Chryssanthi Sofrona-Kalogeropoulou - Master Positive Pshychology Coach / Mental Health Consultant
From Shipping to Positive Psychology – A Journey of Self-Actualisation
Chryssanthi Sofrona is a woman who dared to redefine her life. After 23 years of a successful career in the demanding field of shipping, as the head of legal and insurance departments for major companies in Piraeus and Cape Town, she decided to follow her true passion: Psychology. She began her studies and training in evidence-based Coaching, Applied Positive Psychology, and Coaching Psychology (MSc, UEL), Counseling Therapy, as well as in the Analytical method of Psychotherapy, proving that it is never too late for change and transformation. Her deep desire to contribute to others has always been present in her life. However, despite her successful professional path, it didn’t provide her with the fulfillment she was seeking. The intense work environment, long working hours, and the constant need to perform led her to a turning point. Instead of settling, she listened to the voice within and took the bold step. Her experience in the business world helps her deeply understand the challenges faced by high-demand individuals. As a Master Positive Psychology Coach, she illuminates paths, encourages transformation, and helps people find their own balance and meaning in life. The blue butterfly, a symbol of evolution and inner strength, is her personal symbol. Just like it, Chryssanthi went through stages of doubt, preparation, and ultimately transformation. Today, through her scientific knowledge and personal journey, she helps others overcome fears and limitations, guiding them towards self-actualization and true "well-being."
Interview: Fotini Androulaki
Photographs: Math Studio – Marios Theologis
Styling: Dimitris Grammatikogiannis
Make-up artist: Maria Vogiatzi
Special thanks to Vassilis Zoulias – Ralph Lauren
Chrysanthi, what does Coaching mean to you?
Evidence-based coaching is a scientifically supported and structured practice. My own approach is grounded in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology. Its aim is to help individuals grow holistically by clearly defining their vision across all areas of their lives…relationships, career, self-image, self-confidence, self-esteem, financial well-being—and to understand what truly matters to them. It encourages them to experience positive emotions, feel good about themselves, create practical steps, and overcome the obstacles that hold them back.
Is this what differentiates you from other Coaches?
Yes, because I have a deep understanding of the psychological mechanisms that govern human behavior. My training is not just a seminar-based certification; it is an academic foundation that allows me to provide meaningful support, not simple empowerment. My services are personalized, based on the client's needs, values, and personal motivations.
You have worked in the shipping industry. How did this experience help you become a more effective Coach?
Shipping is a world of high demands, competition, and constant challenges. I learned to manage crises and find solutions under pressure. This experience helped me better understand entrepreneurs and executives because I know firsthand the difficulties, they face in processing the leadership archetype. It also helped me become an effective Mentor for young executives who want to grow.
When did you realize you would close the chapter in the shipping industry?
When I reached the peak of my career, I realized something was missing. I had success, financial stability, recognition, but I didn’t have the deeper meaning I was seeking. Serving others had always motivated me, and I realized I wanted to work in a field that would have a direct and profound impact on people's lives.
Was this an easy transition?
Not at all. I had to "rebuild" myself from scratch. I had to go back to school, study again, change roles and identity. It wasn’t just a career change; it was a personal transformation.
Tell us about the symbol of the butterfly, how does it represent you?
My symbol is the Blue Morpho, the largest butterfly in the world, in a vibrant blue color. I adopted it because, for me, it is the ultimate symbol of transformation. A creature that struggles within its dark cocoon, then emerges into the light as a beautiful, ethereal being. That’s how I perceive the process of personal growth. Change is neither simple nor painless, but it is necessary for us to evolve into the best version of ourselves.
What is the biggest challenge people face when they want to change?
The fear of the unknown. The insecurity of "what now?". But the truth is, when someone dares to step out of their cocoon, they will discover a strength they didn’t know they had and will evolve into a conscious, strong individual within society.
Is there a recipe for happiness?
Happiness is moments. It’s the ability to find joy in the present, to be grateful, to forgive, to accept and show compassion to yourself, and to develop healthy relationships. It’s not a destination, but an ongoing journey of evolution.
Your clients, as a Coach, are mostly high-profile individuals, such as politicians, entrepreneurs, executives, and celebrities. How does Coaching help them?
The truth is, I often collaborate with such individuals. The challenges and demands that come with public exposure, recognition, and success are significant. My role is to help fulfill their mission, help them manage the multiple roles they play, achieve and maintain performance, all while maintaining mental health, strength, and well-being. Recognition and success often bring out the shadow sides of human nature. Awareness and management of the dark side help the person remain balanced and allow their light to shine through.
You’ve worked with entrepreneurs operating in international environments. What are some of the unique challenges they face?
When an entrepreneur operates in an international environment, he or she is not only dealing with the pressure to succeed, but also with different cultures, expectations, and of course, the need to adapt to new circumstances. Now, I’m working with a Greek American entrepreneur who’s up to something significant in Greece, and one of his biggest challenges is balancing his own cultural background with the demands of the Greek reality. Managing the flow of information and energy is critical—and that’s precisely where Coaching comes in: among other things, to help establish boundaries that preserve the mental clarity needed to move forward.
The fact that you often accompany your clients on trips or during critical moments in their professional lives adds a very personalized dimension to the Coaching you offer. How does this affect the dynamic of your collaboration?
I don’t follow the typical structure of time and space in a session. My sessions usually last an hour and a half. Many times, I am physically present with my clients in real time, under conditions of pressure, during negotiations, or at key decision-making moments, where I can support them directly—not theoretically, but in practice. I also often hold sessions outdoors or in nature. All these differentiating elements are unique aspects of my work.
As we wrap up, is there a message you'd like to share with our readers?
Great things are never achieved without effort. The butterfly’s struggle to emerge from its cocoon is what strengthens its wings!
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