Young leaders bringing about change - Their vision, achievements and what makes them stand out explored at Inspire 2024

The new generation of leaders, their vision and strategy for future growth and the challenges to creating success were discussed by a panel of ‘New Gen Disruptors,’ as part of the recent Inspire 2024 entrepreneurial festival.

Three young leaders, the Co-Founder of Financial Europeans, Ioanna Fo, the CEO of Heroes Made, Maria Lavithi Howard and the CEO & Co-Founder of E-Mbracelet, Maro Manoli analysed their source of inspiration, being defined, and the means that lead to professional recognition, underscoring that the path to success goes through being different and the flexibility change.

The debate was moderated by the presenter/public speaker, Andros Zacharia.

Ioanna Fo: Breaking out of the molds created by society

A wager for all young people who want to succeed is to break out of the moulds, out of the boxes, that society itself has put them in, emphasised the Co-Founder of Financial Europeans, Ioanna Fo, explaining that due to the educational system and the way society operates, people tend to think the same thoughts.

"I decided that my box was something different to the one that society put me in," she said.

The platform she has created provides information on financial issues that citizens may be unaware of or not sufficiently aware of, such as inflation, which shrinks the income of consumers every day.

"We understood the need to start a debate on issues such as VAT, rising costs, the inability to repay a loan or rent, that some citizens limit their meals due to financial difficulties," she pointed out.

Asked what she considers the necessary elements of a good leader, Fo noted that she does not feel competent to list them, clarifying that when people believe in their dream and give value to it, then they will succeed and this value will be returned to them.

"If I, who grew up in a village, wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth and didn't have a wealth of previous knowledge, made it, then anyone can make it," Fo emphasised.

Maria Lavithi Howard: "Try to change what makes you complain"

On her part, the CEO of Heroes Made, Maria Lavithi Howard pointed out that the realisation that anything is possible and is up to us is the source of inspiration and the guarantee for success. "Being able to understand that we are responsible for what we do in our lives, not others," she elaborated.

The aim of Heroes Made, the platform she has created, is to provide advice to parents and teachers in order for to deal with incidents of school bullying and stress.

"We wanted to create an environment where education can be a beacon of knowledge and support for all sectors," emphasised Lavithi Howard.

At the same time, she urged the attendees and those who want to pursue their entrepreneurial dream to strive for change, to fix something, instead of complaining about it.

Maro Manoli: A vision for a business with a positive impact on society

Initially at an individual level and later at a group level, the goal of every entrepreneur is to create a business that brings about change and has a positive impact on society, underlined Maro Manoli, the CEO & Co-Founder of E-Mbracelet, a platform that addresses people with autism, providing advice and support to parents so that their children have a better quality of life.

"We focused on the problem and looked for solutions. The goal is to see our dream come true and have visible positive results," she said.

Referring to the ingredients for professional success, Manoli explained that modern entrepreneurs want to be engaged in a profession for themselves, with high earnings coming second.

She also noted that young entrepreneurs envision creating their own businesses, which has a positive impact on society, helping minorities or people who need assistance.

More about Inspire 2024

Discussions, podcasts, masterclasses and an atmosphere full of live music, cocktails and street food promise an experience aiming to inspire and motivate you to realize your professional and personal goals.

Inspire 2024 was not just a festival; it was an experience that combined business, entertainment and social interaction, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and inspiration for all participants.

Information

For the festival program click here .

• Diamond Sponsor: ECOMMBX
  Strategic Partner: Cyta Business
  Gold Sponsors: Bank of Cyprus, Zorbas Group
• Proud Sponsor: OPAP Cyprus
  City Lifestyle Sponsor: Cyfield
• Sponsor: Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAK)
  Academic Partner: University of Nicosia
  Silver Sponsors: AdBoard, Capacitor Partners, EnergyIntel, Freedom 24, Treppides, Petrolina
• Destination Partner : Nicosia Tourism Board
• Supporters: Eurosuccess Consulting, Gravity Ventures Incubator, Jinius, Robura Limited, UMAR | WSR, Alpha Mega
• Padel & Well-Being Sponsor : PadelPro
• Sustainable Transport Partner: Cyprus Public Transport
• Mobility Partner: Bolt
• Accessibility Partner: Ablebook
• Data & Analytics Partner: Drastyc
• With the Support of: CITEA, Cyprus Employers and Industrial Federation, The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cyprus Computer Society, CSR Cyprus, Junior Achievement Cyprus, Karaiskakio Foundation, The Yianis Christodoulou Foundation, The Youthboard of Cyprus
• Official Supporters: National Betting Authority, Research and Innovation Foundation
• Communication Sponsors: Alpha Cyprus, CBN News, GOLD magazine, IN Business magazine, REPORTER, Super FM
• Organized by: Municipality of Nicosia, IMH

(Source: InBusinessNews)