Name: Antonia Fatsea

Title: Business Development & Operations Manager

Organisation: VALUE

I excel in project management, business development, and operations. As an EU Project Manager, I handle communication, events, and teams at the Kytherian Foundation. I am also 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!

I hope Antonia's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Ensuring the right direction and guidance for the team, as well as making decisions that benefit both the team and the company as a whole. It's very important to develop a team that wants to be developed!

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I became a leader by following a path that combined my academic background in Applied Mathematics with a deep passion for Project Management. After completing my bachelor's degree, I joined the workforce at VALUΕ and soon had the opportunity to lead my team. This role involved strategic planning for the company, managing the team and various departments, and maintaining strong client relationships.

My journey in Project Management, particularly as the President of Young Crew Greece, played a significant role in my leadership development. Through this role, I fostered collaborations with universities, and our team achieved recognition and awards in various global competitions. This diverse experience has shaped me into the leader I am today.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My workdays typically start early, with a quick review of my agenda and a glance at any scheduled meetings and appointments. I aim to accomplish most of my tasks by midday, allowing me to support and assist the team as needed and also plan for external meetings.

In the afternoons, I engage in playing soccer, which helps me relieve the day's stress and rejuvenates me for the next day. On days when I don't have soccer, I dedicate my time to Young Crew activities, connecting and communicating with people from around the world, aligning with our shared goals and initiatives.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson I've been reminded of is that while we often make decisions as leaders, it's crucial to listen to and consider the opinions and insights of our team members. An organization doesn't move forward based on one individual but rather with a strong and cohesive team!

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The book that has profoundly influenced my leadership style is 'The Art of Listening' by Tang Taizong. It serves as a historical treasure trove, offering profound insights into effective leadership. Tang Taizong, one of China's greatest emperors, provides valuable lessons on how to approach leadership.

This book underscores the importance of not only receiving information but also applying the knowledge gained through attentive reception. It has taught me to go beyond mere listening and to channel what I learn into actions that drive progress and growth.

Tang Taizong's approach to leadership has had a significant impact on my own, emphasizing both active reception and strategic thinking. It reminds me that leadership is not about dictating but about listening, learning, and leading by example.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could offer just one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be this: "Dream big and chase your aspirations relentlessly!" After all, I'm 26 years old myself, and I've achieved what I have through hard work in a relatively short time, with even greater things still ahead of me!

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Right after I became a manager and took on a leadership role, I had to facilitate a meeting with a rather challenging client. The agenda was set, and we had assigned leads for each segment of the discussion. Suddenly, one of the responsible team members had to be absent, and the rest of the team wasn't prepared to step in.

At that moment, I had to think calmly and take the initiative, leading the entire meeting. It was crucial for me to show the team that I was there for them, and I felt empowered knowing that I could handle any situation. I earned the absolute trust of my team because trust and leadership are something that is earned, not given!