Cyclopolis: A peek into the leadership
Learning what it takes to be a leader by Cyclopolis’ CEO Haris Siakantaris
We had the pleasure to visit Cyclopolis HQ as part of our AD & PR Lab called Leadership & Emotional Intelligence led by professor Dimitra Iordanogloy. We were tasked to become a shadow of a leader of our choosing in order to find out more about the qualities of a leader aswell as how a leader operates.
To delve deeper into what it means to be leader, we visited their headquarters in order to gain insights and interviewed the owner, Mr. Haris, and several team members. Our conversations provided insights into the company’s origins, leadership philosophy, and strategic vision, offering a captivating look at how Cyclopolis has carved out a niche in the competitive world of bike-sharing.
The Beginning of Cyclopolis
Cyclopolis is not just another bike-sharing company; it is the only one manufactured in Greece, tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients. The journey of Cyclopolis began in 2007, inspired by the successful launch of the Velib service in Paris. Mr. Haris, the visionary behind Cyclopolis, recalls reading an article about the burgeoning bike-sharing trend and recognizing its potential for Greece.
“In 2007, the Velib service started in Paris with great success, marking the beginning of the bike-sharing market. The idea was simple; I read an article somewhere and thought it was a great service that would eventually come to Greece. So, the question was whether our team would do it or someone else. We were all bike enthusiasts long before it became trendy,” says Mr. Haris.
With a team of like-minded individuals who shared a passion for cycling, Cyclopolis was founded in 2011. Their dream was beginning to take shape. It was to create a bike-sharing system that was not only efficient and user-friendly but also tailored to the specific needs of Greek cities. Now Cyclopolis operates in 12 regions outside Attica.
Leadership and Vision: Mr. Haris’s Journey
With a background in Economics and Mass Communication, he has worked in various sectors, from media research to IT sales. This eclectic experience has equipped him with a broad skill set that he has applied to building Cyclopolis.
“My professional journey began in media research and advertising. I then moved into sales in the IT market. In 2004, I started collaborating with a company, eventually becoming a shareholder. With the same team, we started Cyclopolis in 2011,” he recounts.
His leadership style is defined by a commitment to creating a positive work environment and fostering initiative among his team. “At a leadership level, I prioritize creating a positive work environment where each employee can perform without feeling their work is coercive. I also consider fostering initiative and taking ownership of tasks crucial,” Mr. Haris explains.
A Day in the Life at Cyclopolis
Visiting Cyclopolis provided a firsthand look at the complexity and diversity of responsibilities managed by the team. Despite being a small company, Cyclopolis operates with a flat organizational structure where roles are clearly defined, yet responsibilities are varied and multi-layered.
“In small companies, responsibilities may remain defined but are multi-layered and diverse. Personally, this does not bother me; I believe in encyclopedic knowledge and versatile skills,” says Mr. Haris. He goes on to describe a typical workweek: “Ensuring financial resources, monitoring system operations, planning for the future, submitting bids for public tenders, participating in research projects, and daily management of operations.”
The team at Cyclopolis thrives on collaboration and mutual support. Interviews with employees revealed a strong sense of community and shared purpose. One team member described Mr. Haris as “more of a collaborator than a boss,” highlighting his approachable nature and trust in his team’s abilities.
Strategic Goals and Sustainability
While financial stability is a priority, the company also values the quality of its collaborations and its reputation in the market. “Maintaining a positive image and reputation for the company is a goal,” says Mr. Haris.
In the future, Cyclopolis aims to complete ongoing projects, maintain strong client relationships, and expand its participation in research programs. “Our main goals include completing ongoing projects, ensuring their timely and proper delivery, and maintaining their operational functionality,” he states. The company also seeks to leverage opportunities from European research programs to drive innovation and growth.
Cultivating a Collaborative and Innovative Environment
Cyclopolis’s success is deeply rooted in its team’s character and values. Mr. Haris emphasizes the importance of responsibility, professionalism, and integrity in his team members. He fosters a work environment that encourages freedom in initiative and accountability, promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation.
“By cultivating awareness that we are a team and that each individual’s success contributes to the collective success, we create a collaborative and innovative environment,” Mr. Haris explains. The company also supports the professional development of its employees through educational programs and opportunities for career advancement.
Reflections on Leadership and Future Aspirations
Mr. Haris’s leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that genuine character and values are crucial for business success. He encourages his team to speak out and take initiative, fostering an open and supportive work culture.
As Cyclopolis continues to grow, Mr. Haris remains committed to personal growth and leadership development. “Evolving as a person is the next step for me,” he reflects, underscoring his dedication to continuous improvement and innovation.
So in the end, what we learned about being a leader is that, Cyclopolis stands out not just for its innovative bike-sharing systems, but for the character and values of the people who run it. It’s the people that make a company successful, their ideals, and real-life characteristics. The company’s commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and professional development creates a positive and dynamic work environment that fosters growth and success. With Mr. Haris at the driver’s seat, Cyclopolis is poised for continued success and leadership in the bike-sharing industry.
