Sotiris Ptochos is co-founder and Senior Executive at PEOPLE. He leverages his unique blend of experience in fighter piloting (Hellenic Air Force, F-16), business strategy (Athens University of Economics and Business and MBA International graduate), and international negotiations (Harvard Business School Executive Education) to lead PEOPLE's day-to-day operations, business strategy, and team culture. We met with Sotiris and discussed about PEOPLE and his learnings in the entrepreneurial stage. Here's what he told us. 

Tell us a few things about PEOPLE. How did it all start? How did you discover the market opportunity for your solution, and where are you today?

Our journey began in 2016. Recognizing that despite its huge impact on our lives and the future of our world the transportation sector had fallen behind on technology adoption and sustainability, my brothers, Dimitris and Vangelis, and I founded PEOPLE with the vision of a 100% sustainable and connected global transport & logistics. We aimed to develop solutions to enhance the global supply chain efficiency.

We combined our experience in aeronautics, as users and engineers, and in computer science to modify, evolve and bring knowledge from the air to the ground and sea. With a shared vision to revolutionize global logistics, we believed that by leveraging technology, we could transform the way goods are transported around the world. Our goal was to address the significant environmental and economic impacts of transportation and to play a pivotal role in making the industry more sustainable and efficient. This vision is rooted in our commitment to give back to future generations a better world than the one we inherited.

Over the past seven years, PEOPLE has developed sustainable and interconnected solutions for global freight transport –including the world’s most eco-friendly, lightweight, and durable smart dry container, Container2.0 – and a globally connected cargo ecosystem, providing right-time end-to-end visibility throughout the supply chain for all stakeholders involved. Our dedication to innovation is reflected in the thirteen patents we have earned. Today, we continue to drive forward with our mission, confident in our ability to make a meaningful difference in the world of transportation and beyond.

How do you differentiate from other similar offers in the market? What value does PEOPLE bring to the customers and partners?

We are committed to sustainability and innovation, and always have a collaborative approach. Our solutions, like the world's first eco-friendly smart container, not only reduce costs through its lighter weight but also minimize environmental impact. We leverage smart technology and data analytics to provide right-time insights like temperature, light, humidity, location tracking and predictive maintenance, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions and optimize their entire logistics ecosystem (transportation, warehousing, and distribution). Supply chain transparency is also enhanced and, at the same time, safeguarded against potential disruptions and losses. Reliable project timelines and faster implementation are also guaranteed, providing a seamless transition for our solutions users. Our smart devices can be installed in any transport unit, from boxes and pallets to trucks and trailers, while our platform offers comprehensive load management and allows for seamless connectivity across the logistics network. This transparency and right-time data enable stakeholders to react promptly, reduce losses, lower costs and improve efficiency.

What would you consider to have been (or are) your biggest challenge so far?

In a startup, every day brings a new challenge, and that's precisely what makes it so exciting! We're constantly in motion, and each step is an opportunity to learn and grow. We embrace challenges and failures as steppingstones; they fuel our ambition to dream big. We're not afraid to fail – it's part of the learning process. We love taking risks, understanding both our strengths and the areas where we need to learn and grow. Recognizing both our powers and limitations is key to navigating those risks effectively. By constantly pushing boundaries, we keep ourselves and the company moving forward. After all, true progress rarely happens in a comfort zone.

What are the biggest learnings from your journey so far?

Some of the key lessons I've learned revolve around a few key principles that have guided me both personally and professionally. Enjoying what you do is crucial for long-term success and happiness; it reflects in the quality of your work and inspires those around you. Passion, simplicity, and excellence form the core of my approach, fueling drive, focus, and a commitment to delivering the best.

Additionally, I've realized the importance of trusting instincts and standing by your ideas, even when they aren't immediately recognized or accepted by others. You should never be discouraged or give up. There will be setbacks, but determination is what separates the dreamers from the doers. Innovation often comes from taking bold steps and learning from failures.

Also, surrounding oneself with passionate people and empowering them to thrive fosters growth and teamwork. Commitment is very important to start but without consistency you will not arrive at your destination. As Nelson Mandela said: "There is no passion to be found playing small and settling for a life that's less than the one you are capable of living". Dreaming big, embracing challenges, and pursuing passions define success beyond financial gain. Ultimately, it's about making a meaningful impact on the world, whether through your occupation, collaborations, interactions, or contributions to the community.