"Diversity and meritocracy are good for colleagues and good for business"

Georgios Georgakopoulos is the Global Head of Servicing and Managing Director for Intrum Greece. He has shared some reflections about diversity and leadership.

"My focus is on motivating and aligning my team so that they are moving in the right direction and trust that they will also do the same to their teams to get where we need to be as an organization" says Georgios Georgakopoulos, Managing Director, Intrum Greece.

Why is diversity important in professional life?

By embracing diversity, we have access to a greater range of talent. Diversity also brings variety of different perspectives and creativity to solving problems, improving our productivity, innovation and collective intelligence overall. Most importantly, employee engagement is something we believe in and through diversity our reputation of a great place to work is enhanced. 

Do you think women lead differently than men? If yes, how?

Everyone has their own style of management which I believe isn’t gender specific but person specific. For me personally in hiring a senior manager I look for the skills and values required to fulfil the demands of the position rather than focusing on gender bias.  Each team member is highly skilled and proficient in their chosen discipline.

In Greece half of the senior management team are female. How did you achieve such degree of gender diversity?

It is quite simple, we recruit and promote on merit. We offer positions to professionals who perform and live our values.

 

By embracing diversity, we have access to a greater range of talent. Diversity also brings variety of different perspectives and creativity to solving problems, improving our productivity, innovation and collective intelligence overall.
Georgios Georgakopoulos, Global Head of Servicing and Managing Director Greece

How would you describe your way of leading?

I like to inspire my team and the organization I lead, towards achieving our overall vision. And lead by example. My focus is on motivating and aligning my team so that they are moving in the right direction and trust that they will also do the same to their teams to get where we need to be as an organization. 

What is your most important tip for young talents starting their careers?

Make your own path and stay true to what you really believe in. Remember to actively manage your career. Ask yourself “what do I need to accomplish in this role, and what skills to I need to develop to reach the next role”.

Have you noticed any differences in challenges between women and men in leadership positions?

I feel that given the difficulties we are facing as a society, both male and female managers face similar challenges in balancing a harmonious home and work life. Given our commitment to gender inclusion at all levels within the organization, I do not feel that women in leadership positions at Intrum Greece face different work challenges to men because of their gender. 

What gives you most pride in your work at Intrum?

Creating an organisation that colleagues are happy to work for and tell so to their friends and relatives! A business where we have the opportunity to attract the best candidates in the market and to create a truly engaging work environment for everyone. Happy colleagues means happy clients and strong business performance. I am glad to be part of such an organisation.