The Story Exchange, Elisabeth Werter, Salonica International ConsultancyYour Name: Elisabeth Werter

Business Name: Salonica International Consultancy, an executive business advising service

Type of Business: Coaching & Consulting

Business Location: PereaGreece

Website   www.salonicainternationalconsultancy.com

Reason for starting
Salonica International Consultancy is a private company that was founded in 2006. It operates in Greece to help Greek companies to grow their business with a holistic view. Also foreign companies who would like to start in Greece are well served. I started this business because I had divorced my husband. I did not want to be economically attached with him in the other companies we had started.

How do you define success?
Success for me is when your client says “Thank you.”

Biggest Success
My biggest success is when in 2010 I got the title of European Ambassador of Female Entrepreneurship and when Enterprising Women has named me at the list of the 2013 winners of the ENTERPRISING WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARD. I have been chosen from hundreds of nominees from around the world for Honorable Mention.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
My top challenge is to keep myself updated on all new besiness developments internationally. Therefore I’ve become an associate of the Institute for Independent Business. This is the biggest network of executive business advisers. I have more than 6.000 colleagues in 38 countries. We keep each other informed and we share business opportunities, knowledge and connections. Vocational learning is offered at conferences and on-line seminars.

Who is your most important role model?
My most important role model is my father. He was a local entrepreneur who did business keeping in mind the balance between personal life and business; profit and social entrepreneurship. He taught me not to be afraid and to manage your weak spots.