The Incredible Mr. Thanos Papadimitriou: A Journey from Greek Fonts to Global Innovation

This interview tells the story of one of the most fascinating minds of our time—Thanos Papadimitriou. An individual whose journey from the small streets of Athens to the boardrooms of Milan, New York, São Paulo, and beyond reads like something out of a science fiction movie. His blend of technology, entrepreneurship, and investment makes him a one-in-a-million figure in today’s world. From his early days of tinkering with electronics to founding and leading companies across the globe, his story is an inspiring testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and innovation.

Scene 1: The Exotic World of Computers

DIMITRIS DANIKAS (D.D.): Where were you born?

THANOS PAPADIMITRIOU (T.P.): I was born in Athens, at “Elena”, in Ampelokipi. I grew up in Lycabettus.

D.D.: How did you get this idea to study Computer Science?

T.P.: There was no grand plan, just curiosity. Alongside my schoolwork, I started experimenting with electronics, building transmitters, amplifiers, and other machines. I loved discovering how things worked.

D.D.: And you were just using a screwdriver, right?

T.P.: Yes, exactly. I used to go to Monastiraki, where I met various enthusiasts, buying components and making machines. Then, in 1984, the ZX Spectrum arrived in Greece, and that was the moment I started diving into the world of computers.

D.D.: You were quite young at that time, right?

T.P.: I was 13. And then, one of the most significant moments came when I created a Greek font for those computers. At that time, they didn’t support the Greek language, so I built one myself.

D.D.: By yourself?

T.P.: Yes, I did it all myself. My father proudly told a professor at the University of Crete about it, and they were amazed. They even invited me to work for them that summer, which was my first job at just 13 years old.

Scene 2: MIT on a Scholarship

D.D.: A summer job at a university at 13! And after high school, you went to MIT?

T.P.: Yes, it wasn’t planned. After high school, I was offered a scholarship to MIT. The university was impressed by the range of projects I’d done outside of school.

D.D.: Were there any Greek professors at MIT?

T.P.: No, but I had several Nobel laureates as professors, including Robert Solow in Economics. MIT was an incredible experience—always pushing you to learn more, with exams every week.

Scene 3: Ulysses Without Penelope

D.D.: After MIT, what was next?

T.P.: After finishing my Computer Science studies, I moved to California for my master’s at UCLA. I also had the opportunity to travel a lot for work, gaining exposure to various places across America.

D.D.: And then you decided to shift towards management?

T.P.: Exactly. While I loved being an engineer, I realized that to run a company, you need a solid understanding of business. So, I changed course and did my PhD in Operations Management. It was here that I merged my technical expertise with business knowledge.

Scene 4: “Pnoé,” The Metabolic Analysis

D.D.: You’ve also built companies along the way. Tell me about Pnoé.

T.P.: Pnoé is a company focused on metabolic analysis. It offers non-invasive tests through a simple breathing test that reveals insights into how the body metabolizes energy. It’s a unique and bloodless way to analyze metabolism.

D.D.: And the machines are made in Greece?

T.P.: Yes, they are. We also export them worldwide, and we provide comprehensive support, not just the machine, but also the software and services that come with it.

Scene 5: “We Serve 2 Million Brazilians a Month!”

D.D.: You also have a company in Brazil. How did that come about?

T.P.: It started when I helped a group of entrepreneurs launch a company in AI. We’ve been working with clients in Brazil, serving millions of people through companies that use our technology to support their customers.

D.D.: So, you have a presence in São Paulo?

T.P.: Yes, that’s where we’re growing. Right now, we’re serving about two million people a month indirectly.

Scene 6: “I Admire Da Vinci, Not Musk”

D.D.: You’re involved in technology, entrepreneurship, investments, and academia. Are you a one-dimensional person?

T.P.: No, I’m multi-dimensional. I draw inspiration from people like Leonardo da Vinci, who mastered multiple fields, unlike today’s specialists. Da Vinci’s ability to combine art and engineering resonates with me deeply.

D.D.: So, Musk isn’t your idol?

T.P.: No, I wouldn’t say that. I’m inspired by those who embraced a broad spectrum of knowledge, not just a narrow focus.

Scene 7: Europe, America, Asia

D.D.: How much time do you spend in different parts of the world?

T.P.: I divide my time between America, Brazil, and Greece. I also travel to India where I teach at Bocconi.

D.D.: What about your personal life? You’re married to Vicky, who also runs a company.

T.P.: Yes, she runs Grapevine Digital. We make it work by being very focused and organized. The pandemic changed a lot in terms of how we manage our time, but we have a very strict schedule that allows us to stay connected despite the busy travel.

D.D.: And you’re not planning to stop anytime soon?

T.P.: No, as long as I have the energy, I’ll keep moving forward. I don’t see myself retiring or slowing down.

Final Thoughts:

Thanos Papadimitriou’s journey proves that incredible success doesn’t come from following the norm. It comes from curiosity, hard work, and, most importantly, the courage to fail and try again. His advice to young people? “Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is part of the road to success.”

For Thanos, the journey is never over. He keeps moving, building, and innovating, proving that even the most impossible dreams can be realized.