“We embrace change and growth by nature. The future belongs to the bold and adaptable and that’s exactly how this company was built,” says Michaella Pillakouri, founder and Managing Director of Enalian Consulting.
A lawyer by training, with a background spanning international commerce, corporate law and iGaming, Pillakouri launched the boutique consultancy in 2019 as a personal venture. Her aim? To offer consulting and legal solutions with a more personalised touch. “What sets us apart is our agility, insight and flexibility,” she notes. “That means we can respond quickly to shifting circumstances, while always keeping the client’s needs front and centre.”
In a complex regulatory and business environment, demand for tailored legal and consulting services has surged. Enalian has ridden that wave with a 110% increase in headcount over the past three years – the firm now employs 21 professionals, with a unique blend of expertise. “This growth was further reinforced by our move to state-of-the-art offices,” Pillakouri adds.
A contrast to the traditional image of a law firm
Pillakouri spent nearly a year curating the design of Enalian’s new Limassol headquarters, determined that the space should reflect the firm’s identity and values. “We’re a team that values people above all else, conducting business in a transparent, open and honest manner,” she explains. The space’s orange accents are a nod to Cyprus – a subtle echo of the national flag – while the blues mirror the sea. “The overall design intentionally contrasts the traditional image of a law firm, which is often associated with dark, closed and rigid spaces,” she notes. The layout strikes a balance between informal and quiet areas, while nature-inspired, uncluttered spaces help reduce stress and support focused, productive work. “While working from home was once the norm, most of our team has now returned to the office, drawn by the environment we’ve created,” Pillakouri says. “Clients and visitors regularly compliment the thoughtful details and warm, inviting atmosphere. Many even show up early for meetings, just to enjoy a coffee in our lounge!”
Hands-on mentoring
The team’s average age is a youthful 34, so training and development are not a corporate buzzword but a strategic imperative. Much of that happens through hands-on mentoring. New recruits work closely with senior colleagues and, from day one, are given real responsibility with supervision acting more as safety net than a leash. “They’re encouraged to take ownership of their work,” says Pillakouri. “We guide them in how to frame a task and define its scope and we then give them the freedom to approach it in their own way, developing and presenting their own solutions.”
Feedback leading to practical changes
Encouraging employees to articulate their thought process has a ripple effect. It helps managers spot where support is needed, while building confidence, communication skills and accountability. “This is how we nurture capable, confident professionals who can thrive in today’s business environment and contribute meaningfully to our shared success,” she stresses. Team members also receive an annual budget for seminars, training programmes and courses of their own choosing, with no restrictions. “After all,” she notes, “no one is better placed than ourselves to identify where we need to improve.” Meanwhile, employee engagement is tracked through regular check-ins, anonymous surveys and open conversations. Feedback has already led to practical changes, like improved lunch options and Friday afternoons off. “We see feedback not just as data but as a roadmap for continuous improvement,” she explains.
Balance isn’t just a policy, it’s a mindset
At Enalian, work-life balance means respecting people’s time and mental bandwidth through realistic workloads, flexible hours and active encouragement to take time off. “We understand that when people are well outside work, they do better work,” she says, “so balance isn’t just a policy, it’s a mindset for us.” Other perks include private medical insurance, performance bonuses, paid sick and compassionate leave, birthdays off and thoughtful gifts for life’s milestones, from weddings to newborns. “To foster a strong team spirit, we host regular team-building events, family gatherings and wellness activities,” she adds. “These are meaningful moments to connect, recharge and thrive in a workplace built around people.”
A chance to grow
For Pillakouri, what sets Enalian apart is its ability to offer what many young professionals want: the chance to grow, make an impact and be part of something meaningful. “Here, you’re not just another hire,” she says. “You’re trusted from day one, mentored by experts and given the tools to thrive.” The result, she stresses, speaks for itself. “People come and they stay. Ask anyone on the team what it’s like to work at Enalian and they’ll likely say they feel fortunate and proud to be part of a closely bonded, supportive team and genuinely happy to come to the office each day.”
(Photos by Giorgos Charal.)
This interview first appeared in the August edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
