Thanos Geramanis

Graduation Year: 2002 (MBA 9)

Partner & Country Manager Greece at Blueground

LinkedIn Profile here

Looking back on your career, what was the most important decision you made (or didn't make) regarding your career path?

I think that the most important was not just a simple decision, but rather the plan that I had since the very beginning. Graduating from high school, I had a very concrete plan; finish my studies as soon as possible in NTUA, get an MBA degree and then join a top consulting Firm. I managed to follow every step of the plan with a lot of sacrifices in the beginning though.

What do you believe recent grads should keep in mind as they start out their careers?

I think that they should keep in mind that it is not going to be ‘an easy ride’. The road is going to bumpy and competition is implacable out there. They should be patient and know when to say ‘no’. A good manager and leader, knows how to manage his own career before managing others

What made you choose ALBA for your graduate studies?

I chose ALBA for very specific reasons; a. the level of studies and professors, knowledge was the first priority, b. the ‘name’ and reputation in the market, c. the opportunity to participate in a career forum with top employers in the market

Share with us your fondest memory while studying at ALBA.

Having studied only in Greek universities, ALBA was my first exposure to international teaching standards. The classes, the books, the team exercises, was the perfect preparation for my future career.

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE

• What is your greatest fear? loneliness
• Which historical figure do you most identify with? Alexander the Great
• Which living person do you most admire? Many features from many individuals 
• What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Always pushing higher  
• What is the trait you most deplore in others? Not recognizing mistakes
• What is your greatest extravagance? Travelling
• What is your favorite journey? Thailand
• On what occasion do you lie? To save someone’s life, practically never
• What is your greatest regret? None
• What or who is the greatest love of your life? My family
• When and where were you happiest? Many times, cannot isolate one
• Which talent would you most like to have? Public speaking
• What is your current state of mind? Alert
• If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Nothing
• If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? Nothing
• What do you consider your greatest achievement? That I have created followership with ex – colleagues
• What is your most treasured possession? My life experiences
• Where would you like to live? Athens, or US
• What is your favorite occupation? Travel shows, or arctic diving
• What is your most marked characteristic? Overachieving
• What do you most value in your friends? Their honesty with me
• What are your favorite names? Alexandra, Ioanna, Irene (the names of the women in my life)
• What is your motto? Always try to achieve more and do not take anything for granted