What is the best business book you have ever read, and why?
The Wealth of Nationsby Adam Smith. It reveals the theories that have inspired powerful economic and social changes in the world.
Someone you would most like to have met, living or dead, and why?
Warren Buffet. I admire thisbillionaire investor’s unique approach to management and investment. The opportunity might arise in the near future to have lunch with him and potentially do business together.
What do you consider to be your major achievement (in life or business)?
I am grateful for my wonderful and supportive family, ATMOS Global’s success in the global marketplace, and my education. I am a global corporate ambassador who has excelled in academia and business from an early age. I have authored more than 50 ground-breaking research publications (internationally published) and developed an extensive experience and an influential global perspective in the fields of atmospheric and air quality modelling and forecasting, climate change, education and strategic corporate advisory services for the industry.
I am close to completing my professional doctorate research in International Business at the University of New England (School of Business, Economics & Public Policy). UNE is renowned for the quality of its student experience and the excellence of its research specialisations.
Who or what do you think is overrated?
Time and information.
“Change is the way of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future”—John F. Kennedy.
“We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge”—John Naisbitt.
What mistakes have you made (professional or otherwise), and what did you learn from them?
There are no mistakes, accidents or coincidences in life, only life-changing opportunities from which to learn and become better people. Mistakes are ‘greatness yet to become manifest’.
Nobody’s perfect. What quality or ability do you wish you had?
Playing a musical instrument. I am currently learning to play the piano.
Which one piece of wisdom would you pass on to your successor?
To have the courageous patience to live by their convictions and their values.
Who has been your inspiration professionally?
“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”—Isaac Newton. I am fortunate to rely on an extensive list of past, present and future ‘giants’ in my professional life.
How would you like to be remembered after your retirement?
One cannot ‘retire’ from something that one values and is very passionate about. Take for example the 100-year-old Australian woman who recently played at the World Veterans Table Tennis Championships in China.
We all bring something of value to the people around us and our society at any stage of our lives. We never stop being part of the social construction process.
I would like to be remembered as a brilliant visionary committed to bringing new and beneficial business ideas and initiatives to reality. My personal mission is to have a positive influence on the life of every person I interact with every day for the rest of my life and to live in the world’s memory through a legacy of high-value achievements.
Do you have a quote or motto you live (or work) by?
Be careful what you wish for: life will always surprise you by making all your ‘real’ wishes come true. To create lasting positive change in your life you must make the right choices, all day every day.
Dr Valianatos is the global president and CEO of ATMOS Global. www.atmosglobal.com
