Ioanna Mantzouridou Onasi’s Post

Reflecting on my recent journey of curiosity and imagination, I'm reminded of how expansive our worlds can be when we allow ourselves to dream and explore. As a child, I marveled at the sky's vastness and the miracles of nature. I was enraptured by movies that transported me to realms beyond my immediate surroundings. However, as I grew, the responsibilities and realities of adulthood reshaped my daily life, transforming my adventures into routine tasks. Yet, it was during my time at IE University this month, going back to school and figuring out how I would be balancing studies with a burgeoning career, that I rediscovered the power of curiosity. It wasn't just about learning; it was about fusing my passions to explore all the possibilities of who I could be and the impact I could have. This experience taught me that our professional journeys and personal growth do not have to follow a linear path defined by others. Curiosity has been my guide through every chapter of my life, pushing me to question and explore, leading to unexpected discoveries and opportunities. It's a reminder that we are not defined solely by our occupations but by the richness of our experiences and the breadth of our explorations. So, I encourage you all: never stop being curious. Let it lead you to ask "what if?" and to venture beyond the familiar. Embrace the journey of continuous discovery, and let's inspire each other to reimagine our roles in this ever-evolving world. #Curiosity #LifelongLearning #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

Reflecting on her own journey, Tala Alnounou, head of MENA marketing at LWK & Partners, highlights the importance of curiosity and imagination in personal and professional growth. She recently rediscovered the power of curiosity while balancing school and her career, allowing her to explore new possibilities and redefine her path – which, she adds, does not have to be linear. ☁️ How do you think curiosity opens doors of opportunity? Join the conversation.

Back in the summer I ran a session for a team at the University of Sussex, helping them to build individual and team awareness using MBTI (a personality preference tool). They had won an internal award for their fantastic contribution, and I was chuffed that they had chosen to use their prize on a day learning with me! I also felt hugely nostalgic to be back on a university campus. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t the uni I went to, it still took me straight back to that time in the 90s! I was flooded with memories of the freedom I felt, the optimism, learning and exploring, having fun, making life-long friends and feeling part of something shared. 🎓🎉 Those three years had a seismic influence on my life. But before I disappear into a reverie of my (mostly) well-spent youth, what’s my point? Well, it’s this: Generally, #careercoaching is future focused. But sometimes it’s useful to look back. Not so much in a ‘tell me about your childhood’ way, but to review some of the peak experiences and difficulties you have had in your working life. The aim is to consider what was happening during those highs and lows and what nuggets you can draw from this. Think about it now, ❓What helped you to feel positive or motivated during the highs in your career, and what made the lows particularly hard for you? Often themes start to emerge. For example: ➡️ You may notice that your values were being met during the highs and affronted in some way during the lows? ➡️ Perhaps certain styles of management or work environment contributed to whether you felt in a good or bad place? ➡️ Or maybe the role you were in really played to your strengths, preferences and interests, or quite the opposite, leaving you bored, frustrated or struggling? Identifying insights from some of your past experiences can help you understand more about what works for you, what you need to feel fulfilled at work and therefore what to look out for (or avoid) as you plan your next steps. #nostalgia #backintime #90s #insights #motivation #UniversityofSussex #CareerChange #teamdevelopment #personaldevelopment

During the summer, I had the privilege of leading orientation sessions designed not just to introduce students to their new academic environment but also to assist in their cultural, social, and emotional acclimatization. Organizing workshops on cultural adjustment and leading icebreaker activities to forge new friendships were among the many highlights. Key Insights from My Summer Experience: Leadership and Teamwork: I took charge of a volunteer team to deliver engaging and informative orientation events, honing my leadership and teamwork skills. Cross-cultural Communication: I developed my ability to navigate and bridge cultural differences, ensuring clear and inclusive communication. Problem-solving: I tackled unexpected challenges head-on, from last-minute schedule changes to addressing students' immediate concerns. Event Planning: I acquired practical event management experience, ensuring each orientation was both memorable and impactful for new students. Although my role as an International Student Orientation Leader took place over the summer, the lessons and memories remain vividly with me. The experience emphasized the value of empathy, adaptability, and innovative thinking in leadership. It was a privilege to contribute to making the students' transition smoother and more welcoming. I am immensely thankful for the skills I've gained and the people I've met along this journey. A heartfelt thank you to my team and to all the students who made this experience truly unforgettable. Here's to carrying these insights forward into future endeavors! #InternationalStudents #OrientationLeader #Leadership #CulturalExchange #HigherEducation

As I sit back and reflect on my college journey so far, I'm filled with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and gratitude. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I knew that this was where I was meant to be. The past year and a half has been a whirlwind of new experiences, challenges, and growth, and I'm excited to share my story. The transition from school to college was a significant change, but I was eager to embrace the unknown. My first semester was a blur of new classes, assignments, and projects. I was determined to make the most of this new chapter, and I threw myself into campus life. I joined clubs and organizations, met incredible people from diverse backgrounds, and explored new interests. I was challenged academically, but I learned to adapt, prioritize, and thrive under pressure. Through semester one, I gained a deeper understanding of my field, developed new skills, and formed meaningful connections with peers and mentors. I learned to think critically, solve problems creatively, and work collaboratively with others. And through it all, I discovered a sense of purpose and direction that I never knew I had. But college has been so much more than just academics. It's been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and exploration. I've learned to embrace my strengths and weaknesses, take risks, and step outside my comfort zone. I've made lifelong friends, formed meaningful connections with mentors and peers, and developed a sense of community and belonging. As I look to the future, I'm excited to see where this journey takes me next. I'm eager to continue exploring my passions, developing new skills, and making a meaningful impact in my field. I know that there will be challenges ahead, but I'm ready to embrace them with open arms. #CollegeLife #GrowthMindset #LearningAndDevelopment #SelfDiscovery #NewBeginnings #CollegeExperience #AcademicJourney #PersonalGrowth

Remembering 9/11: A Journey of Reflection and Growth Every September 11th, I'm transported back to junior year at Syracuse University. As I headed to Spanish class, I was unaware that the world was about to change forever. For those of us who were coming of age during that time, 9/11 marked a turning point that shaped our paths in ways we couldn't have imagined. Lessons from the Long Road Looking back on the years since, I've learned some valuable lessons that I'd like to share: 1. Nothing is Wasted Every experience, every "wrong" turn, every detour & setback contribute to who we become. 2. Don't Wait Too Long to Decide Life can change in an instant. Make decisions with the information you have, and trust in your ability to adapt. 3. Resilience is a Muscle The collective resilience we witnessed in the aftermath of 9/11 showed us the strength of the human spirit. This resilience isn't just for times of crisis - it's a skill we can build daily. 4. Community Matters In your darkest hours, your community will lift you up. As we navigate our professional lives, remember the power of connection and support. 5. Purpose Finds You I've learned that when you stay true to your values and keep moving forward, purpose often reveals itself in unexpected ways. 6. Growth May Mean Leaving Others Behind It's okay to become the best version of yourself, even if that means outgrowing certain relationships or environments. To those who feel they haven't made all the right decisions or taken the "perfect" path - you're not alone. The beauty of life's journey is that it's never too late to course-correct, to find meaning, to make an impact. Today, as I reflect on where I was and where I am now, I'm filled with gratitude. For the lessons, for the growth, and for finally feeling like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be - even if the path here meant leaving some things behind. Let's honor this day by embracing our journeys, supporting each other, and committing to making a positive impact, no matter where we are in our paths. Where were you on 9/11? How has your journey unfolded since then? Share your reflections below. #NeverForget #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalJourney #SyracuseUniversity

I'm about to admit something I’ve been keeping under wraps for a while, and I'm tensing up as I sit here and write it... I don’t have a college degree. THERE, I SAID IT! 🫣 I only completed a single semester of community college. The truth? My family couldn’t afford to send me to college, and at 18, just surviving high school and not knowing what I wanted in life, college didn’t seem like the right investment. I chose a different path – I worked. Starting at 14, I've been part of the workforce, navigating my way through various industries. From retail to nonprofit, from medical to marketing, I learned the ropes and climbed the ladder, not through academic credentials, but through hard work, adaptability, and a relentless drive to succeed. Behind this journey, I’ve always kept a little hidden piece of shame due to this “secret.” It’s been feeding my imposter syndrome, always fearing someone would ”find me out” or ask where I went to school. But now, I’ve decided to break free from all that weight. It’s liberating to own my story and to share it without the shadow of shame. But this isn’t just a story about my journey without a degree. It’s about a broader, more significant change happening in our world. More and more, we’re seeing organizations and thought leaders shift their focus from academic degrees to the skills and experiences the individual brings to the table. It's an acknowledgment that talent and potential often lie beyond formal education. This confession isn't just about shedding light on my past; it's about embracing the future. It's about showing that success isn't a one-size-fits-all model, but a diverse tapestry woven from different experiences and backgrounds. It's an encouragement for anyone feeling overshadowed by conventional expectations. Your path, no matter how unconventional, has value and deserves recognition. In sharing my story, I hope to inspire those who, like me, have walked a different path. To show that our journeys, regardless of how they diverge from the norm, are filled with lessons, strengths, and successes that are just as valuable, if not more, than traditional routes. Here’s to embracing our unique paths and recognizing the potential in every journey. #PersonalBranding #HigherEducation #Career

I’m increasingly asked to share career guidance with graduate students and young professionals as I did again today at Sciences Po. Here’s what I have to say: 1.follow your passion (yes, do it – and there’s a simple grid to get to : "what’s important to me") 2.work across sectors (because positionality is everything, and knowing organizational constraints language & culture are best learned in situ) 3.practice loving kindness (because being kind to yourself opens your heart’s ears to the world). Thoughts? #learnbydoing #leadershipmatters #highereducation

Throughout my schooling, I was the student who embraced every opportunity — from sports and cultural activities to volunteering and organizing events. While many of my peers focused primarily on academics, I found myself drawn to explore various interests. I still remember my teachers often saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none, Nandhitha. Focus on one thing rather than being everywhere.” For a long time, I questioned whether being passionate about many things was a disadvantage. Was I spreading myself too thin? Should I narrow my focus? Over time, I came to appreciate the fuller version of the saying: “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” This phrase resonates deeply with me. It highlights that versatility and curiosity across disciplines are strengths, not weaknesses. Engaging in diverse areas of interest has enabled me to connect seemingly unrelated fields, providing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. In an increasingly complex and dynamic world, the ability to adapt and draw on a range of experiences is invaluable. While depth is important, breadth allows us to think creatively, to cross-pollinate ideas, and to remain agile in an ever-evolving landscape. My varied interests have taught me how to navigate different roles, wear many hats, and see the world through a multifaceted lens. To those who feel torn between different paths: don’t fear your diversity of interests. Embrace it. Your versatility might just be your greatest strength, opening doors to opportunities that specialization alone cannot. #Versatility #Adaptability #GrowthMindset

As May approaches, I find myself excited to start this new chapter - returning to college to pursue my degree in Business Management. This decision wasn't made lightly - it's a culmination of dreams, ambitions, and commitment to my personal and professional growth. Returning to college as an adult, especially as a mother, brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. It's about the balance of life, work, and my studies - but it's also about setting an example - that it's never too late to chase your dreams or pivot towards new aspirations. This journey is not only for my development but also for my family, especially my daughter, showing them that through perserverance anything is achievable. To those contemplating a similar path, please know that it truly is never too late to pursue your educational goals. Whether you're aiming to shift careers, advance in your current field, or simply learn something new - the doors of education are always open. Here's to new beginnings, to learning and growing, to setting goals and smashing them! Here's to the future leaders among us. Time to make this journey incredible! #BacktoCollege #BusinessManagement #LifelongLearning #NewBeginnings #Multitasking #LifeGoals #Manifest #WeAreFord