Entitled “Roots & Wings” and focusing on Public Relations and Corporate Communication in Greece from the first applications 75 years ago, up to the modern strategic role today and the future of the digital age and artificial intelligence, the second capacities powered by CAPA (Corporate Affairs Professional Association) took place on Tuesday, November 5 at the OTE Administrative Building.
The central axis of the event was the interconnection of past and future with the “roots” that founded the industry and the “wings” that they give to the new generation. In this context, two emblematic personalities who made a decisive contribution to Public Relations in the country were honored, Lola Daifa, for many years Head of Public Relations of PAE Olympiacos, ANT1 and Star Channel, and Rita Malikouti, one of the first professionals who shaped the practice of PR agencies in Greece. The two speakers, moderated by Vassilis Lola, Vice President of CAPA, shared experiences from the time when public relations were built exclusively through personal contact, stressing that trust and human relations have always been the core of the profession. CAPA declared them Honorary Members of the Union for their valuable contribution to the field and their pioneering in Public Relations.
The discussion continued with Dimitris Michalakis, Chief of Corporate Communications, Sustainability & Channel Productions of OTE Group and Panos Gavriel, Corporate Communications and Corporate Responsibility Director of OPAP, with the coordination of Eleni Souranis, Board Member. of CAPA. Through the dialogue, the role of corporate communication in strategy formulation, crisis prevention and the management of issues that directly affect corporate reputation and the integrity of organizations was analyzed. It was emphasized that the modern communication professional is required to have a deep understanding of the business environment, the ability to assess risks and opportunities, and the ability to adapt to environments of high variability.
Afterwards, a discussion followed with Antigoni Lymberopoulou, CEO of HDBI SA and Roi Haikou, Board Member of CAPA, where corporate communication was highlighted as a fundamental element of aligning culture and purpose within organizations. The necessity of consistency of word and deed in leadership, active management of trust between leadership and employees, and understanding how an organization’s values are expressed daily through effective communication, which is not just a support function, but a tool for shaping identity, behavior and resilience, were discussed.
The event concluded with students and communication students, who, under the coordination of Christina Koutromanou, Member of CAPA, addressed questions to the audience about what they need to know in order to prepare for their entry into the corporate affairs industry, highlighting the importance of passing knowledge and understanding from generation to generation.
The second capacities powered by CAPA, resulted in the common finding that the utilization of the experience of the past is a foundation for the development of the future of the profession, with the person always remaining at the center.
Sponsors of the capacities “Roots & Wings” are COSMOTE TELEKOM, Natural Gas, Socialdoo, One Team. Communication Sponsors: DailyFax, Direction Business Network, Business Today, Notice Content & Services.