Thalia: 

I believe the first step is understanding why you have a busy schedule—or better yet, making it a conscious decision. In the early years of my career, I devoted all my time to work. Whenever I had free time, I filled it by being out and about—meeting people, attending events, and saying yes to everything.

Now, I approach my schedule with more maturity. I have a clearer sense of what I can realistically handle and what I can’t. Prioritizing is key, but it’s a skill that develops naturally through experience and trial and error. It takes time to figure out what truly matters and what can be let go.

For me, the most important tool for staying focused and efficient is my calendar. Everything goes in there—even reminders for a quick friendly chat with someone. Our minds are constantly racing, juggling endless thoughts and tasks. Having a clear, visual plan for the day keeps me organized and ensures nothing gets overlooked. It’s the best way I’ve found to stay on top of everything and maintain balance in my life.

What does ‘feeling at home’ mean to you? Having lived abroad from a young age, what makes you feel safe and grounded when you're far from home?

Barbara:

I’ve always believed that home is something we carry within us. Even when I’m far from home, I create the conditions that bring me a sense of security and warmth. For me, people—especially my friends—play a vital role in this. Friendships abroad hold a unique weight and impact; they become my chosen family, with bonds that are strong, even if they’re formed over a short period of time. At the same time, continuing to do, as much as possible, the activities I enjoyed with my family helps me feel connected to them, even from afar. Staying true to the values they instilled in me and honoring my Greek heritage also keep me rooted and grounded, no matter where I am.

Thalia: 

To me, “feeling at home” starts with myself. Having lived abroad from a young age, I’ve learned to become my own best company and create a sense of home wherever I am. Whether it’s writing, listening to or playing music, watching movies, or simply exploring London—or any city I’m in—with a coffee in hand, I know how to make myself feel grounded and at peace.

That said, it’s also about the people around me. The ones who inspire me, ground me, and become my “chosen family” away from home. They bring a sense of belonging and connection that makes any place feel safe and familiar. It’s a combination of internal and external elements that create a true feeling of home, no matter where I am.

How has growing up in a small town like Nafplio shaped your perspective on possibilities and career ambitions? In what ways has it influenced your journey so far?

Barbara:

I believe my answer to this question explains my thoughts on what “home” means. Growing up between two small towns like Nafplio and Corfu, I was exposed to two distinct worlds from a very young age. This early exposure helped me develop a strong sense of adaptability and the ability to feel at ease in any environment. While some might attribute this to personality, I believe it is often our life experiences that shape our character.

At the same time, Nafplio and Corfu offered so much more than just adaptability. They instilled in me a deep sense of “community,” which is often more profound in the Greek provinces than in large cities. Living in these towns meant engaging with all members of the community, regardless of their background or aspirations. This experience nurtured my desire to contribute meaningfully to whichever community I become part of, whether it's my academic environment, my work, a new country or city, or my social circle. Have I fully achieved this as a lawyer? I can’t say yet, but this drive continues to push me forward as I constantly search for ways to make an impact.

Both towns are also steeped in history and culture, which shaped—or at least inspired me to strive for—a well-rounded personality. Their international exposure through tourism, along with their proximity to major urban centers, sparked my curiosity from a young age about “what’s out there.” This curiosity has been a guiding force in my journey so far, shaping my ambitions and opening up possibilities I might not have otherwise considered.

Thalia:

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have grown up in smaller towns like Nafplio and Corfu. For someone creative like me, these places had a profound impact on shaping my aesthetic and taste. They trained my eye to appreciate beauty from a young age, which has influenced both my personal and professional journey. When it comes to career ambition, I believe it’s really about the individual. We've seen people with limited resources achieve extraordinary things, while others, despite attending prestigious schools, haven’t made the most of their opportunities. Of course, these are just generalizations, but the point is that the size of the city or the type of school you attend doesn’t define your potential. What matters most is determination—the drive to dream big, plan seriously, and research how to achieve your goals. Everything else is just an excuse not to pursue your dreams.

If you could offer one piece of advice to someone starting their career, especially in such competitive fields, what would it be?

Barbara:

Compete with yourself, not with others. From school to university and into the workplace, we’re often conditioned to strive to be the best, the number one. But at what cost? This mindset implies that success means standing alone at the top, above everyone else, no matter what. However, life has taught me that "tops" are spacious enough to fit everyone. Together, we can achieve far more—both professionally and personally—than we ever could alone. The goal, in my view, should be to continuously improve upon who we were yesterday—not just in technical skills, but also as individuals. I see an abundance of highly qualified professionals with impressive credentials but notice a shortage of character, integrity, values, and vision. What truly sets someone apart are these qualities along with how they treat others, their empathy, and their willingness to take responsibility for themselves. The real challenge -and the greatest reward- lies in becoming a better version of yourself every day, no matter what path you choose.

Thalia:

My advice would be simple: work hard, know when to speak and when to listen, and strive to be someone others enjoy being around. Success in competitive fields often comes down to these core principles. Building relationships, showing respect, and maintaining a strong work ethic can take you further than anything else.

Reflecting on your journey so far, what stands out as the proudest moment in your career, and how has it shaped your aspirations for the future?

Barbara:

Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the numerous proud moments I have experienced in both my academic and professional career—many "highs," as they are often called. However, I don’t want to single out any one of them or dwell on those specific moments. After all, they are fleeting. What truly brings about lasting change, and what I am most proud of, is the work that leads to these achievements. We often focus on the visible "top of the iceberg," but beneath that surface lies the much harder, unseen preparation. For every success, there is usually a struggle—a "low" that few, if any, are aware of. This tendency of focusing only on the result contributes to the culture of competition I mentioned before.

With that in mind, I would say that my proudest moments are the times I’ve had to confront, accept, and ultimately overcome the fears and insecurities that held me back from reaching my goals. These experiences have shaped my resilience and fostered a deep trust in the process. Regardless of what my future aspirations may be, I now have the confidence that everything meant for me will come when I work with dedication and trust in my abilities.

Thalia:

There have been many proud moments in my career, each one inspiring me to reach for the next step, whatever that might be. However, if I had to choose one, it would be the moment I made the bold decision to stop preparing for the Greek SATs and pursue my true passion—fashion. Looking back, I’m amazed at the confidence I had as a teenager to walk away from nine months of intense preparation and say, “This isn’t what I want.” At the time, I was on track to study Psychology at a Greek university—a respectable choice but one largely influenced by societal expectations rather than personal ambition. Choosing to follow my passion instead of conforming to the traditional path remains one of the most pivotal decisions I’ve ever made. While it wasn’t a conventional “career” moment, I’m deeply proud of young Thalia for standing up for what she truly wanted. That decision and her courage continue to inspire me to this day. 

If you could switch lives with each other for a day, what aspect of the other person’s life or career would you be most curious or excited to experience, and why?

Barbara:

What I’ve always admired about Thalia’s work is the incredible creativity it embodies. When I picture her workspace, I imagine a vibrant environment filled with colors, the exchange of ideas, brainstorming sessions, and some of the most creative minds coming together. Having been trained in a highly logical and structured field like law, I was taught to follow the book, the law, the precedent.

The freedom to let your imagination run wild, to share your ideas, and to see them come to life alongside your colleagues’ visions—in a spectacular event, a unique photo shoot, or a thought-provoking panel—is something completely foreign to me. I’d even say it’s a bit intimidating; how do you know if your idea is the right one? Yet, it’s also deeply fascinating and inspiring at the same time.

Thalia:

I think it would be really interesting to step into a proper corporate environment where everything operates in a structured and professional manner—it’s a world I’ve never experienced. I can’t quite imagine the daily tasks or dynamics. Barbara’s expertise is so different from mine, and I imagine that having a background in law and operating with that mindset must be incredibly liberating. It seems like it would provide a sense of confidence and clarity, almost like speaking an entirely different language.

What does success mean to you? Was there a specific moment when you felt you had truly achieved it?

Barbara:

To me, success means feeling happy and complete with what you have and who you are. It’s about being at peace with yourself while also inspiring others through your example. Too often, we’re taught to measure success solely by external markers—what we own or how we appear. However, I prefer a more holistic approach on what success truly entails.

The individuals I genuinely admire and look up to are those who excel professionally with vision and integrity, while also being loving partners, parents, relatives and friends who deeply value and respect their relationships. They are engaged citizens who actively contribute to the well-being of their communities. These people aren’t loud about their accomplishments, yet they possess a quiet glow that naturally attracts and inspires others.

Looking back on my life so far, I can acknowledge the moments of recognition for my achievements, work, and character. However, I wouldn’t say I’ve truly achieved success. There is still so much to learn and experience. Until now, I’ve been setting the foundations, but my journey is only just beginning. I hope that, one day in the future, I will reach a point where I can genuinely feel and say that I have achieved success as I perceive it.

Thalia: 

That’s such a difficult question - success is a tricky concept to define and I don’t think it can be tied to a single moment. For me, it’s been a journey filled with countless steps, sacrifices that often go unseen, moments of doubt, and even tears. Success, in my eyes, means overcoming your fears—whatever they may be—and striving to be better than you were yesterday. It’s also about using your growth to positively impact the lives of others along the way.

If success were guaranteed, what is one dream or goal you would pursue without hesitation?

Barbara: 

I would say either singing or writing. While these may seem like completely different dreams, they share one key element: the ability to create something that transcends the creator and touches the hearts and souls of others. The work of a singer or writer becomes a source of comfort, strength, and inspiration for people, shaping their experiences and connecting them on a deep level. I’ve always found this ability to move and inspire others through words -whether sung or written- truly fascinating.

Thalia:

If success were guaranteed, I would love to be a part of one of the most successful rock bands—not as the frontwoman, but playing the bass or electric guitar. Musicians have a unique ability to connect with people on an emotional level. Music becomes intertwined with memories, and it helps express feelings that words alone can’t convey. Being in a rock band would let me live the exhilarating life of a rockstar, creating art that resonates with people and stands the test of time. At the same time, not being the face of the band would allow me to enjoy a sense of anonymity and freedom—a perfect balance of recognition and privacy.

Shot by Vas Thalis