ANASTASIA XAGORARI

Anastasia is 25 years old and lives in beautiful and sunny Athens, Greece. She has studied International, European and Area Studies at Panteion University and has graduated at the top 1% of her class. Due to her academic performance, she has earned a scholarship from the Bodossaki Foundation, which funded her postgraduate studies at Athens University of Economics and Business. While studying, Anastasia was a digital marketer at a tech start-up company. They saw her love and passion for technology and they trusted her in their business.

"Live Your Life to Its Full Extent"

Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

I was born in beautiful and sunny Athens, in Greece. Greece is known as the world’s first democracy and Athens is considered one of the oldest European cities ever. It is also known for the amazing sunset of Santorini (my grandfather is from Santorini, so I am very lucky to spend my holidays in this amazing island). Greece is a country with a lot of history, traditions and wonderful people.

What about the story of my life? I was born in a suburb of Athens, where the air is fresh and the birds are singing every single minute. I am a nature lover and I enjoy strolling around my neighbourhood where I can meet sheep, goats and horses. I have studied International, European and Area Studies in the Panteion University of Athens and graduated with honour. My first job was at a tech start-up company, as a digital marketer. I am an active volunteer since 2015 in NGOs with environmental, educational & health causes. I also support women and girls in STEM and I am a member of numerous organizations for women in tech. My passion for technology led me to attend the Master of Management Science & Technology at Athens University of Economics and Business. Since September 2018 I have been a member of Vodafone Greece family. My current role is to reassure an outstanding customer experience through Vodafone’s digital channels.

Q: What is your view of the Coronavirus crisis and the world as it is today? How do you define the concept of a better world especially given the hard lessons we have taken from this unprecedented crisis?

I agree with the below phrase that I read in an article: there are "undoubtedly lessons to learn and more work to do” as far as it concerns the coronavirus crisis. Unfortunately, humanity was not prepared for such a pandemic crisis. There are many unpleasant lessons and I feel sorrow every time I am thinking of how many people lost their lives. That’s why I believe that we need to make tough decisions and work through tough choices faster. I believe that people understood that we cannot beat the virus without cooperating. Concerted actions and precision to every decision would have slowed the spread of the virus and could speed up the recovery. There are also some important issues that should be mentioned like the new wave of unemployment and the economic turbulence that the virus brought, the inequalities that will arise as viruses can see the people who are usually invisible to policymakers and the public. One thing is for sure: Life won’t be the same after but hopefully, we’ll also feel a new sense of appreciation!

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently and how do you think CoVid-19 will affect your country?

Greece will emerge stronger from the coronavirus crisis, as the government was fast in taking measures and the economy was in good condition when the crisis began. Our country is also prepared for a huge drop in tourism, as a lot will depend on whether people feel comfortable to travel and whether we can project Greece as a safe destination. According to European Commission, due to the global nature of the crisis, exports in Greece are expected to suffer strong declines in 2020 as country’s main export markets are expected to be amongst the worst affected countries, leading to a drop in demand for Greek goods and services.

Q: As a young individual what are a few of the hurdles that you had to overcome up until today?

I started my undergraduate studies at the heart of the economic crisis. As I graduated in 2016 the unemployment rate was still high and my only experience was customer service at my mom’s small bakery. I remember that I was searching for a job in any discipline and my parents stood by me even though they had to sell my mom’s small business. I started to volunteer in different organizations in order to get in touch with different people, gain new experiences, get out of my comfort zone, help other people and my community grow. I am really glad that my family supported me those times when volunteerism was my full-time job. It was a hard decision to stay in my country, as most of my friends and classmates were having great jobs and a prospect career abroad. I do not regret this decision and I am really proud of myself and my accomplishments here in Greece. The Bodossaki Foundation gave me a full scholarship for my postgraduate studies. After completing my Master in Management Science and Technology I had great job opportunities and proposals from start-up to multinational companies.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

The history of the word 'mentor', comes from Greek mythology. When Odysseus, King of Ithaca went to fight in the Trojan War, he entrusted the care of his kingdom to Mentor. Mentor served as the teacher. The definition of mentorship continues to change year to year, but a mentor's role—and their potential impact—stays the same. Mentors can play a significant role in an individual’s personal, social and professional development. They encourage the mentee, share their knowledge and experiences, they serve as role models, demonstrate a positive attitude. They help us see the destination but do not give us a detailed map to get there. I believe that a mentor can make a real difference in an individual’s career and life.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?

Take care of your health and make every moment count, because life goes faster than we think. Live your life to its full extent and express your feelings because life is short and we never know what tomorrow brings. And the most important, don’t try to please everyone.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

One organization that is doing great work in helping improve other people's life is "Eliza". Eliza Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is the only Greek charitable organization (NGO), with the exclusive purpose of providing protection and care to children who have suffered or run the risk of suffering abuse or neglect. You can learn more at their website https://eliza.org.gr/en/

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are made towards gender equality?

One of the main challenges that women in my country face is inequality in the workplace. We see that many multinational companies are introducing “quotas” to battle against gender inequality. Although, women in Greece face the “glass-ceiling effect” as they struggle to reach the top ranks of management in major corporations. According to “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” research by Vodafone Greece, Alba Graduate Business School and Women on Top (July 2019), 80% of women believe that there is a gender pay gap and 67% of women have experienced gender inequalities in the workplace.

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that you love or you find interesting!

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something; your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” – Steve Jobs

Q: Share with us a project that you would like to make happen for your country or a cause that you are passionate about?

I am a young scientist and I am really passionate about bringing more women to the male-dominated tech world. I participate in many organizations that try to bridge the gap between women and technology and I want to be a part of the new wave that encourages and inspires girls from all over the world. Girls and young women that you read this interview, I want to share a secret with you: dare to be a woman who codes, a physician, or a mathematician. STEM subjects are not only for boys!