“A good leader listens, remains open to different perspectives and has the courage to make decisions and stand behind them. Equally important is the ability to empower people: to trust them, give them ownership of their work and the space to grow, while creating an environment where they can perform at their best without burning out. Ultimately, I believe a leader is measured by the people they inspire and help develop, the teams they build and the culture they leave behind,” The Director of Cyta Business, Niki Ioannou, says in light of the upcoming CBN Young Dragon Awards.
The Awards celebrate the talent and leadership of young professionals under 40. In an interview with CBN, Ioannou outlines the attributes a professional needs to be a great leader, and the importance of celebrating young talent.
What prompted Cyta Business to continue supporting the CBN Young Dragon Awards for another year? What value do the Awards bring to young professionals?
At Cyta Business, our support for young professionals reflects a long-term commitment. Having supported the CBN Young Dragon Awards since their launch, we are proud to continue our partnership for another year. As a technology partner to businesses of every size, we see every day how the ideas and energy of the next generation can shape the future of the Cypriot economy.
The Awards give young professionals well-deserved recognition, build their confidence and offer them a platform to showcase their work to the wider business community. Above all, they send a clear message: leadership is defined not by age, but by ability, initiative and impact.
How has the profile of young professional talent evolved in recent years? Are there strengths, expectations or approaches among today’s emerging professionals that were not as visible a few years ago?
Today’s young professionals enter the workplace with a strong digital mindset, greater confidence and a more global outlook. They adapt quickly, question established ways of working and are not afraid to speak up and share their perspective.
They also see work differently. Work-life balance is not a perk for them, but a priority, and they make full use of digital tools, automation and AI to work more efficiently and focus their energy where it matters most. For them, working smarter matters more than working longer.
At the same time, they expect more than career progression. They want their work to have purpose, reflect their values and make a meaningful impact. This creates a positive challenge for organisations: to offer guidance, experience and a healthy working environment, while giving young professionals the trust, tools and space to contribute and grow.
From your experience as director, what kind of attributes do you think a professional needs to be in a position of leadership?
In my experience, leadership has little to do with titles. It is about earning trust, bringing people together and providing clear direction, especially during periods of uncertainty and rapid change. In such times, people look to their leaders not only for answers, but also for confidence and inspiration.
A good leader listens, remains open to different perspectives and has the courage to make decisions and stand behind them. Equally important is the ability to empower people: to trust them, give them ownership of their work and the space to grow, while creating an environment where they can perform at their best without burning out.
Ultimately, I believe a leader is measured by the people they inspire and help develop, the teams they build and the culture they leave behind.
Which professional achievement are you most proud of to date, and what has it taught you about leadership, resilience and the kind of professional you aspire to be?
The professional achievement I am most proud of is the career I have built across technology, business and leadership. I started my career as an electrical engineer in a field that was, and in many ways still is, largely male-dominated. Since then, I have taken on different roles, stepped outside my comfort zone and continuously challenged myself to learn, adapt and grow. Becoming Director of Cyta Business was an important milestone, but I am equally proud of everything it took to get there.
This journey taught me that resilience is built over time by working hard, remaining consistent and letting your work speak for itself. It also shaped the kind of professional I want to be: someone who leads with integrity and vision and who helps others grow and go further than they thought possible.
I hope my journey shows younger professionals, especially young women, that they can claim their place in technology and leadership while remaining true to who they are.
My advice to them is simple: don’t wait for opportunities; create them.
The Open Call for nominations for the 3rd CBN Young Dragon Awards, which celebrate the next generation of business leaders under 40, will be open until 17 November. Follow the link to submit your nomination.
