Get All Access for $5/mo

Against All Odds: Maria Hatzistefanis, Founder, Rodial Maria Hatzistefanis on the importance of having support networks to guide us along our respective journeys.

By Tamara Pupic

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Staged in partnership with du, Against All Odds is an Entrepreneur Middle East Live webinar series that features enterprising women who have risen above personal and professional challenges to develop solutions, launch businesses, and lead global initiatives that make them inspirational role models around the world.

In this edition of Against All Odds, we spoke with bestselling author, TV personality, podcaster, and the founder of global skincare brand Rodial, Maria Hatzistefanis. In a freewheeling conversation about how all of us can go about building successful careers and lives, Hatzistefanis stressed the importance of having support networks to guide us along our respective journeys.

"When I first started [as an entrepreneur], I found that a lot of my friends didn't really understand what I wanted to do, they couldn't see my vision, so I really needed to get support from others who were doing the same thing," Hatzistefanis said. "Ï went to some networking events and I found other women who were also starting a business, and so I built a little circle of women entrepreneurs who were at the same stage of their careers as I was."

"Therefore, when building a support group, it is about women supporting other women, but it is also about being realistic who are the women with whom you can build your network," Hatzistefanis added. "It's important that all these women are at the same level as you are, so that you can all have each other's best interests at heart, and that you all have the similar amount of free time to provide that support." For more highlights from our conversation with Hatzistefanis, check out the video!

Related: Against All Odds: Karma Ekmekji, Founder, #Diplowomen

Tamara Pupic

Entrepreneur Staff

Managing Editor, Entrepreneur Middle East

Tamara Pupic is the Managing Editor of Entrepreneur Middle East.

Business News

Here's What the CPI Report Means for Your Wallet, According to JPMorgan and EY Experts

Most experts agree that there will be another rate cut next week.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Growing a Business

Why Lifelong Learning is the Key to Entrepreneurial Success

The key to success has less to do with obsessing over consuming the 'right kinds' of materials and more to do with how you use what you learn.

Money & Finance

Hate Making Collection Calls? How to Do Them Right

Since calling late-payers can be painful, make your effort to collect what you're owed as efficient and effective as possible. Here's how.

Starting a Business

How to Be a Personal Concierge

Make every client feel like the most important person in the world with a personal concierge service.

Business Plans

7 Steps To A Winning Business Proposal

Seven essential steps to guarantee you get the contract.