Entrepreneur Elizabeth Filippouli wants women to join forces to create a new, fairer world order.
The Greek social entrepreneur and philanthropist, born in Athens, is the founder and CEO of St James's-based Global Thinkers Forum.
This is a platform to help women exchange ideas, knowledge and networks. It promotes leadership and youth development as well as women's empowerment.
But the ex-journalist, 44, has also launched international mentoring programmes and is on the Global Advisory Board of the Prince’s Trust International.
“As women, we often have to deal with conscious or unconscious bias,” she says.
“We often have to fight privileges and prerogatives that are granted to men.
“Younger women are often lost in a fog of uncertainty, insecurity and a battle between dreams versus duties.
“But when given the opportunity, women of all ages and backgrounds have proven themselves, again and again, to be innovative and creative, resourceful and driven.
“Mentoring ignites these qualities and helps young women discover who they really are.
“We often observe brilliant women who lack the confidence and voice of their male counterparts, regardless of talent.
“There is no doubt that the absence of visible role models and focused networks has contributed to this.”
Background
Elizabeth is the daughter of the late Greek journalist and screenwriter Stamatis Filippoulis.
But she insists it is not just her father, but her mother and grandmother who have been her biggest inspirations.
“Very similar and very different at the same time, but both women of values, integrity, fearlessness and love.
“My grandmother was practical and always calm, and my mother inspired me to travel, explore the world and pursue my dreams.
“I should also add that my father was an incredibly interesting and rich personality, an intellectual and an explorer. So he definitely inspired many of my adventurous decisions in life.”
Elizabeth studied strategy and innovation at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. In 2016, she was named among its 42 top graduate entrepreneurs.
She admits she isn’t going to stop until the GTF transforms lives “and eventually our societies”.
But she adds: “In order to succeed you have to fail and fail again.
“You must be prepared to put any sense of security aside, because doing business means risk-taking and at times circumstances may be very adverse.”
And her greatest achievement?
“Staying calms and carrying on!” she laughs.
For the full interview with Sophia Charalambous in the Mayfair Times, read here.
To find out more about Global Thinkers Forum, read here.
For more about the Prince's Trust International, read here
