Welcome to the Leader’s Insights, a place where The Future, asks the simplest, yet, the most interesting questions to the executives of well-known companies, startups and innovators.
Today we talk with Anna Prodromou, a Consultant, Researcher and Trainer on Communications and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace. Anna is currently pursuing a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction at the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, OUC.
She is the founder of Anna Prodromou Inc. and president of the WICZ+ Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focusing on human rights. She leads the Cyprus Chapter of the ‘Culture First Community’ and created the ‘Wikimedia Community User Group Cyprus’. Recognized for her achievements, Anna was awarded the 12th Cyprus “Businesswoman of the Year” in 2018 and the Forbes Magazine “Cyprus Women in Tech” Award in 2023. An author, her first book titled “Women in Conflict Zones” was published in 2019 by Erker Media & Publishing House.
Let’s see what Prodromou has to say…
1. Do you remember your first day on the job at Anna Prodromou Inc.?
Looking back, it’s hard to pinpoint a specific “first day” that stands out. My journey has been more like gradually laying the foundation of a business—slowly but surely building, adapting, and growing over the years.
2. What is more difficult: being interviewed to join a team or doing the interviews yourself?
Both scenarios carry their own challenges, but being the interviewer is undoubtedly more demanding because of the awareness of power dynamics and the need to address the inherent imbalance. Recognizing this, I strive to level the playing field, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates to shine. This involves thoughtful preparation, active listening, and a commitment to unbiased evaluation. Ultimately, my goal is to make the interview process a positive experience—one that respects the candidate’s journey and honors their aspirations while meeting the organization’s needs effectively.
3. What do you most value in your employees?
I see the people I work with more as collaborators than employees. I value honesty, integrity, and a motivation to grow and learn. Trust is crucial in building good relationships, and I need to know I can rely on what my collaborators say and do. Additionally, I appreciate collaborators who are keen on keeping up with new developments and knowledge in their field, as this fosters both personal and organizational growth.
4. Which is a motto/quote you use in your work?
“There’s no right or wrong, just the consequences of our actions.” This mantra fuels my commitment to accountability and purpose-driven decisions in every facet of my journey.
5. If you were back to the start, what would you advise yourself for a great career?
My younger self probably wouldn’t listen to any long-winded advice, so I’d keep it concise: “Everyone’s a little messed up; don’t believe your inner critic; it’s more important to be respected than liked.”
Here’s why:
- First, recognize that everyone has flaws and struggles. As you grow older, you’ll notice that everyone you meet has their own issues, and understanding this will help you feel less isolated and more connected to others.
- Second, always doubt your negative self-talk. For years, I believed my inner critic, thinking it offered useful or impartial advice.
By my 40s, I realized that this negative thinking was just a glitch in the system. It’s not helpful or accurate—it’s simply a thought, nothing more, nothing less. Lastly, prioritize respect over being liked. Being respected in your career will lead to more meaningful and lasting success than trying to be liked by everyone.
6. How do you pump up your creativity?
I fuel my creativity by immersing myself in diverse perspectives and unapologetically embracing my curiosity. Whether through reading, traveling, engaging with different cultures, or challenging the status quo, I find that exploration and boldness are key to sparking inspiration. This constant engagement with new ideas and experiences helps me stay creative and innovative.
7. What is a talent you would like to have?
To be honest, I’m more focused on cultivating skills rather than aspiring to have specific talents. Now, I tend to excel at cynicism (lol), so one skill I’m actively working on is resilience against bitterness. Life throws curveballs that can easily lead down a cynical path, but I’m dedicated to staying positive and proactive. It takes practice and determination to maintain optimism and face challenges with a constructive mindset.
8. How do you balance work and personal life?
I find the “work-life balance” idea a bit outdated, really. It served a purpose as a progressive idea back in the 1970s but not anymore. It implies a clear divide between work and life, treating them as separate entities that must be balanced like weights on a scale. In truth, work and life are deeply interconnected.
Therefore, I focus on work-life integration. During busy work periods, I prioritize my job, while at other times, I focus more on family or personal well-being. This approach helps me manage both work and personal responsibilities better, ensuring that both are given the attention they need when they need it.
9. What are the top five foods you like in Cyprus?
Cyprus cuisine holds a special place in my heart—especially my mother’s soul-warming Makaronia tou Fournou and the savory perfection of her Keftedes (meatballs). Other than that, I love fresh anari cheese in broth sprinkled with custard sugar, fried Poulles (small taro roots) and stuffed Anthoi (pumpkin flowers).
10. Can you name your top five favourite places in Cyprus?
Wild camping in Rizokarpaso, watching the sunset at Pittokopos in Paphos, exploring the small back streets of the old Nicosia city center and sitting at the bar in Cascadeur in Lympia chatting with Michalis are just a few of my favourite places. However, spending time with my partner in crime, in our yard, surrounded by our cats, dogs, chickens, and ducks, beats everything else.
11. Which personality, throughout history, do you admire most?
The fight for equality and justice is built on the shoulders of many brave individuals who came before us, and it is an ongoing one. I’m inspired by the countless female figures, both known and unknown, who have tirelessly fought for our basic human rights. Their legacy embodies resilience and visionary leadership—qualities that continue to inspire my journey of advocacy.
12. Who is your favourite author/book that helped your career?
It’s hard to choose just one, as my perspective and approach have been profoundly shaped by a diverse array of authors and their works. Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,” with its whimsical wisdom and the curious rabbit, reminds me to question the world and embrace curiosity. George Orwell and Ray Bradbury offer critical insights into the dangers of totalitarianism and censorship. Haruki Murakami’s contemporary narratives, alongside Hannah Arendt’s explorations of totalitarianism and human nature, have deepened my understanding of society and the human condition.
The profound insights on trauma from Gabor Maté and Bessel van der Kolk have been instrumental in understanding the importance of addressing emotional wounds. Lastly, Cathy O’Neil’s “Weapons of Math Destruction” has been instrumental in understanding the pervasive and often hidden biases in data algorithms, highlighting the urgent need for ethical considerations in technology, which closely aligns with my current interests. And the list goes on, and on, and on.
13. Where would you advise our readers to go this summer?
Just go somewhere you’ve never been before. Take the risk to try something new.
