Last weekend, I had the honor of participating in a panel discussion titled “Design – Branding – Leadership: The New Way to Inspire,” part of the centennial celebrations for the Leonteio Alumni Association in Athens. I was invited to speak alongside some brilliant minds, including Theodore Tsecouras, Antonis Melachrinos, and coordinator N. Drosos, in the fields of advertising, branding, and creative communication.
During the discussion, we explored how contemporary branding requires authenticity, storytelling, and visual coherence. I shared thoughts on how digital tools and algorithms can serve creativity, not replace it. In my practice, I design many of my own tools and methods because sometimes the vision requires inventing the technique.
Among the many topics we touched on, one message stood out:
Whatever you do, design, write, build, lead, be real. Be true.
Be true to yourself. Be true to your craft. Be true to the message you’re trying to deliver. In a world obsessed with filters, speed, AI myths, and trend-chasing, truth is your strongest design principle.
Whatever you do, design, write, build, lead, be real. Be true.
Be true to yourself. Be true to your craft. Be true to the message you’re trying to deliver. In a world obsessed with filters, speed, AI myths, and trend-chasing, truth is your strongest design principle.
The dialogue with fellow panelists and the audience reminded me how deeply design is tied to leadership. It is not just about aesthetics. It is about shaping perception, guiding experience, and inspiring participation.
A big thank you to the panel organizers, my co-speakers, and everyone who attended. It was a reminder that good design isn’t about decoration. It’s about intention, honesty, and meaning.