In our special column for May, we are glad to host an interview with Dr. John Kokarakis, Vice President Technology & Business Development, Bureau Veritas, who advises us to always search for knowledge and focus on a specific area and keep learning all the time about it.
His love for sea made him to pursue a career in the industry and for his notable career so far, he acknowledges one colleague from ABS who has been his mentor on how ships are made. Furthermore, he notes that technology has expanded opportunities for knowledge while his graduate studies at the University of Michigan paid off.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined shipping industry and your field of expertise specifically?
John Kokarakis: I am an islander and grew up by the sea. Love for sea.
S4S: What about your current job/ role most excites you and why?
J.K: Its variability. It is different every day.
S4S: When you think of the word successful who’s the first person who comes to mind and why?
J.K.: Panos Laskaridis who created an empire of businesses from low beginnings. More importantly, he shares his wealth.
S4S: Who is/was the most influential person/mentor to you & why?
J.K.: My ABS Colleague Petros Kontraros, because he taught me a lot of what I know on how ships are made.
S4S: What is the best and what was the worst piece of advice you’ve ever been given and why?
J.K.: The best: When in Rome live like the Romans / The worst: You can do this tomorrow as well.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile career investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
J.K.: My graduate studies at the University of Michigan
S4S: If you could give a piece of advice to your 18-year-old-self one thing, what would it be and why? What piece of advice should you ignore?
J.K.: Knowledge is infinite. Focus on a specific area and learn. Never stop learning.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your business life?
J.K.: Utilization of computer to explore and learn
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape and your area of expertise specifically and why?
J.K.: It would be nice to have more time to make a decision.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
J.K.: One photo is worth one thousand words.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
