By: Markos Papadatos, Senior Editor
Gregory Panselinas chatted with HNA’s Markos Papadatos about working in healthcare, and the Greek-American community.
What have you been up to lately? Workwise?
I am currently working in the admissions department for an amazing subacute nursing and rehabilitation center called: Glen Island Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in New Rochelle. I am skilled in the admissions processes, marketing, hospital relations, community relations, healthcare administration, customer service and digital marketing. My work is challenging but fun.
I wake up every day strategizing and analyzing ways that we can better serve the older population and stand out from our competition. What makes my job easier is that I work with some amazing individuals that truly care for people and they do not treat this solely as a business. It brings me endless joy knowing that someone that needed physical therapy after a hip or knee replacement is able to get back to their home within a few weeks and continue living their life on their terms.
Can you tell us about your Greek heritage?
My country is my greatest pride. I was born and raised on an island of Greece called Lesbos. The Island is known for having amazing beaches, mountains, and desserts. It is also known for its high-quality olive oil and huge production of our local alcohol called Ouzo. My Island, also known as the island of the poets, is recognized for having some notable artists.
People that were born in Lesbos such as, Odysseas Elytis was a Nobel prize winner in literature. The ancient Greek poet Sappho was regarded as one of the greatest lyric poets and was given names such as the tenth muse or poetess. The painter Theophilos who painted on walls, doors and windows and his art was inspired by mythology, nature, and life. I take pride in the accomplishments of my Greek ancestors because they have shed light in the western world in terms of their philosophy, political ideas, and athletic achievements.
What motivates you each day?
I do not believe so much in motivation as much as I believe in self-discipline. Waking up every day I know there are certain things that need to be accomplished in order to achieve ultimate health, financial wellbeing and have stronger relationships. Sometimes it is mundane tasks such as running for 30 minutes, meal prepping, making calls, things that may not make a huge difference in that moment, but have an accumulation effect over time. I just know what are the self-constructive behaviors that will make me a more well-rounded individual and I just do them every day. I do not cut corners; I just want to be the best version of myself that i can be. My life mission is to help as many people live a healthy happy life not necessarily telling everyone what to do, but by being the happiest and healthiest version of myself that i can be.
How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)
The digital age is a positive change in the world. Now more than ever we can access information in seconds from the convenience of our phones. Information that could be life changing. There has never been an easier time to access tools and keys to success in any field better and faster than now. However, with every positive change there are a lot of negatives.
People get more complacent than ever. Many people start living their lives through the phone or through their camera lens and the social aspect of communication is becoming more awkward. Nevertheless, it is up to the individual to recognize these changes and act accordingly. It is important to not forget the right behaviors that make us more social and more beneficial to the world.
What do your plans for the future include?
My plans for the future include refining my expertise in healthcare marketing, acquiring my nursing home administration license, expanding my real estate portfolio, cultivating more powerful relationships with like-minded individuals, entering additional fitness competitions and traveling to more places in the world.
What are your concluding thoughts on the Greek American community here in the US?
The Greek American community in the US is notable, but I would say it could be even stronger. I would like to see more events and more gatherings amongst Greeks and more collaborations. I live in Astoria, Queens, a very densely Greek populated city and I still feel there are not many places that Greeks can socialize and connect. I recognize that over the years the community has gotten weaker and it would be great to see it again reignited.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success to me is living life without regrets. I am fortunate enough to say that I have zero regrets in the trajectory of my life. Every decision I have made I accepted full responsibility for its results and consequences. Furthermore, success is living life on purpose, serving others and also serving yourself. It is important to find the things that make us happy and do more of those things. Waking up with gratitude and inner peace is my only rule for success.
What are some of your proudest professional moments?
I have worked in many industries, but some of my proudest moments were; being able to represent a very prestigious Nursing center such as Glen Island Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation. Additionally, the completion of my Bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food science, and the completion of my prerequisites to becoming a nursing home administrator.
Furthermore, in the world of fitness, I placed top three in many national and international fitness competitions. Lastly, I have modeled for many years and one of my proudest moments was being able to grace the cover of more than 100 romance novels that were featured all over the world.
What’s it like knowing and collaborating with Rudy Bundini?
Rudy Bundini is more than just a dear friend; I consider him a brother at this point. I have the best interest at heart for him, as I would for a close family member. Collaborating with Rudy in business and in the professional world is a pleasure. He is a man of integrity and I trust him wholeheartedly. I truly feel privileged to have crossed paths and I do not take him for granted.
To learn more about Gregory Panselinas, follow him on Instagram.
