Alumna Profiled: Barbara Panagopoulou
Graduated: Deree, 1988
Lives in: Athens, Greece
Current Position: Human Resources Director, Athenian Brewery S.A
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” – Aristotle
Barbara Panagopoulou was born in Athens on February 14, 1962. Barbara studied Business Administration at Deree – the American College of Greece, with a major in Organizational Behavior and a minor in Marketing, while she has participated in various educational programs in Greece and abroad.
In 1988, Barbara joined the Marketing Department of Procter & Gamble Greece, and from 1992 to 1996, she held the position of Training Manager in the Human Resources Department.
From 1996 to October 2008, when she joined Athenian Brewery S.A., Barbara has held the positions of HR Director in DHL and Vodafone, and the role of Divisional HR Director Southeastern Europe at The Coca-Cola Company.
Barbara is an active member in the professional field, participating in the Greek People Management Association, the Hellenic Management Association and the Greek-American Chamber of Commerce.
Q&A
Q: Which three words would you choose to describe Deree?
Diversity: to be able to listen, accept and learn from different views and backgrounds
Team work: the value and beauty of respect and co-dependence amongst groups and
Sky is the limit: dream and aim high.
Q: What are three enduring values you learned at Deree?
Professionalism; to serve and not to be served; do your best.
Q: Looking back, how did your time at Deree help you become the person you are today?
Deree offered me great academic knowledge, the ability to actively listen and communicate in a constructive way, and connections with the corporate world.
Q: What do you miss most from your days at Deree?
The quality of our discussions, the fun and team spirit we shared with my classmates.
Q: What advice would you give a new student?
Use all the resources available to pursue your dreams.
Q: Who or what inspires you the most?
The idea of learning something new everyday day.
Q: What is your motto in life?
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” – Aristotle
Q: What does your work and/or current projects entail?
Building high-performing organizations and developing future leaders.
Q: What is the most inspiring aspect of your work?
Touching the hearts and minds of my colleagues.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
To be able to give back to society the benefits and knowledge I have gained over the years.
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