We recently had the opportunity to have an insightful conversation with Despoina Mitsiogianni, Co-founder and Project Manager of LiNK. Co-founding the company with her brother, LiNK started originally with a small team of four people, and through dedication and strategic growth over these years, they have currently expanded to a team of eight.
LiNK offers impactful software solutions for businesses and global progress, bringing innovation and bridging the gap between technology and growth. At LiNK, Despoina combines her strategic planning with day-to-day project and team management, contributing to the growth of the company. In this session, Despoina shares the journey behind starting her company, her visions for the company and the industry, challenges, and her take on balancing business requirements with its goals.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “Can you walk us through your professional journey and how it led to where you are today?”
Despoina Mitsiogianni shared, “My professional journey started at Harokopio University in Greece, one of the top academic institutions in the country, where I studied in the Department of Informatics and Telematics. Right after completing my studies, I began working as a researcher in the team of Professor and Vice-Rector of the University, Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos, where I continue my research work to this day.
Professor Dimitrakopoulos has been an important mentor to me, as he is widely recognized as one of the leading scientists in the field of Informatics in Greece – and beyond. Working with him has provided me with invaluable knowledge and skills, and he has been a source of inspiration and a driving force in my professional journey. The turning point came in October 2023, when my brother, Lampros Mitsiogiannis, and I decided to establish LiNK. We started as a small team of four people, and through dedication and strategic growth, we have expanded to a team of eight.
At the same time, I decided to move to Switzerland, to fully dedicate myself to LiNK and to pursue further academic studies through a Master’s degree. Today, as a Co-founder and Project Manager, I combine strategic planning with day-to-day project and team management. My journey so far has taught me what it takes to build a business from scratch, overcome challenges, and create a dynamic and innovative work environment.”
Navigating Through Challenges
Challenges are an inevitable part of every business journey. To learn how Despoina Mitsiogianni overcame the same, we asked, “Reflecting on your career, what have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?”
“Throughout my career, I have faced significant challenges that have shaped me as a professional to date. The first and most crucial was building LiNK from scratch, where, with limited resources and a small team, we had to establish ourselves in a competitive market. Through strategic decisions, persistence, and networking, we successfully expanded and strengthened our team. At the same time, moving to Switzerland was a major transition, as I had to balance the growth of our company with my MBA studies. Effective time management and prioritization were key in overcoming this challenge.
Additionally, I operate in two industries—technology and entrepreneurship—where female representation remains relatively low. I tackle this challenge with confidence, consistency, and hard work, believing that our value is reflected in our results. These experiences have made me more resilient, creative, and strategic, skills that I continue to develop as I advance in my career.” Despoina explained.
Balancing Vision With Operational Requirements
We further asked, “How do you balance long-term vision with short-term operational needs?”
Despoina Mitsiogianni added, “Balancing long-term vision with short-term operational needs is one of the biggest challenges in business management. I achieve this through strategic planning, flexibility, and prioritization. First, I maintain a clear strategic direction for LiNK, ensuring that our daily decisions align with our broader mission. At the same time, I recognize that success is built on small, consistent steps, so I focus on immediate operational needs without losing sight of our long-term objectives.
Flexibility is also key. Business goals can shift due to external factors, so we adapt our strategies while staying aligned with our core vision. Additionally, I use structured performance tracking systems (KPIs) to ensure that our short-term actions contribute to our long-term goals.
Lastly, effective resource allocation is crucial. I distribute time and investments between immediate business operations and research, innovation, and growth, ensuring that our company can meet present challenges while preparing for the future.”
Current Offerings At LiNK
We were interested to learn more about the services offered by LiNK. So, we asked, “Tell us more about your services and if you are planning to add something new in the future.”
“At LiNK, we focus on providing innovative solutions in the field of IT and technology, offering custom software development, project management, and technology consulting services. Our goal is to help businesses develop and optimize their digital infrastructure, delivering solutions that meet the latest technological demands.
Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans to expand our services. We aim to integrate AI more deeply into our solutions, providing advanced and intelligent tools that enhance automation and data analysis for our clients. Additionally, we are currently working on an in-house project, reflecting our philosophy of staying ahead of the curve, continuously adapting to technological advancements, and ensuring that we deliver high-quality services that create real value.” She mentioned.
Assessing The Market Trends
To learn more about the approaches adopted by Despoina for her business, we asked, “What methods do you use to analyze market trends, and how have these influenced your business decisions?”
Despoina Mitsiogianni replied, “At LiNK, analyzing market trends is a key component of our strategic decision-making. We use a comprehensive approach that combines data, research, and practical experience. We continuously monitor industry trends through market reports, research studies, and insights from reliable sources. By analyzing technological advancements and shifts in consumer behavior, we can identify new opportunities early. Also, we assess competitor strategies, product developments, and market positioning to differentiate ourselves and create a unique, innovative approach.
Since market needs are constantly evolving, we place great importance on feedback from our clients and partners to ensure our services align with real industry demands. Moreover, we actively participate in global conferences, workshops, and forums, gaining insights into the latest advancements and exchanging knowledge with industry experts.
These methods have significantly shaped our business decisions, allowing us to anticipate trends, adapt our services, and drive continuous innovation. A key example is our decision to invest in Artificial Intelligence and develop an in-house project, recognizing the growing demand for intelligent solutions in the market. Our project will be launched later this year and we are truly excited about it.”
Embracing Digital Transformation
Fast-paced digital transformation is redefining the way businesses perform. So, we asked, “How has digital transformation affected your business model?”
“Digital transformation has reshaped how LiNK operates, both internally and in the services we offer. We leverage cloud-based tools, automation, and data-driven strategies to enhance flexibility and efficiency.
At the same time, increasing demand for digital solutions has driven us to invest in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, continuously adapting our services to market needs. A key example is our ongoing in-house project, which integrates innovative digital solutions. Digital transformation is the driving force behind our growth, allowing us to stay agile, innovative, and ahead of the curve.” She responded.
Potential Tech Trends Of The Future
To learn Despoina’s vision of the upcoming technological advancements in her industry, we asked, “What emerging technologies do you believe will have the most significant impact on your industry in the next five years?”
“Over the next five years, I believe AI will have the most significant impact on our industry. Advancements in machine learning, AI-driven analytics, and automation will reshape how businesses manage data, make decisions, and optimize operations. Additionally, cloud computing and serverless architectures will enhance business flexibility, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Another game-changing technology is blockchain, which can improve transparency, data security, and digital transactions, especially in areas like cybersecurity and supply chain management. At LiNK, we are already investing in Artificial Intelligence and integrating emerging technologies into our services, ensuring that we are well-positioned to leverage the digital transformation ahead.” She added.
Fostering A Healthy Workspace
Ensuring employee satisfaction is crucial for every business’s growth. We asked, “What strategies do you implement to maintain high levels of employee engagement and satisfaction?”
Despoina Mitsiogianni explained, “At LiNK, we prioritize creating a work environment that fosters engagement and satisfaction. To achieve this, we implement strategies that promote transparency, professional growth, and collaboration.
First, we encourage an open communication culture, ensuring that every team member has a voice and feels valued. We also invest in continuous learning and development, offering training opportunities that help employees expand their skills and advance in their careers. Flexibility is a key element of our approach. We provide flexible working hours and remote work options, enabling our team to maintain a healthy work-life balance while staying productive.”
“Moreover, we emphasize recognition and rewards, acknowledging individual contributions and celebrating achievements. We want our team to feel that their efforts are appreciated and that their work has a real impact. Lastly, we promote teamwork and collaboration, cultivating a supportive work environment where employees can thrive and perform at their best.
Through these practices, we maintain a highly motivated and productive team, where our trusted collaborators not only excel in their roles but also feel connected to a shared vision and mission.” She added.
Building A Successful Legacy With LiNK
We ended the interview by asking, “How do you want your business to be remembered, and what steps are you taking to secure that legacy?”
“I want LiNK to be remembered as a company that pioneered innovation and delivered real value—not just through technology solutions but by shaping the way businesses operate and grow. Our vision is to leave a lasting impact on the industry, promoting collaboration, digital transformation, and technological advancement. To secure this legacy, we focus on three key pillars:
- Continuous Innovation: We invest in cutting-edge technologies, integrating Artificial Intelligence and automation into our services to stay ahead of industry trends.
- A Strong Company Culture: We foster an environment where our team feels empowered to innovate, contribute ideas, and grow both professionally and personally.
- Long-Term Value Creation: We don’t just aim for business growth; we focus on helping companies optimize their operations and leverage technology for efficiency and success.
By staying true to these principles, LiNK will be recognized not just as a technology provider, but as a driving force of innovation that continues to shape the future of business.” Despoina concluded
Follow Despoina Mitsiogianni on LinkedIn.
Find LiNK on LinkedIn and visit their website https://linkldenterprise.com/
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