Charis Tsevis - Be Real. Be True. A Note from the EALL Panel

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. Drossos, in the fields of advertising, branding, and creative communication.

I wasn’t a good student in high school. I was even expelled for being labeled an “anarchist,” or simply a difficult kid. They eventually took me back, and I’m grateful. I stayed difficult for years, though I’m not sure I ever really was. That’s why I wanted to speak to the difficult kids in the room. I’ve been one of them. What I wanted to say was this: you belong. You are acceptable. And life, in the end, will treat you well. It’s OK.

Our panel was truly engaging. Theo is one of the most creative people I know in the Greek communication and advertising scene. His sense of humor is remarkable, but even more striking is his kindness toward audiences. When you watch or listen to an ad he’s written, you feel respected. Not treated as a target or just another consumer.

Antonis is a humble team player. He spoke about his long relationship with the digital medium and his love for it. What stayed with me was his completely down-to-earth way of approaching even the biggest challenges.

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. I design many of my tools and methods in my practice 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.

A huge thank you to my longtime friend Nicolas Drossos, our coordinator. A graphic designer, chef, and true generalist—someone I’ve loved interacting with online for decades now.

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.

The building on the left has been standing there for almost a century. The one on the right is much newer. I walked into that courtyard for the first time at 12, and for the last time at 18. Six years of studies, friendships, arguments—even fights. These are the things that shaped all of us, and made us a big part of who we are.

On this exact bench, I spent the last year of my high school life. After so many years, it feels good to come back.