TALENT TALK with Vivi Dimitriadou – Chief People Officer, SPORTFIVE

Vivi Dimitriadou’s career path was anything but predetermined. She found her own, non-linear way into the HR world. Through vocational training, university studies, and various positions, she discovered her passion for people and organizational development. Her willingness to keep exploring new paths and to continue her education (e.g., as a business coach) led her to her current position as Chief People Officer at SPORTFIVE, where she also serves as an advisor to the Senior Leadership Team.

In our TALENT TALK, she shares valuable career tips for young professionals as she talks about her career, the lessons she has gathered along the way, and what she pays particular attention to when it comes to applicants.

Interview conducted July 22, 2025

CAREER TIPS FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

1. QUESTION: CHOOSING THE RIGHT EMPLOYER

Niki: “Vivi, how do you know if an employer is the right fit for you?”

Vivi: “I think it’s important to look at what matters to you personally in a job. For me, development opportunities and creative freedom are key priorities. But if you ask five people, that means something different to each of them. That’s why it’s crucial to define that for yourself and ask specific questions during the conversation. Not: ‘Is there creative freedom here?’ but: ‘What does that look like in practice? Can you give examples?’ That way you get context and a picture of what it’s really like in the company.”

💡 VIVI’S TIPS FOR CHOOSING AN EMPLOYER:

Gain clarity. Answer the following questions for yourself: “What excites me? What drives me? And what do I expect from my job?”

In the interview, ask targeted questions and get concrete examples until you can clearly assess whether the company, the structures, and your area of responsibility match your expectations.

Pay attention to the chemistry with your contacts. These are the people you’ll be dealing with every day.

2. QUESTION: TOP 3 QUALITIES IN YOUNG TALENTS

Niki: “What do you pay particular attention to when recruiting young applicants?”

Vivi: “I think it’s a lot about balance.”

💡 WHAT VIVI LOOKS FOR IN APPLICANTS:

Independence combined with a feedback culture: Dare to work on topics independently and share ideas, but seek feedback. “The balance between working independently and getting feedback is very important to me. Working through topics yourself and contributing your own ideas, not just waiting for things to be handed to you, is very valuable. After all, young talents don’t start from zero; they already bring some experience and fresh perspectives. It would be a shame if that wasn’t shared.”

Realistic expectations: “It’s not always all high fashion and strategic and super exciting.” Routine tasks are always part of the job, no matter what level you’re at. Especially at the beginning of your career, it’s about learning the basics and understanding your own limits.•

Openness to further development: When you reach your limits: “Don’t give up right away; show strength by seeking support.” That accelerates your growth.

3. QUESTION: CAREER TIPS

Niki: “What are your top 3 career tips for young talents?”

💡 VIVI’S TOP CAREER TIPS:

Know your motives and be open to new things: Ask yourself: “What am I good at, what do I enjoy doing, and in which areas can I apply that?”Be open to new topics: It’s important to allow detours in order to learn and grow.“I never had a 10-year plan, but I had an idea of what I wanted to achieve. Not a position, but a vision of what I wanted to do in my job in terms of content.”

Communication is key: Express your expectations clearly and self-reflect.“Bring up topics and expectations early to avoid frustration. First, try to solve them in a constructive conversation and reflect on the other perspective before you think about quitting. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes: Have I clearly formulated my expectations? And are they reasonable?”

Continue your education: “The training I have done has had the greatest impact on my development. Continuing education always pays off.” If you want to progress: always stay eager to learn and curious.

4. QUESTION: ON THE TOPIC OF MENTORING

Niki: “What role have mentors played in your career?”

Vivi didn’t have formal mentors but had many inspiring role models and is an advocate of mentoring. “I learned a lot from colleagues who did things particularly well. When you approach them, very valuable conversations can result.”

✨ VIVI’S TIP ON MENTO

ING: Seek out exchanges proactively. Sometimes mentoring simply develops from conversations with inspiring people.

Conclusion: Career comes from taking initiative, openness to feedback and change, and continuous learning. Those who know themselves well, ask targeted questions, communicate honestly, contribute, and think ahead will grow. Thank you, Vivi!