STRAIGHT DOWN THE LINE
In the corporate world, the burden of leadership can exact a heavy toll on mind and body alike. Eugenia Herodotou, CEO of the EnergyIntel Group, found comfort and recovery on the tennis court, where she was able to overcome personal adversities and gain profound insights that continue to resonate in the boardroom and beyond.
Eugenia Herodotou’s sporting journey began with volleyball, which she played competitively until the age of 18. However, as academic and professional pursuits took precedence, the game that the CEO of the EnergyIntel Group once loved was left behind. This hiatus from sports lasted until a significant health challenge prompted a revaluation of her priorities. “Six years ago,” she recalls, “I faced cancer, which tested both my physical and emotional resilience. By the time I was 39, I felt a strong desire to rediscover the joy of sports, this time focusing on fun rather than intense competition. I needed something rejuvenating, something to rekindle the old passion without the previous physical demands.” Tennis, it would appear, was just that, as the sport’s individual nature allowed for personal pacing and improvement, aligning perfectly with her need for a physically engaging yet mentally relaxing activity. “Every swing of the tennis racket brought back the thrill I once found in volleyball,” she says.
The transition from volleyball to tennis brought unexpected benefits, particularly in her role as a leader, as she quickly realized that the skills honed on the tennis court were transferable to the boardroom. “Tennis requires you to anticipate your opponent’s moves and plan your strategy accordingly,” she notes, adding that the fast-paced nature of the game forces players to make quick decisions during critical points. “This ability to think on your feet is equally important in leadership, especially in high-stress business environments,” she explains. Playing doubles in tennis further enhances communication skills and teamwork, as coordinating with a partner to achieve a common goal is essential.
In the high-stakes corporate world, where demands and stress can be overwhelming, tennis has provided Eugenia Herodotou with a much-needed counterbalance. The mental agility required on the tennis court sharpens problem-solving skills and decision-making capabilities, and the sport’s competitive nature fosters emotional resilience — or in her own words, “the ability to bounce back from setbacks.”
Tennis has also played a significant role in maintaining work-life balance, providing a break from work stress, boosting creativity and helping improve her overall mood and productivity. “This can make returning to work tasks feel less daunting, potentially leading to better job performance and satisfaction,” she notes.
The benefits she derives from tennis have extended beyond her professional life, as regular physical activity has boosted her overall health, energy levels and mood, contributing to a well-rounded and fulfilling life, or as the celebrated Latin phrase has it, mens sana in corpore sano — ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body.’ Balancing tennis with work and family responsibilities has also honed her time management skills, another essential trait for any leader. “Now, I eagerly play tennis twice a week. It’s not just about competing; it’s about healing and regaining strength at my own pace. Tennis time has become the highlight of my week!” she says.
“I eagerly play tennis twice a week. It’s not just about competing; it’s about healing and regaining strength at my own pace.”
An article in Wealth Management Magazine (Gold Magazine), sponsored by Eurobank, exploring the benefits of hobbies for personal and professional growth.