7 MORE Questions on Leadership with Antonia Fatsea
Name: Antonia Fatsea
Title: Business Development & Operations Manager
Organisation: VALUE
I excel in project management, business development, and operations. I am the President of the Young Crew Greece. My background includes excelling as a Business Development and Operations Manager at VALUE, where I am responsible for the Client Relationship, the strategy of the organization and the Management of the team. Pursuing a Master's in "Applied Risk Management," my skills span programming, languages, teamwork, communication, and leadership. Certifications, like EU Funding, Data Analytics, and Project Coaching, underline my commitment to continuous learning.
Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!
We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.
I hope Antonia's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!
Cheers,
Jonno White
1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?
Building trust as a leader is essential, based on personal experience, particularly when dealing with team members, customers, and stakeholders. Emphasizing transparency, consistency, and effective communication becomes crucial.
Openly sharing information demonstrates a genuine commitment to candor, reinforcing one's integrity to enhance reliability. Actively listening to concerns, recognizing and celebrating achievements to inspire teams, and leading by personal example all contribute significantly. Addressing problems honestly and decisively, while viewing them as opportunities for growth, has proven effective.
These qualities, drawn from personal experience, collectively foster trust within an organization, facilitating collaboration and ensuring sustained success. Trust, from personal encounters, is undeniably the cornerstone of strong professional relationships and prosperous ventures, making it an undeniable top priority for any leader.
2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?
"Vision" represents an organization's long-term aspirations, reflecting its core values and desired impact on the world. It serves as a guiding light, motivating stakeholders toward common goals. For example, a marketing company may have a vision of achieving recognition as a pioneer in the field of digital marketing.
"Mission" defines the organization's present-day purpose, activities, and role in achieving the vision. It informs decision-making and strategy. For example, a marketing company's mission could be to provide exceptional digital marketing services to clients, helping them enhance their online presence and competitiveness."
3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?
A leader can empower the people they're leading through several key strategies. Firstly, effective communication is essential. Leaders should actively listen to their team members, solicit their input, and provide clear direction and feedback. Secondly, delegation is crucial. By entrusting responsibilities and decision-making to team members, leaders foster a sense of ownership and accountability.
Additionally, leaders should offer opportunities for skill development and growth, recognizing and celebrating achievements along the way. By creating a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment, leaders can empower their team to excel and contribute effectively towards the organization's goals.
4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?
One of my mentors, Kostas Kotsigiannis Co-Founder and Digital Marketing Director at VALUE, has been an exceptional source of leadership inspiration. He consistently sets a positive example for the team, demonstrating unwavering commitment to our goals. Kostas excels in crisis management, always standing by us during urgent matters.
His constant presence and willingness to assist, along with his emphasis on teamwork, have instilled in me the importance of leading by being present, supportive, and leading with empathy. Alongside him, Ioanna Anastasaki Co-Founder and Digital Marketing Strategist at VALUE has also been a guiding force, offering valuable insights and coaching that have further enriched my leadership journey.
5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?
Maintaining focus in a leadership role involves prioritizing tasks, setting clear boundaries, and delegating effectively. By recognizing what not to engage in, I ensure my attention remains on strategic objectives and critical responsibilities, promoting efficiency and effective leadership.
6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?
In my role, I employ a structured approach to planning. Weekly, I set specific goals and tasks, ensuring alignment with broader monthly and yearly objectives. Monthly, I review progress, adjust strategies as needed, and refine goals. Annually, I conduct comprehensive strategic planning sessions to chart the course for long-term success.
7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?
I'd advise a young leader to start by clearly defining tasks, setting expectations, and trusting team members. Effective delegation empowers others and frees up time for strategic thinking.