Excelling in International Careers – An Interview with three i-MBA Alumni

With the current issue focusing on international business, we identified many brilliant alumni pursuing challenging careers abroad. In the following, we present an interview with three of them, Lambrini Litsa, Senior Regional Marketing Manager, Sotheby’s International Realty, Canada and 2017 graduate, Serafeim Kotrotsos, Assistant Director, B2B Customer Support & Order Management, Ooredoo, Qatar and 2014 graduate, and Fotini Zerikioti, Global Senior Product Marketing Manager, Starbucks by Nespresso, Switzerland and 2018 graduate.

The questions focused on three areas: their international career, the connection between the i-MBA and their international path, and the current international business landscape. Here is what they told us and preciously share with our readership.

Speaking, initially, about your international career experience, what triggered and inspired you to pursue your career abroad?

Lambrini: It was a combination of personal and professional aspirations. I was lucky to have worked in Greece, for several years, in a great and fast-growing company with lots of opportunities for career growth — but I always felt the urge to see more, do more and get exposed to different work environments. During my i-MBA, this desire only grew as the program was instrumental in better understanding where I wanted to go next.

Serafeim: I have always loved exploring foreign places and meeting people. I still enjoy learning about the social, cultural, economic, historical and environmental aspects of various parts of the world. While studying, I realized that this could become more than a leisure activity. During my PhD research, before joining the MBA, I participated in several international research and development projects and got the chance to work with scientists and organizations in different countries. Later, my career gradually involved more and more international collaborations. I found myself spending a good amount of time abroad, combining work and pleasure. At some point in time this trend intersected with a few other key factors: (a) my 3 sons were reaching an age that more time with their father was important, (b) my home country had period of unprecedented instability, moving towards a direction I had personally tried to (unsuccessfully) repel through political activism, and (c) appealing business opportunities for roles at international companies abroad came up. After careful consideration my wife and I agreed to take one such opportunity for our family and ourselves, and never regretted it.

Fotini: Since I was a kid, I have always been fascinated by different cultures and the various worlds I could see in films or experience through music. I was also very eager to learn foreign languages, and I believe it was only natural that, as an adult and a student in the Marketing and Business Communication department at AUEB, I would pursue my first experience abroad through the Erasmus Program. I had the chance to spend almost a year in Strasbourg, France, and after my studies, I extended my stay by doing an internship. It was the first time I worked in a language different from my own, with people from all over the world, and I was definitely captivated by the limitless opportunities and the world that was opening up in front of me. After that, I had to return to Greece, but the “virus” was in me, and I knew it was only a matter of time before I would set foot outside Greece again.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning to an international role, and how did you overcome them?

Lambrini: Quite a few! The most prominent was adapting to the cultural differences and workplace dynamics in Canada, which differ markedly from those in Greece, Western Europe, and even the neighbouring US. One of the first things I noticed was the communication style, which is far less straightforward compared to how I usually expressed my opinions in a business setting. This required me to adjust, ensuring that my communication was both clear and tactful while respecting the subtleties of indirect feedback. Decision-making processes also presented a challenge. In Canada, there is a strong emphasis on consensus-building, where input from all parties involved or affected is sought before moving forward. This often leads to longer project timelines and necessitates a different approach to implementing change, compared to what I was accustomed to.

Moreover, I had to adapt to a workplace culture that generally avoids conflict and confrontation. The preference for a collaborative approach to problem-solving was another adjustment, particularly because collaboration in Canada tends to rely heavily on established processes rather than the relationship-driven methods I had experienced in other regions.

To overcome these challenges, I strategically entered the job market in a role with fewer managerial responsibilities than my previous position in Greece, within a large and highly respected organization. This approach allowed me to quietly observe and understand the different workplace dynamics at play, before taking on a role that better matched my career level. Although my time in that initial role was brief, it provided me with valuable insights and a solid foundation for navigating the Canadian work environment more effectively.

Serafeim: The biggest challenge has been around communication. That’s beyond language barriers, vocabulary and idiomatic phrases. It is much more than social etiquette and beliefs. It is mainly about deeper cultural and intellectual dynamics that make international collaborations substantially more complicated than local. It takes a much deeper contact with your colleagues to understand what to expect and what not to expect. You learn again how your words, body language, and behaviour are perceived and trigger reactions. When you eventually manage to unlock communication, a multinational team is ready to harvest the treasures of diversity, opening endless new opportunities.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your international career so far?

Lambrini: The most rewarding aspect of my international career is the sense of empowerment it brings. Working in a larger international market allows me to take control of my career trajectory, offering a broader range of opportunities and challenges that continuously drive my growth.

Serafeim: It is hard to name one. At the professional level I can note the experiences gained from large scale international endeavours, with state-of-the-art technologies, in a competitive multinational landscape, while “selling” my time at a significantly higher net benefit than back home. At a personal level I would underline the life-changing experience to learn new places and see the world from completely different perspectives. At family level I must mention the unique luck to grow children with an international outlook, building a circle of acquaintances that naturally spawn into several time zones and continents over time.

Fotini: By far the most rewarding has been the amazing people I have met all the way and the realisation that common values and pursuing excellence is beyond aspects like speaking the same language or having grown up in a similar way.

Concerning the connection with the i-MBA and your international career path, what skills and competencies do you believe are most critical for a successful international career today? 

Lambrini: While each person’s career journey is shaped by unique factors, I believe some key principles are essential when seeking opportunities abroad. Cultural intelligence, resilience and adaptability are crucial, meaning the ability to understand, respect, and adapt to different cultural norms and business practices. This includes being open-minded and flexible in navigating diverse work environments. The ability to remain resilient in the face of change and uncertainty is also critical.  Pursuing an international career comes with a lot of change — not just work-related — but also personal which can be very overwhelming.  Technical expertise and continuous learning are also very important, as international markets can vary widely and it’s key to staying competitive.

Serafeim: Adaptability is a key. In the international market, changes are faster and multidimensional. An ability to recognize them early enough and adapt effectively is critical. If this is combined with professional skills that are in demand while not too common, then you have the mix that not only opens the door to an international career but also fosters growth and success.

Patience is also important. International hiring is often a rather slow process. The same applies in setting up and initiating a project or a business with international partners. But when you pass the gate through this set-up time, you can achieve geometrical increases in returns.

Fotini: In my opinion, there are three key ingredients to success: a) Cultural sensitivity: Understanding and respecting cultural differences is essential. Be aware, adapt your style, and always try to treat people the way they want to be treated rather than the way you’d like to be treated. b) Communication skills: Being able to convey ideas to multiple audiences in a precise and concise way is a must-have skill. This includes adapting your style and practicing active listening to both verbal and non-verbal cues. c) Adaptability and resilience: Being able to adjust to new environments and situations while navigating complexity and uncertainty is crucial.

What were the courses, experiences, or resources from the i-MBA that you found particularly valuable for your international career?

Lambrini: My i-MBA experience was pivotal in shaping my decision to venture abroad. The program’s value extended far beyond the coursework, helping me cultivate a holistic business acumen that has proven to be a significant asset in Canada’s highly specialized market. However, what truly stands out is the program’s collaborative nature. Nearly all of our projects were group-based, requiring us to collaborate with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, industries, and disciplines. We often worked under intense pressure, balancing demanding full-time jobs alongside our studies. This experience profoundly transformed the way I work and engage in team settings today, equipping me with the skills to thrive in any collaborative environment.

Serafeim: Most of the professors in the program were bringing a significant amount of international experience themselves, and this was key to put the students into the perspective of international careers / business. Additionally, the combination of core courses and many electives covering different organizational aspects, technical, managerial, and strategic were particularly valuable.

Fotini: The MBA International has been a valuable step in building my international career, and I constantly cherish the moments I experienced during my studies, such as: a) Courses related to Strategy and Sustainability: These courses challenged me to think differently and broadened my perspective. b) Experiential learning opportunities: Both in-class and project-based experiences allowed me to work with people from diverse backgrounds and gain practical insights. c) Networking and industry connections: Interactions with leaders and professionals across various organizations helped me expand my network and feel more connected with the market.

What advice would you give to current i-MBA students and recent graduates who aspire to identify and seize international career opportunities; what are the key success factors, and are there any mistakes to avoid?

Lambrini: Think Beyond Your Career! It’s essential to visualize your entire lifestyle, not just your career, when planning an international move. Consider how living in a new country will align with your personal values, social life, and long-term goals. Do your research, reflect on factors like work-life balance, cultural fit, and access to activities that bring you joy outside of work. This holistic approach will help ensure that your international experience is not only professionally rewarding but also personally fulfilling.

Focus on networking and building relationships! While networking for professional reasons is essential, don’t underestimate the value of building personal relationships too. These connections can provide support, open up opportunities, and make your international experience more enriching. Attend social events, engage with local communities, and be open to meeting people outside of your industry or your immediate sphere. A strong network can help you navigate cultural differences, find new career opportunities, and make the most out of your time abroad.

Adopt a long-term perspective! Even if you’re pursuing a short-term international opportunity, keep a long-term perspective in mind. Consider how your current role can build skills, experiences, and networks that will benefit your future career. Look for opportunities to learn and grow, even in positions that may not seem ideal at the moment. Every experience abroad can add value to your career trajectory if you approach it with a long-term mindset!

In reverse, mistakes to avoid would be neglecting your personal well-being, underestimating cultural differences and not investing in building new relationships in your new country.

Serafeim: One size does not fit all, but there are some career paths that work more often than others. For young graduates with limited professional experience the most straight-forward path to international career is to join a locally present multinational organization with strong global footprint. The i-MBA program can bring such graduates in contact with well established companies. The new graduates will then put their new skills in action, while learning to work based on world-class standards, building skills, experience and strong CV. Sooner or later, they will find opportunities for international roles, either within the same organization, or outside of it, capitalizing on their experience in a well-reputed corporation. However, one needs not to neglect the importance of the line manager and the team. A line manager and a team that feeds your appetite for learning and motivation is the fundamental base for any sort of professional growth, locally or internationally.

Fotini: Go for it! No matter what, give it a try. At best, you will learn; at worst, you will learn the hard way. Jokes aside, if you want to pursue an international career, start by mastering Business English or any other language required for the country you wish to move to. Then, seize any opportunity that brings you closer to that goal. I left a full-time permanent job for a one-year temporary contract in Switzerland—everyone thought I was crazy, but in the end, it paid off.

When it comes to the international business landscape more generally, what are some of the key trends you’ve observed in international business and management over the past few years?

Serafeim: In my domain the key trend has been around Digital Transformation. The ability to streamline business processes, improve efficiency and customer experience, while increasing market reach has long been a key ambition for any business. Technological developments over the past few years make these goals attainable faster and with less resources, opening unlimited new opportunities, while increasing the market competitiveness.

What do you think the future holds for international business and management? What are the emerging markets or regions that you believe hold significant opportunities?

Serafeim: Countries in Asia, particularly China and India, continue to grow as major players in global markets. Countries in Middle East have been opening for years. At the same time, Africa is emerging with many opportunities, driven by growing populations, urbanization, and improvements in infrastructure. In parallel increasing trade and investment between emerging economies are observed, bypassing traditional Western markets. Nevertheless, working or even doing business in an emerging market comes with challenges much different than the ones faced in mature markets, therefore more careful study and preparation is needed, while all involved risks need to be carefully analyzed and mitigated.

Fotini: Difficult to answer but I will try to keep it short and sweet. Depending on the industry, I believe there are still unserved opportunities across the developing world, such as in countries in Southeast Asia (India, Vietnam, etc) as well as across Sub- Saharan Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia) and certain in Latin American markets where the middle-class population is growing and they have a first-time seen purchase power. On the other hand, we should not forget that all over the world and especially in the Western part of it, people live longer and the trend of healthy aging is becoming hotter than ever.

How does your company, or the leading companies in your industry more generally, stay competitive in an increasingly globalized economy?

Serafeim: As an international communications company, we are not stopping investing on edge technologies, aggressively developing products and services, enlarging our scope of business with customers, building an ecosystem of complementary offerings, hence cementing our position as preferred ICT supplier of businesses and organizations in the markets we are active. We are continuously optimizing our operations and supply chains, integrating our systems with those of our customers and partners, investing on partnerships with global players that excel in their area of business.

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We warmly thank Lambrini Litsa, Serafeim Kotrotsos and Fotini Zerikioti for sharing all these insights, lived experiences and advice. We wish them, and all i-MBA students and alumni, best of luck in pursuing their careers in Greece and across the globe, knowing that their alma mater MBA is always here to support!