By Aphrodite Kotrotsios, Special to the Hellenic News of America
The recent Leadership 100 Conference held in Naples, Florida, marked a significant milestone for the organization. Founder and Chairman of the Hellenic News of America, Paul Kotrotsios, had the opportunity to engage with Paulette Poulos, the Director of Leadership 100, credited with developing Leadership 100 into what it is today, and the current Chairman, Jim Logothetis. Here are some key takeaways from their discussions:
Success Factors and Impact Measurement
Reflecting on the conference’s success, Poulos highlighted the overwhelming response with 725 attendees, including nearly 300 young professionals. The program’s diversity, spanning various fields and featuring esteemed speakers, contributed to its success. Poulos emphasized Leadership 100’s unique foundation around the church, a vision initiated by Archbishop Iakovos.
Logothetis, emphasizing the importance of engaging young professionals, noted the organization’s efforts to bridge the gap and ensure sustainability. He stressed the need for a clear vision aligned with the church’s goals, emphasizing unity and impact measurement.
Core Values and Strategies
The core values of Leadership 100 revolve around Orthodox Hellenic principles, emphasizing the preservation of culture, language, and community. Logothetis highlighted the organization’s priorities, including education and community engagement, urging a sense of urgency to address evolving needs.
Investing in Young Leaders
Leadership 100 has established networking programs to foster connections among young professionals. Anastasia, a newly appointed chair, exemplifies the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing mentorship opportunities. Logothetis emphasized the importance of attracting diverse voices and investing in programs to empower the next generation.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The organization has prioritized diversity, evident in the appointment of four female board members in recent years. Logothetis emphasized the importance of inclusivity and representation within Leadership 100, aiming to reflect the broader community’s demographics and needs.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Looking ahead, Leadership 100 faces challenges in leveraging technology, expanding outreach, and securing funding. Logothetis stressed the need for unity within the community and a focused approach to prioritize goals. Despite challenges, opportunities abound, especially in harnessing the community’s wealth and support.
In conclusion, Leadership 100 remains steadfast in its mission to uphold Orthodox Hellenic values, engage the next generation, and drive positive change. With a clear vision and collaborative efforts, the organization aims to expand its reach and impact, ensuring a vibrant future for generations to come.
Note from the Chairman, Paul Kotrotsios: The Leadership 100 Conference was a tremendous success, with a strong emphasis on engaging the community, particularly young professionals, and maintaining a focus on the organization’s core values and mission. The commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident, as well as the dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders. The challenges ahead, including technological advancements and the need for continued funding, are acknowledged, but there is optimism about the opportunities for growth and impact. Overall, it seems like Leadership 100 is poised to continue its important work with enthusiasm and dedication.
