Alumnus Profiled: Yannis Vidras
Graduated: Deree 1999
Lives in: Athens, Greece
Current Role: Senior Commercial Capability Manager, Coca-Cola HBC
Yiannis Vidras graduated from Deree College with a BSc in Business Administration and later completed his MSc in Total Quality Management. He also holds the Agile Master certification, reflecting his commitment to organizational agility and innovative leadership.
Throughout his 20-year career with Coca-Cola HBC, Yiannis has held senior leadership positions, developing and executing commercial strategies that have played a pivotal role in the company’s success. He is known for leading multidisciplinary teams and driving corporate transformations that foster growth and operational excellence. His experience spans strategic development, quality management, and creating sustainable business practices.
Yiannis’ personal transformation journey is equally remarkable. Initially driven by his desire to be more active with his children, Yiannis undertook a lifestyle change, going from being overweight to completing Ironman triathlons. This personal challenge took on greater significance when his daughter, Olga, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just nine months old. Inspired by this, Yiannis founded CravingNoBorders, an advocacy platform focused on mindset transformation and raising awareness for childhood diabetes.
A strong advocate for breaking mental barriers and building resilience, Yiannis shares his insights through public speaking, his podcast and various social media platforms. He was honored by the Paris 2024 Committee to serve as a torchbearer for the Olympic flame in Paris, symbolizing his connection to his Greek heritage and his journey of overcoming personal and professional challenges.
Yiannis met his wife, Mara, during their time at Deree. They studied, graduated, and completed their MSc together. Now, they have been married for 20 years and have two children, continuing to inspire one another in both personal and professional pursuits.
Q&A
Q: What are three enduring values Deree has taught you?
Deree taught me resilience, community, and curiosity. The institution fostered a mindset to overcome challenges, value strong relationships, and always stay curious and open to learning.
Q: Describe Deree in three words.
Empowering, transformative, and inspiring.
Q: Which is your fondest memory from your time at Deree?
My fondest memory would be the sense of camaraderie during group projects and presentations, where we were challenged to think critically, collaborate, and grow as individuals and as a team.
Q: What do you miss most from your days at Deree?
I miss the dynamic exchange of ideas and the energy on campus. There was always a sense of shared purpose and excitement about the future.
Q: If you could go back in time, is there anything that you would do differently?
If I could go back, I would spend even more time engaging with professors and peers outside the classroom, seizing every opportunity to learn from their experiences and perspectives.
Q: Where was your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot was the library—it was more than just a place to study; it was a sanctuary for reflection and personal growth.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was Dimitris Michopoulos, who challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone and approach problems with a strategic, solutions-oriented mindset. Their mentorship had a lasting impact on my career.
Q: After graduation, have you maintained a relationship with your school and classmates?
Yes, I’ve maintained a strong connection with both the institution and my classmates. However, the most meaningful relationship I formed at Deree was with my wife, Mara. We studied and graduated together, went on to complete our MSc, and have now been married for 20 years with two children.
Q: Looking back, how did your time at Deree help you become the person you are today?
Deree laid the foundation for my professional and personal transformation. The skills I developed in leadership, communication, and critical thinking directly influenced my career and helped me pursue ambitious goals, including my journey as an Ironman triathlete and advocate for childhood diabetes.
Q: What advice would you give a new Deree student?
Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Get involved, ask questions, and build relationships—you never know which connections or lessons will shape your future.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from my family, especially my children, who have been my driving force in my journey. Their resilience and support motivate me to continue pushing limits and advocating for change.
Q: What is your motto in life?
“Limites are only mental barriers.” This has been my guiding principle through my personal transformation, my advocacy for childhood diabetes, and my pursuit of challenging goals.
ACG Alumni: We Stay Connected!
