Elena Georgiou Strouthos is not just any podcaster; she’s on a mission to illuminate the vital contributions of women in technology. Living in Engkomi with her husband Michalis and their two children, she balances family life with her passion for tech and storytelling.
- At the end of the day, if the world were to end in 24 hours, Elena would choose to simply relax and savour the moment, a testament to her grounded approach to life.
Like many busy parents, Elena’s mornings start with the familiar ritual of coffee. But it’s not just about the caffeine; it’s about carving out a moment of peace before the day unfolds. She finds joy in the quiet before her children awaken, often relishing the chance to listen to a good podcast.
Elena georgiou: A Love for Learning
For Elena, a perfect day isn’t necessarily one filled with grand adventures. Sometimes it’s about the simple pleasure of waking up early, enjoying a cup of coffee, or immersing herself in writing code without interruptions. These moments fuel her creativity and drive her work.
Her intellectual curiosity is evident in her reading choices, with one of her favourite books being Innovators by Walter Isaacson. This book captures the essence of collaboration in innovation, showcasing the journeys of those who shaped the digital world we inhabit today. Elena resonates deeply with the stories of teamwork that led to breakthroughs in the tech industry.
Nurtured by Freedom
Reflecting on her childhood, Elena cherishes memories of unstructured play, a hallmark of growing up in the 80s. The freedom to wander and explore without fear is something she believes shaped her adventurous spirit. Those carefree days inspire her to encourage her children to explore their surroundings and cultivate their own creativity.
The Sounds of Inspiration
When she’s not podcasting, Elena enjoys a diverse soundtrack. Currently, she finds herself rocking out to Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne during car rides—music that perhaps mirrors her bold approach to life and work. This eclectic taste in music adds another layer to her multifaceted personality.
Leading the Charge in Tech
One of Elena’s proudest achievements is co-founding hack {cyprus}, the first initiative dedicated to organising hackathons in Cyprus since 2012. This platform not only fosters innovation but also empowers individuals to collaborate and share ideas, reinforcing her belief in the importance of community in tech.
Inspirational Figures
Elena’s admiration for trailblazers extends to the legendary Grace Hopper, a pioneer in computer programming. If given the chance, she would relish an evening with Hopper, often referred to as Grandma Cobol. Hopper’s legacy as a groundbreaking programmer and advocate for women in tech serves as a beacon for Elena and many others in the industry.
A Vision for the Future
With an eye on the future, Elena dreams of witnessing the world in 2040, curious about whether humanity will have resolved its pressing challenges or faced dire consequences. This forward-thinking mindset drives her work and her desire to inspire others to engage with technology meaningfully.
Reflections on Life
Elena’s greatest fear is the repetition of history, a reminder of the importance of learning from the past. If she could speak to her 18-year-old self, she would urge her to embrace opportunities in technology early on, advising her to start mining bitcoin at the first mention of it. Such insights reflect her belief in seizing the moment and being proactive in a fast-evolving world.
At the end of the day, if the world were to end in 24 hours, Elena would choose to simply relax and savour the moment, a testament to her grounded approach to life.
Through her podcast, Breaking the 20%, Elena Georgiou Strouthos continues to shine a light on the historical contributions of women in technology, reminding us all of the importance of representation and collaboration in shaping our digital future. Follow her journey on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay connected and inspired.
