD in Strategic Management and Decision Making, all from Athens University of Economics and Business in collaboration with various other institutions. All I could say, is that, I didn’t know when finishing one degree would lead to another one. Still, I feel very lucky to have found a job that is also a hobby for me! I do enjoy my work (almost) every day and I hope to do so until I retire. I know that one day, I will exit my class and will not return back ever again to enjoy a vivid discussion with brilliant young minds. For that reason, I try to make the most out of it and smile at every challenge in my environment.
What is your area of academic interest and which courses are you involved in?
My area of academic interest is Strategic Management. In particular, my research interests involve middle managers, strategies for SMEs, applying biological principles in the businesses, chaos theory and crisis management.
The courses that I am involved in are Strategic Perspectives (BKEY601 – 3rd year undergraduate), being a proud module leader and Strategic Management (BMBA713 – MBA course) being a proud member of the teaching team. At the same time, I am involved in promoting our business school in fairs around the world and act as researcher publishing papers, and as reviewer for British and European Academy of Management.
What was your first job? What did you learn from it?
I can easily say that I had many first jobs. As a teenager I was so passionate about Atari console games, that the owner of the store eventually hired me to sell them. I then moved on with technology into selling the very first Nintendo’s “Game Boy” and Sega’s “Game Gear”. I have also worked at my father’s accounting office for a while, but I must admit, with poor results. Later on, during my first degree, I have worked as a waiter, pizza delivery man and stand-up comedian. I was lucky enough to have my parents covering all my costs, still I could always spare some extra money. Through these experiences I learned the value of the tip, dealing with human beings (customers) of every different perception and demands, but more than anything to be patient and to listen carefully. Finally, my first business position, came along with my MBA studies working for a while as a marketing assistant in APIVITA S.A. , a biological cosmetics company. In that post, I came across with the hardcore aspects of Marketing and the need to meet goals, to produce results, and getting to understand new markets.
What did you do in your career before coming to WBS?
I was an assistant lecturer in Athens University of Economics and Business and, at the same time, head of corporate development for University of Hertfordshire’s franchise college in Greece. I was teaching marketing and strategy courses. Simultaneously, my administrative duties involved creating business competitions for students, field trips, simulation games, linking the market with academia-providing internships, organizing events and conferences.
I have always been fascinated by entrepreneurial thinking and in the past I worked in the consulting industry specialising in training executives in leadership, teamwork, crisis and complexity management. My interests also led me to more entrepreneurial endeavours where I co-founded a corporate governance ratings company (NRGMetrics) and became a partner in a consulting company regarding knowledge transfer and synthesis (Tetras Consulting).
What do you think is special about WBS?
I came to Westminster Business School 1.5 year ago, and found a very warm environment of colleagues and students, a rare case within the fragmented cultures of Universities. I believe that, the strong international element of our university proves that integration of cultures, learning styles and various views on learning experiences delivers a great outcome both for students and teachers. Finally, I think that our courses are directly reflecting the market’s requirements helping students to get very close to their future jobs.
What do you think of the social learning platform?
It is a great tool! It helps to enhance the student learning experience considerably, but at the same time it has a holistic effect creating bonds throughout the different levels in our University for staff and students. Communication is considerably enhanced, information flows and the internal environment/climate changes rapidly. It is one essential vein of our organisation.
If you were asked to give one piece of advice to students then what would it be?
Try to prove us wrong – challenge us! Eventually, make us feel proud to see that you have evolved into a “new” person when reaching graduation.
How do you relax out of work? What are your interests/leisure activities?
I am trying to identify the ideal diet, as I am always on some kind of diet(s) but keep gaining weight. On a serious note, I always enjoy reading popularised science books such as the “Selfish Gene” or the “Brief History of Time”. I like learning more on ancient civilisations evolutionary biology, physics and, of course, space through documentaries and exhibitions. Yes, I can be characterised as a “geek” and literally I don’t know anything about football. I enjoy exercising (even I don’t look like it) and playing board games with good friends. Lately, I have developed a love for Guitar Hero.
One last question ! Star Wars 🙂 please tell us more about your love for Star Wars!
As a sci-fi movies fan, I adore “Star Wars”. It all began with my father watching the very first movie together at the age of 4 or 5. He always used to make me imagine more than we could see and I still remember him say that, “One day, maybe a real light-saber would be produced and that would be really amazing”. Well, I am now a collector of light-sabers and of course I have bought one for my father. It’s worth mentioning that these are still films that deal with a very simple topic: “Good VS Evil”. On the other hand, I have to admit that the evil heroes are looking better than the good ones. I have seen “Star Wars” so many times that it became more like a myth/legend of another universe than a simple series of movies. I think though, that there are other people in worst condition than mine, who demand “The Force” to be declared as an official religion! In any case, we are all waiting for the next trilogy.
Thank you very much and my best wishes to students and colleagues for a prosperous year!
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Im so proud of u !
We are very lucky to have a Dr. Ioanis as a part of Westminster Business School. His enthusiasm is a good motivation for the new Business generation.
He is very inspirational, knowledgeable and wouldn’t miss his lectures they are so fun.He is a great lecturer.
He is a great lecturer and very supportive … Always willing to help ! We are very lucky to have you Ioannis.
Hi loanis, was very inspirational reading your interview, just want to say ur a great lecturer and happy to have you as lecture in westminster.
amateur stand up comedian, guessed you had some stage experience only lecturer that makes learning fun and challenging.
Dr Ioannis is such a good lecturer and very helpful. I enjoy his style of teaching and his passion for the module he teaches. Like the interview as well as it lets students learn a bit more about their lecturers. Hope we get to see more of them.