INTERVIEW
Sotirios Ptochos is an MBA graduate of Athens University of Economics and Business (Greece). He scooped the AMBA & BGA Excellence Award for MBA Startup of the Year 2022 for his company PEOPLE Technology Solutions (PEOPLE). PEOPLE offers a green solution to the world because Ptochos’ startup represents a revolutionary approach to one of the most significant climate challenges, proposing
sustainable transportation and supply chain solutions. The company combines lightweight technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics. Its aim is to revolutionise the standards of global freight transport by saving 205 million trees; reducing C02 emissions by 65 million tonnes; saving more than 20.5 billion litres of fossil fuel, and moving 40 million tonnes of cargo at no additional cost or additional C02 emissions – every year.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your career so far? I grew up in a small town in Greece, called Messini. When I was a little boy, I had two big dreams – similar to the dreams that many children have. The first was to fly, so I became a pilot. The second was to change the world and make it a better place for everyone, so I became a member of a passionate team that aspires to make a difference and change the world. With the first dream in mind, I joined the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) Academy in the pilot department. I became a fighter pilot. With my second dream in mind, I applied for the business administration department of Athens University of Economics and Business as soon as I graduated from HAF Academy. I love the feeling that a flight in a fighter jet gives me, and also the feelings
a business endeavour generates; they are almost the same: agility, flexibility, speed, teamwork, controllable risk, passion to win, passion to protect, and passion to serve. I served in many fighter squadrons as a pilot. My training in F-16 in the US was one of the most important milestones in my life. I was also a member of the Chief Office of Hellenic National Défense General Staff. As soon as I felt that I was at the peak of my pilot career, I moved to the next step and established the PEOPLE team with my brothers. At PEOPLE, we believe that the combination of people and technology can make the impossible possible. Our ambition is to participate in the global effort to give our children – and the next generations – a better world than the one we inherited.
Of course, it is beautiful to give, but in my opinion, it is not acceptable to give less than you are able to give. We must offer as much as we can without any limitations. I do not believe in limits. Many people say that sky is the limit. I say that the sky is not a limit; there are no limits. 2022. How did it feel to win and has it made any impact on your career? I would like to thank you and congratulate your team for organising this outstanding event, and for supporting endeavours around the world such as ours. Congratulations on winning the MBA Startup of the Year Being elected by a jury of exceptional people is an enormous boost for our team and a sign we are going in the
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Ambition | BE IN BRILLIANT COMPANY
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