Dr. Ioakim Kalamaris, PhD in Economics. Swimming with the sharks.

If we were to imagine that business is an ocean – who are you?

I hope to be Poseidon.

Why?

Because of his mythical journey. The Earth-Shaker, responsible for earthquakes or not. Living in the sea, he can overcome turbulent waves, but also calm the waters. As a divine patron of Athens, Poseidon competed with the goddess Athena, who planted a sacred olive tree, by creating a magical ritual with the saltwater of the Acropolis. Poseidon is not just a fighter, but above all, a conqueror. He is balance and harmony!

How do you understand the phrase ‘social justice’? Does it actually exist?

Social justice is the idea of creating a society or state institutions based on the principles of equality and solidarity, on a true understanding of human rights, and on respect for the human dignity of every individual. It is closely connected to addressing instances of social injustice and searching for methods to organize society on the principles of freedom and equality. Among the most crucial components of social justice are the protection of human rights and economic equality through the redistribution of income.

It hardly exists today—theoretically yes, but if we are pragmatic, no. Today’s world is incredibly materialized. Everything is changing, everything is transforming with speed, but not with pace. And the progress of morals belongs strictly to the past, remaining only as memories and past experiences. Regarding politics, when it comes to the rights of humanity, it remains a chimera. Constitutions grant rights to citizens and individuals, but they do not provide the means to adapt or exercise them.

We will achieve a certain level of social justice only if we comply with these principles, with a proper value system, and if we reflect the existence of God and His Covenants in our daily lives. Concerning social and economic justice, freedom and equality, we should take the Swiss Constitution as an example and update the rest accordingly. Right without opportunity is simply not enough.

How did you make your first million?

A painfully sweet question, because I feel like a self-made man. It took many sleepless days and nights, and many compromises regarding my personal and family time. Time goes hand in hand with resources. You cannot be stingy with your time and be a wealthy person at the same time. I have invested and continue to invest – labor, passion, and care into everything I create for the sake of the corporate vision, and above all, in my relationships with my clients and my team. Indeed, after the first million, everything becomes different; you perceive and share things with much more wisdom.

Does money bring happiness? Or what does happiness mean to you?

There is happiness in everything and for everyone when you are in harmony with yourself and with nature. It is important to have an accurate self-awareness, to respect positive people, and to discover the environment that you will enhance with your presence, being an added value rather than necessarily taking away. It has to be win-win! When you realize that life is counted in summers, not in years, that is when happiness exists. When the human within you outweighs the material, that is when it touches you. Because matter dies and is inherited, but there is no life in it, nor does life remain. Matter is created to be shared, not to be hoarded.

Which quality do you value most in people?

I deeply value honesty, support, and solidarity. I am grateful to the people and events that have built my success. They will never be forgotten, and I will become the happiest man if God allows me to repay them. I could never be a traitor—not even for material gain, and not even if I were physically and spiritually tortured. I truly pity people who are prone to turning everything into self-interest or doing anything for the sake of material things. You can never share, be wealthy, or leave a legacy by thinking that way; it should be quite the opposite!

Which human flaw would you easily forgive?

Lies, attempted deception, infidelity—anything that makes us less human, less of a person, and above all, less of ourselves. There is nothing more terrifying and more toxic than the poverty of the spirit; there is no salvation in that.

Is there a historical figure who inspires you?

Yes, there is. There are four, and possibly more. Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Father Paisius, and Vasil Levski. All of these sublime figures share a similar lion-like trait. Genuine and sacred, untarnished by time. Supreme energy and faith!

Do you have a dream? What do you dream of?

I used to have dreams. I fulfilled everything I ever dreamed of in a material aspect, and emotionally, I strive to continuously improve myself. I set standards and criteria for myself rather than demands on others. I have never been demanding; dreams require will and heart—even the Lord distances Himself from begging souls. The only thing I would describe as a dream for my later years, if God permits, is to have the time and freedom to write, just to write.

What is your favorite book?

Other than my own, you mean? Just kidding. I have the pleasure of reading quite a few favorite books: ‘Zorba the Greek’ by Nikos Kazantzakis, ‘A Child Counts the Stars’ by Menelaos Lountemis, ‘Where Have All the Leaders Gone?’ by Lee Iacocca, ‘Jonathan Livingston Seagull’ by Richard Bach, ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling, and ‘Living, Loving and Learning’ by Leo Buscaglia. I also love Maxim Gorky and Hermann Hesse. I simply love to read

When you meet God, what will you say to Him?

When I meet God, I will look Him straight in the eyes with the utmost respect and tell Him that I regret nothing. I do not burden nature; I hurt myself, not others. And I will thank Him deeply for allowing me to live in my own role, rather than in someone else’s happiness or misery. If I have just a few more seconds left with Him, I will tell Him that I lived intensely and truly every single moment – I lived, I did not just survive.