top of page

✨ highlighted leader

DESPO MICHAELIDES

With over 25 years of experience, Despo is a passionate C-level leader championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

facebook-icon.png
linkedin-icon.png
twitter-icon.png

CHRO

Cyprus 🇨🇾

inspirational leader
Despo Michaelides
Despo Michaelides

ABOUT DESPO

Passionate C-level People and Culture leader with over 25 years of experience. A champion for workplace diversity, equity & inclusion with a vision to cultivate inclusive environments driving innovation and success. Advances key topics, like women empowerment, DE&I, CSR, to accelerate progress towards critical goals. Her leadership style is rooted in purpose, values, empathy, with a mission to drive positive impact for women and marginalized communities within our society.

image.png
SUCCESS IS THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINATION. KEEP LEARNING, KEEP GROWING.

Despo Michaelides

DESPO IN A NUTSHELL

CHRO

area of expertise

Human Resources / Recruiting Insurance Cyprus 🇨🇾

companies Despo has worked for

leadership

DESPO AS A LEADER

My definition of success is be humble, listen, serve and empower those around you!

Leadership is not about ego, power or control!

Great leaders are humble, serve, display empathy and gratitude.

The future of leadership is being authentic, empathetic and humble!

When I think of a leader, I think of Nelson Mandela.

Despo Michaelides
image.png
"A GOOD HEAD AND A GOOD HEART ARE ALWAYS A FORMIDABLE COMBINATION IN LEADERSHIP" - NELSON MANDELA.

Despo Michaelides

DESPO ON CAREER SUCCESS

At the onset of your career, be open to listen to others, stay curious, have a learning mindset and above all take calculated risks to progress.
Its only when you are uncomfortable that you learn, and it is in that discomfort that you can be innovative and creative to pursue what you really want.
Ensure you know your goal and be relentless in chasing your dream!
Above all speak up and ask for what you want, silence never got anyone anywhere.
Get a coach to build your confidence, impact and presence if needed and GO FOR IT!

DESPO ON OVERCOMING IMPOSTER SYNDROME

Here are my 5 steps:
1. Acknowledgment: Recognize the feelings of impostor syndrome and understand that they are common.
2. Redefine Success: Understand that perfection is unattainable and that making mistakes and having room for growth is part of the learning process.
3. Share Feelings: Talk about these feelings with mentors, colleagues, or friends. Often, others feel the same way.
4. Celebrate Achievements: Keep a record of accomplishments and positive feedback to challenge negative thoughts and feelings.
5. Seek Professional Help: If impostor feelings are overwhelming, therapy can provide strategies to combat these thoughts.

Despo Michaelides
Despo Michaelides
Despo Michaelides
image.png
LISTEN, COLLABORATE & BUILD TRUST AND WORK AS ONE TEAM. CREATE AN INCLUSIVE CULTURE WHERE CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION ARE VALUED.

Despo on becoming a better leader

INTERVIEW

EXPLORE OTHER LEADERS

women in leadership

Sara Fedele

Senior Manager, Program Communications and PR

Kickstart Innovation

📍

Italy 🇮🇹

Kickstart Innovation
women in leadership

Dr. A'Londa L Barber-Kusimo

CEO & Owner

LonnieB Creative Designs

📍

USA 🇺🇸

LonnieB Creative Designs
women in leadership

Selma Prodanovic

Keynote Speaker, Ecosystem Investor, Thought Leader, Advisor

Selma Prodanovic Company

📍

Austria 🇦🇹

Selma Prodanovic Company
bottom of page