The monthly Member Spotlight is an opportunity to learn more about a leader at one of our member companies and showcase the company. This month, we spotlight Christos Diavolitsis, Business Sales Executive for Rogers Business Solutions.
1) What is your mobile device of choice, and why?
I have been using Blackberry products for years and often think back to what it was like before we had instant access to corporate email. I’d have to travel with my laptop, find a place and adequate time to log into my corporate network and check for email. Now everything is instant and productivity doesn’t suffer. For that reason and for the full keyboard, I’m still a fan of Blackberry products. I have some personal devices for games and personal apps, but for a mobile device I like and need my Blackberry.
2) Who do you look to for inspiration, in business or your personal life?
I have had some fantastic managers in the past. They have taken the time to mentor me, share the lessons they’ve learned through years of experience with me, etc. I don’t like to blur the line between friends and managers, but I still keep in touch with some that have been a positive influence and more.
Personal life is different, I look to my parents for inspiration. They are hard-working, seldom complain and did a lot with limited resources when they were my age.
3) What is the #1 business book you would recommend?
I don’t read a lot of business books in general, I think putting yourself in your client’s shoes, integrity and honesty are really the cornerstones of any successful client relationship.
Having said that, I had a Manager lend me Og Mandino’s The Greatest Salesman in the World and I really enjoyed it. I think I read it in an evening or two.
4) What keeps you up at night?
Usually my cat; the nights I’m getting the deepest sleep is when he enjoys knocking things over. Other than that, I like to spend a few minutes reflecting on my day and planning my next day before bed. Often I’ll use that time to put items in my calendar that need to be completed the next day. So while that doesn’t really keep me up, it helps keep me on track and keep knocking things off my to-do list.
5) Looking at your company’s future, what are you most enthusiastic about?
Being in the technology industry, it’s hard to know what new innovation is around the corner. In our industry, we’re in the position to deliver fast and robust internet connections to the majority of Canadian businesses and homes. So as new technology is developed, and it’s almost all tied to the internet, I’m excited to see what our world is going to look like in a few years. I read that companies like Microsoft are focusing R&D into home robots and by 2030, most homes in developed nations will have robots in them performing mundane tasks like feeding pets and vacuuming. Everything will be connected to the internet, so I guess I’m enthusiastic about our lives and world developing at a very rapid pace. Rogers will play a role in that by leveraging our wireline, wireless and fibre networks to deliver these circuits to the end users.
6) What corporate social responsibility efforts are your company involved in?
- Donated $16.3 million in cash and $53.7 million in in-kind donations to Canadian charities, non profit organizations, and the local community..
- 85,000 Canadian youth participated in educational programs supported by Rogers Youth Fund.
- Built 28 technology centres in 25 Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada
Learn more about Rogers Business Solutions by checking out their member profile.
