This last December, the Georgia Tech Scheller Executive MBA program alumni had the opportunity to travel together to Greece, where they were able to soak in the nation's storied history, dynamic business scene, and flavorful culinary traditions. Here is a glimpse into their exploration of Greece's culture, commerce, and history.
Day 1: A Warm Welcome to Athens’ Rich History
The alumni’s journey commenced with a panel discussion on "Doing Business in Greece - Challenges and Opportunities." Industry leaders such as Hercules Roupas, Managing Director of Momentum Finance, and Nicholas Lazarou, Director & CEO of Lifecyn S.A., shared valuable insights on their Greek business practices. The day culminated with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, providing a glimpse into Athens' rich history and a welcome dinner at Attikos Restaurant.
Day 2: Greek Culinary and Cultural Delights
The day started with a bit of flavor at an olive oil seminar, where alumni got to engage in a management presentation, discussion, and olive oil tasting at Cookoovaya. The group then got to venture into Athens’ creative scene at an art pop up featuring unique, locally crafted products by small businesses, FGTONSILK and Caricia Ceramics. In the evening, the group had the chance to immerse themselves in Greek culture with a traditional cooking class.
Day 3: Pillars of the Greek Economy
The third day began with a visit to Apivita Natural Cosmetics, where the group learned about exporting traditional quality worldwide. At Apivita, a Certified B Corporation, the group learned more about sustainable business practices and visited the onsite bee hives. After a satisfying group lunch, the journey continued with an industry showcase at Noctua Microbrewery, providing a peek into the vibrant microbrewery landscape of Athens. The day concluded with an Athens food tour to celebrate the richness of Greek cuisine.
Day 4: A Taste of Attica
Day four began with a case study on family businesses focused on Variety Cruises. Afterwards, a shared lunch set the scene for an enlightening industry showcase at Gikas Winery that delved into the heart of wine industry tradition. The day ended with leisure time for participants to absorb the experiences.
Day 5: Discover Delphi
To wrap up wonderful journey, the group ventured to Delphi, where they were met with the beauty, history, and mythos of an ancient site. They took a visit to the hilltop museum and ruins known for its amphitheater and Temple of Apollo. A farewell dinner at the Zafiro Experience featuring live music and dance provided the perfect conclusion to the trip.
The Georgia Tech Executive MBA alumni left Greece with a newfound appreciation for the country's contributions to global business and a shared camaraderie that will undoubtedly last beyond this memorable expedition.
Explore the full adventure in the 2023 Executive MBA Alumni International Trip photo album.