How three prominent executives escape the hustle and bustle of work

Hobbies are often viewed as distractions or indulgences, a fleeting respite from the daily grind. Yet, for those involved in the relentless rhythm of boardroom meetings and executive duties, they can offer profound benefits beyond leisure.

Scientifically linked to reducing stress and nurturing physical wellbeing, hobbies can be indispensable to anyone wishing to maintain peak performance and foster deeper connections in professional circles and personal relationships. Here, three prominent executives – Stavros Caramondanis (Ayia Napa Marina), Eugenia Herodotou (EnergyIntel Group), Michael Antoniades (KPMG in Cyprus) – explain how their chosen personal pursuits have exerted a transformative influence on their role as leaders and resonated across all areas of their lives.

Stavros Caramondanis (Ayia Napa Marina)

In the complex tapestry of hobbies and professions, few threads weave as seamlessly between the two as they do for Stavros Caramondanis, the CEO of Ayia Napa Marina. A sailing athlete since childhood, the sea is not merely a pastime but a lifelong passion that has profoundly shaped his identity, serving as both muse and mentor, as well as a sanctuary from the pressures of executive life.

Stavros Caramondanis’ affinity for the sea is deeply rooted in family tradition, a passion passed down through generations. This familial bond is exemplified by a significant event on the very day the CEO of Ayia Napa Marina was born – March 6, 1969 – when his father was christening a racing sailing boat he had built himself. “That boat not only holds my most treasured childhood memories but also served as my greatest teacher,” he recalls.

From a young age, Caramondanis participated in open sea sailing races, competing in 470 Olympic class boats. His commitment to the sport remained unwavering, even after the Turkish invasion forced his family to leave their home in Famagusta in 1974. “While we were living in Nicosia, I used to take the bus to the Famagusta Nautical Club, which had temporarily relocated to Limassol. Back then, the journey took about two and a half hours each way,” he says. “Sailing and boating are not merely hobbies but a profound love.”

Caramondanis’ extensive experience as a sailing athlete has instilled in him crucial qualities like discipline and a relentless drive for continuous improvement – traits that have significantly shaped his leadership approach. The responsibility of captaining a yacht has also enhanced his leadership skills. “You are not only steering the yacht but also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone on board, including family,” he notes. This role has taught him the importance of vigilance and careful preparation, fostering a proactive mindset that emphasizes anticipating and addressing potential challenges before they arise.

For Caramondanis, the sea provides an unparalleled source of relaxation and rejuvenation. “The sea is balm for my soul; everything related to the blue of the sea is rewarding for me,” he says. Beyond sailing, he has also embraced windsurfing, introduced to him by a close friend. “Windsurfing entered my life as the natural next stage after sailing, keeping me connected to the thrill of speed and sea, clearing my mind from the noise and pressure of everyday working life,” he explains.

Eugenia Herodotou (EnergyIntel Group)

In the corporate world, the burden of leadership can exact a heavy toll on mind and body alike. Eugenia Herodotou, CEO of the EnergyIntel Group, found comfort and recovery on the tennis court, where she was able to overcome personal adversities and gain profound insights that continue to resonate in the boardroom and beyond.

Eugenia Herodotou’s sporting journey began with volleyball, which she played competitively until the age of 18. However, as academic and professional pursuits took precedence, the game that the CEO of the EnergyIntel Group once loved was left behind. This hiatus from sports lasted until a significant health challenge prompted a reevaluation of her priorities. “Six years ago,” she recalls, “I faced cancer, which tested both my physical and emotional resilience. By the time I was 39, I felt a strong desire to rediscover the joy of sports, this time focusing on fun rather than intense competition. I needed something rejuvenating, something to rekindle the old passion without the previous physical demands.” Tennis, it would appear, was just that, as the sport’s individual nature allowed for personal pacing and improvement, aligning perfectly with her need for a physically engaging yet mentally relaxing activity. “Every swing of the tennis racket brought back the thrill I once found in volleyball,” she says.

The transition from volleyball to tennis brought unexpected benefits, particularly in her role as a leader, as she quickly realised that the skills honed on the tennis court were transferable to the boardroom. “Tennis requires you to anticipate your opponent’s moves and plan your strategy accordingly,” she notes, adding that the fast-paced nature of the game forces players to make quick decisions during critical points. “This ability to think on your feet is equally important in leadership, especially in high-stress business environments,” she explains. Playing doubles in tennis further enhances communication skills and teamwork, as coordinating with a partner to achieve a common goal is essential.

In the high-stakes corporate world, where demands and stress can be overwhelming, tennis has provided Eugenia Herodotou with a much-needed counterbalance. The mental agility required on the tennis court sharpens problem-solving skills and decision-making capabilities, and the sport’s competitive nature fosters emotional resilience – or in her own words, “the ability to bounce back from setbacks.”

Michael Antoniades (KPMG in Cyprus)

In the demanding world of professional services, where stakes are high and swift decisions are essential, a refuge that offers relaxation and valuable life lessons is a rare treasure. Michael Antoniades, Chairman of KPMG in Cyprus, has found it in the cockpit. Piloting planes has not only become a lifelong passion but it has unexpected parallels with the accounting profession.

Michael Antoniades’ fascination with flying began in childhood, a passion ignited by frequent trips to the then newly built Nicosia Airport with his father, where they would watch the airliners take off and land from the open veranda. The flames were further fanned by his uncle, a Cyprus Airways pilot, who often took him flying in a small aircraft from the same airport. “That was it! I was hooked on flying!” he reminisces.

Now Chairman of KPMG in Cyprus, he continues to nurture this passion, flying mainly during the summer months. He averages one flight per week, balancing enjoyment with the necessary commitment to remain proficient. “Flying requires commitment and compliance with rules and regulations. This is the best way to reduce flying risks to a minimum,” he asserts. “People who are not willing to do so would be better off remaining passengers.”

Besides having a firm grasp of rules and regulations, he explains, a good pilot must be dexterous in normal and emergency procedures, possess discipline (and be self-disciplined) and be honest, firm and fair in decision-making. “Interestingly, most of these qualities apply to ‘good accountants’ as well!” he states. As a result, being a pilot has been instrumental in shaping his management style and enabling him to take decisions at work more rationally and effectively; the discipline and decision-making skills honed in the cockpit have helped him navigate the complexities of his role at KPMG with confidence and clarity.

(Photos by TASPHO & Michalis Kyprianou)

(This article first appeared in the 2024 edition of The Cyprus Journal of Wealth Management, commissioned by Eurobank Cyprus and published by IMH. Click here to view the article. Click here to view the entire magazine online.)