Welcome to Leader’s Insights, a place where The Future asks the simplest, yet, most interesting questions to the executives of well-known companies, startups, and innovators.
Today we talk with Andreas Livadiotis, the visionary CEO and Founder of XValley Technologies, a leading provider of Forex and Crypto turnkey solutions.
With well over a decade of experience as a full-stack developer, Andreas embarked on a project over ten years ago that saw him single-handedly build a complex trading platform. The first version of the XValley trading platform laid the foundation for XValley’s success. Under his leadership, the company has become a go-to fintech powerhouse, empowering brokerages worldwide with cutting-edge technology.
A proud Cypriot, Andreas balances his love for tennis, reading a good book, and family life with his passion for driving innovation in the ever-evolving financial landscape.
Let’s see what Livadiotis has to say…
1. Do you remember your first day on the job?
To be honest, I don’t remember much about my first day at my first job. It’s probably because it wasn’t particularly eventful. But what I do remember vividly is the first conversation I had with friends about creating XValley. That moment stands out because it was filled with excitement and potential. Even today, some of those friends remember it as the spark that started everything.
2. What is more difficult: being interviewed to join a team or doing the interviews yourself?
Neither feels particularly difficult when you have confidence in your abilities. Being interviewed is straightforward when you know your strengths and can articulate them clearly. On the other hand, interviewing others is a skill. In fact, I’ve often said that recruitment is one of the hardest things to do. Finding talent that complements your vision is always rewarding, even when the candidate excels in areas beyond your expertise. It’s also incredibly hard to find outstanding people, so sometimes we look for rough diamonds.
3. What do you most value in your employees?
Collaboration, open-mindedness, and a hunger to learn—these qualities create an environment where innovation thrives, allowing the team to achieve incredible things together. I believe that when someone possesses these three qualities, they naturally combine to foster proactive thinking, one of the most important traits anyone can have. Working with people who can anticipate what’s over the horizon makes your job as a CEO so much easier.
4. Which is a motto/quote you use in your work?
“Work hard, play hard, party harder.” Yes, I know it might sound like a cliché, but it perfectly reflects the balance I believe in: giving your all to your work, enjoying your successes, and celebrating life along the way.
5. If you were back to the start, what would you advise yourself for a great career?
I’d tell myself to move faster, take bigger risks, and not be afraid to break things. Every mistake is a lesson, and the faster you learn, the quicker you’ll grow.
6. How do you pump up your creativity?
Spending time with my family is how I reset. It clears my mind and reminds me of what truly matters. That balance allows me to return to work with fresh ideas and renewed energy.
7. What is a talent you would like to have?
I’d love to sing or play an instrument. Music has a unique way of connecting with people, and it would be incredible to create something that resonates on that level. I’m not going to sing for you now as I respect your eardrums.
8. How do you balance work and personal life?
When you run a company, work-life balance isn’t always achievable. The thing is—and I really believe this—that the key takeaway is to make the most of your time. Now, whether that’s enjoying a family dinner or tackling a challenging project with your team, make the most of the time you have because it’s the only thing you can’t buy. Having the right people in both your personal and professional life makes all the difference, and I can’t stress that enough.
9. What are the top five foods you like in Cyprus?
I’m a fan of traditional Cypriot cuisine, to be honest.
So, we’re talking about souvlakia, grilled steak, fresh fish, village salad with olive oil, and seasonal vegetables—they’re always on my list.
The simplicity and freshness of the ingredients make every meal unforgettable.
10. Can you name your top five favourite places in Cyprus?
That’s an easy question!
- Ladies Mile for its stunning sunsets and calm, cool waters.
- The Troodos Mountains for their serene beauty and winter skiing.
- The Paphos Mountains for their history and breathtaking views.
- Latchi for its charming harbour and fresh seafood.
- And Platres for its cool climate and picturesque stone houses that feel like a step back in time.
11. Which personality, throughout history, do you admire most?
I deeply admire Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. His story, as told in his brilliant autobiography Shoe Dog, is one of relentless perseverance and vision. I recommend everyone read it—whether you’re a student, a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone just looking for a source of inspiration, Phil’s story is truly brilliant!
You see, Knight didn’t just build a brand; he created a global movement that redefined sports and culture. What resonates with me the most is his unwavering belief in the power of a team and how he overcame countless challenges with creativity and grit.
His journey is a reminder that success isn’t linear; it’s about passion, resilience, and the courage to bet on yourself and take some risks!
12. Who is your favourite author/book that helped your career?
Oh, that’s another easy one. It would definitely have to be Dale Carnegie and his book How to Win Friends and Influence People. It’s not just about building professional relationships; it goes far deeper than that, teaching you how to understand people, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy. These are all essential skills for any leader—skills that you have to learn and shape with time and experience.
13. Where would you advise our readers to go this winter?
There’s nothing quite like a trip to the mountains in winter. Imagine sitting in a stone house with your family, the temperature outside is crisp and cold, but inside, there’s a roaring fire. It’s the perfect setting to relax, reflect on the past year, and plan for the one ahead. The Troodos Mountains in Cyprus offer this magical experience, as does the beautiful village of Platres.
