The Entrepreneurial Equation: How Dialectica Rewrites the Script Being in the Intersection Between Gen Z & Academia

Our podcast series, in collaboration with Athens Voice and hosted by Athina Klimi, is back, featuring our very own Manos Kavarnos, Marketing & Communications Manager, and Betty Tsakarestou, Associate Professor at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Director of Advertising and Public Relations Lab, Department of Communication Media and Culture.

Emmanuel and Betty opened up with unfiltered stories, shining a light on how universities can shape tomorrow’s leaders, the unique strengths GenZ brings to the workplace, and the best practices that should be adopted by those companies aiming to stand out in the talent race and spark a culture of innovation and growth.

Here are the three key takeaways from the conversation (held in greek) on how the next generation is redefining corporate success in Greece.

From Theory to "Hands-on" Knowledge

For years, the stereotype of the Greek University was one of rigid theory and disconnected curricula. However, Professor Tsakarestou highlighted a significant shift. Through initiatives like the Advertising and Public Relations Lab led by her, students are no longer just "learning about" business; they go above and beyond, having an inside view during their University studies.

The rise of a "startup culture" within public universities is fostering a new breed of graduates who view their degrees as a toolkit for creation rather than just a certificate for employment. This shift from passive learning to active problem-solving is exactly what companies like Dialectica look for: self-driven individuals who turn challenges into opportunities and seek out solutions.

Gen Z: The Generation of Purpose and Agility

There is a common misconception that Gen Z is "difficult" to manage. As Manos and Betty discussed, the truth is that they are simply more discerning. This generation seeks intentionality. They want to know why their work matters and how it connects to the bigger picture.

In Greece, this has manifested as a surge in youth entrepreneurship. Gen Z isn't afraid of the "hustle," but they want that hustle to be sustainable and values-driven. They are leveraging their digital-native status to bypass traditional bureaucratic hurdles, turning to the global market from their laptops in Athens or Thessaloniki.

The "Soft Skills" Revolution

If the university provides the technical foundation, what provides the "edge"?

The podcast highlighted that the most successful young professionals today are those who master the "human" side of business:

• Adaptability: The ability to pivot when a project hits a wall.
• Critical Thinking: Moving beyond the typical searching methods to synthesize complex information.
• Collaborative Leadership: Understanding that the best ideas come from diverse, inclusive teams.

At Dialectica, we see these traits as the "fuel" of our growth.

By partnering with academic pioneers like Betty Tsakarestou, we aim to bridge the gap, ensuring that the talent emerging from Greek universities finds a high-growth environment where they can thrive, and unleash their full potential.

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