"Cyprus has earned its position in the international market through the work of an older generation of professionals who built the sector carefully over the last decades and under the most challenging of conditions," George Economides, Head Partner and Vice-Chairman, E&G Economides LLC –Totalserve Management Ltd notes.
In a recent interview with GOLD magazine on the occasion of winning a CBN Young Dragon Award in the Professional Services category, Economides underlines that this foundation should be both respected and protected, adding, "Growth should never come at the expense of quality. The sector’s reputation was built slowly and maintaining it requires daily discipline and long-term commitment."
Among other things, Economides also discusses how new technology is shaping the sector while stressing that, "Clients rely on professional advisors, not only for technical answers but for general perspective and balanced thinking. Technology supports that process but trust is built person-to-person."
He, in addition, reveals the most significant lesson he has learned in his career so far and shares the advice he would offer ambitious young professionals while revealing how winning a CBN Young Dragon Award has reshaped the expectations he places on himself.
After many years in the professional services industry, you have witnessed its evolution in Cyprus. What needs to be strengthened if it is to maintain its reputation?
Cyprus has earned its position in the international market through the work of an older generation of professionals who built the sector carefully over the last decades and under the most challenging of conditions. That foundation must be respected and protected. What we need to strengthen is continuity, passing on knowledge, investing in younger professionals and maintaining high standards without compromise. Growth should never come at the expense of quality. The sector’s reputation was built slowly and maintaining it requires daily discipline and long-term commitment.
AI, automation and digital compliance are reshaping professional services. As technology accelerates, what must evolve and what must remain irreducibly human?
Technology should improve how we work but it should not replace responsibility. AI and automation can enhance accuracy and efficiency, yet they still remain tools, at least for the time being. As such, they should be used by people who understand context, risk and consequence. What must remain human is judgment, accountability, ethics and the quality of service. Clients rely on professional advisors, not only for technical answers but for general perspective and balanced thinking. Technology supports that process but trust is built person-to-person.
How does winning a CBN Young Dragon Award reshape the expectations you place on yourself, going forward?
The award is an honour but it is also a reminder of responsibility. It does not change my direction but it reinforces the standards already maintained. Professional services are not about individual recognition. They are built on teams, shared effort and consistency over time. If anything, this recognition increases my responsibility towards the people I work with and the clients who place their trust in us. Expectations are not about visibility but about delivering consistent, dependable work.
Looking back on your journey so far, what is the biggest lesson you have learned and what advice would you offer to ambitious young professionals?
Well, no career is built by itself. Progress comes through teamwork, discipline, sacrifice and dedication. Embracing the fact that your professional life is as important as your social life will set you on the right path. My advice to young professionals? Seek responsibility, dare to fail, expect disappointment (and learn from it) and continuously push yourself outside your comfort zone. Be patient and learn from people with experience. Widen your professional network bit by bit. Reputation is built quietly, through consistent work and integrity.
GEORGE ECONOMIDES
A respected lawyer and a member of the Cyprus Bar Association, the Private Client Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA) and the International Tax Planning Association (ITPA), George Economides also holds a significant position as a Board member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Cyprus branch. He has a special way of bringing people together and making everyone feel valued. He’s not one to boast but his guidance, support, openness, ideas and vision are what really helps the team plan, execute and succeed. He knows how to tackle problems calmly, find solutions and keep everybody focused. He wants to make things better for his team, his clients and the community. Besides his myriad commitments, he devotes special attention to his international clients, personally ensuring that their needs are met with the highest level of care and expertise.
This interview first appeared in the March edition of GOLD magazine. Clcik here to view it.
