Open Executive Boardroom
Episode 6
The Open Executive Boardroom welcomes the new President of OEB, George Pantelides, who develops his vision for Cypriot business and the economy in general to Nestor Vassiliou. He acknowledges the many challenges ahead, but promises to make every effort to be worthy of the trust of the Cypriot business community. However, he proceeds to interesting revelations and describes personal experiences with people who have played an important role in his path to recognition at Deloitte. He remembers his childhood as a member of a large family, the summers in Greece, where he worked with his grandfather in the installation of ceramics, an experience that brought him in touch with simple but essential life, as he characteristically says. He also refers to the story of his mother, who was expelled twice by the Turks, once from Istanbul in 1958 and the second time from Kyrenia in 1974.
The youngest president of OEB since 1975 places particular emphasis on encouraging entrepreneurship among young children and explains the ways in which they can be given the trigger to dare to create their own business and follow their own vision. As a former swimmer, he emphasizes how his championship has given him important skills that he also applies to the business world. What are they? Hard work, dedication, mutual support and goal-orientation. He does not hesitate to refer to the difficult moments of his career, pointing out that mistakes are there to make you wiser and avoid them in the future. It also expresses the belief that Cyprus has incredible minds with great abilities. The key, he says, is to earn the trust of these people, helping them become successful themselves.
George Pantelidis also refers to his recent meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. It conveys the essential message that the EU has a clear plan and a great deal of concern to ensure that it is implemented by the Member States. He points out that the current period is perhaps the most critical for the EU, as it is both a huge opportunity and a huge risk. Swift and targeted action, as well as capacity building in key areas, are essential elements to maintain the EU’s competitiveness in order for the Union to avoid, as it says, adventures.
