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The Optimism and Leadership of Christina Gerakiteys
"The future belongs to the optimists, to the positive mindsets that have the courage to share ideas, to collaborate and to vision a world where we unite to empower each other to solve humanity’s grand challenges."
Christina Gerakiteys is the CEO of UtopiaX. I asked Christina what makes her optimistic.
Christina answered, "What makes me optimistic? Hope in humanity - there are more good people in the world than bad.
Christina answered, "What makes me optimistic? Hope in humanity - there are more good people in the world than bad.
"The future belongs to the optimists, to the positive mindsets that have the courage to share ideas, to collaborate and to vision a world where we unite to empower each other to solve humanity’s grand challenges."
"I’m very optimistic about a future where we care about each other enough to help each other and spur each other on."
VP: Christina, thinking about your life journey, who are the people who have inspired you?
Christina Gerakiteys:
VP: Christina, thinking about your life journey, who are the people who have inspired you?
Christina Gerakiteys:
"My family - who remind me what the true gifts in life are and who ground me.
"My parents - both leaders and entrepreneurs who did everything they could for us. My father - Nick Gerakiteys - was always strong and fair, always putting my mother, my sister, and I first. He also looked after his mother and younger brother.
"My grandparents - who came to a foreign country and worked hard. They were ethical, loyal and committed. They did whatever it took to create a better life for their children. They taught me unconditional love and the power in unity.
"My second class teacher - Mrs Metcalfe - I was teased at school for being Greek. She saw that - and wrote in my book - "Wherever you go, whatever you do, always follow your own canoe." Even more as an adult - I am impacted by this. I believe she realised I struggled being “different” - Greek heritage, coming first in tests - she realised I was left out of things the other children did. So she chose me for “things”.
"Claire Williams, who I reported to directly when I was head of Music and Film and Television at TAFE. She encouraged me to lead - even when she didn't agree with what I was doing. It never stopped her support. She encouraged me to have my own leadership style. To this day, she encourages and mentors me and is my friend.
"The head of a leadership retreat I went to, Bill Plazier. He remained a friend for years - he led us into the most explosive self-realisations that awakened something in me and contributed greatly to the person I am today.
"There’s more...I have been blessed."
VP: The evidence shows that optimism is the underpinning of good strategy. Would you share your insights into the relationship between optimism and good strategy?
Christina Gerakiteys: "Optimism leaves you open-minded. An open mind listens, learns and strategises for the best outcomes for the greatest number. "
Christina Gerakiteys is also the CEO of SingularityU Australia.
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