218 Letter from Effie Steriopoulos
As a second-generation Greek born in Melbourne and raised in Greece, my identity has been shaped by the intersection of two cultures. My parents were among the many Greek migrants who embarked on a journey to Australia in the late 1960s, seeking opportunity and stability. After eleven years, they returned to their homeland, and at the age of eight, I found myself adapting to a new life in Greece. Growing up in Veria and completing my studies in Thessaloniki deeply influenced my worldview, grounding me in values of resilience, community, and curiosity. I completed my first degree in English Language and Literature at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where I developed not only linguistic competence but also an early appreciation for the power of communication and cultural expression.
Upon graduation, I faced the challenges of limited employment opportunities and decided to pursue a career in tourism, capitalising on my fluency in English and German. My professional journey took me to Crete, the biggest Greek island, where I settled first in Chania and later in Heraklion. Immersing myself in the Cretan way of life was transformative. As a tour guide leading groups through the Samaria Gorge, I experienced first-hand how encounters with nature could evoke powerful emotions and lasting change in visitors. These experiences awakened in me a deeper awareness of transformation as a lived, sensory, and emotional process. My time in Crete was more than a job, it was a period of personal renewal that reconnected me to the beauty of simplicity, authenticity, and human connection.
Despite finding a sense of belonging in Crete, I was drawn to broaden my global perspective. I self-funded my return migration to Melbourne, seeking to re-establish myself in a multicultural environment that resonated with my dual heritage. Australia’s diverse voices and inclusive values provided fertile ground for rediscovering my own identity and sense of purpose. However, life presented challenges that tested my strength and self-belief. I experienced significant personal adversity during my marriage, which ultimately led to its dissolution. With the support of professional guidance, this period became a turning point that strengthened my resilience and sense of purpose. Raising two daughters as a single mother required me to develop resilience, independence, and a deep empathy for others’ struggles. These experiences, though difficult, became the foundation for my later academic and professional achievements.
Professionally, I devoted myself to the tourism and events industry, initially teaching vocational programs for a decade before transitioning to higher education. This shift marked a pivotal stage in my career. Encouraged by the mentorship of Alana Harris, I embarked on my PhD journey; a decision that profoundly transformed both my professional and personal pathway. The research, focusing on heritage tourism experiences and transformation, became an exploration not only of visitor behaviour but of my own capacity for renewal. I found immense inspiration in the women leaders of CAUTHE (Council for Australasian Tourism and Hospitality Education), whose narratives of perseverance and vision guided me through the complexities of doctoral study. Completing my PhD restored my confidence and voice, reinforcing my belief in the transformative potential of education and research.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when academic life was redefined by isolation and uncertainty, I found inspiration in the leadership of women who shared their vulnerabilities during CAUTHE’s Iso-CHATS sessions. Their honesty and courage revealed the strength that lies in authenticity. These conversations became a turning point, motivating me to step into academic leadership roles. My sense of self-efficacy grew significantly when Leonie Lockstone-Binney expressed belief in my ability to co-chair the CAUTHE Event Studies Special Interest Group (SIG). Later collaborating with Faith Ong, I worked to revitalise the SIG, transforming it into a platform for forward-thinking dialogue that encourages innovation, inclusivity, and scholarly collaboration. These experiences affirmed my belief that leadership is not about authority, but about empowerment, empathy, and the ability to elevate others.
My scholarly contributions have been recognised through multiple achievements, including the 2022 Award for Excellence in Scholarly Practice and the 2024 CAUTHE Fellows Research Award for Early Career Scholars. These honours reflect my dedication to advancing knowledge in the fields of event and tourism studies, particularly through lenses of authenticity, transformation, and learning. They also symbolise my journey from self-doubt to self-belief, a transformation made possible through mentorship, persistence, and community.
As a woman in academia, I take pride in belonging to a community of capable, compassionate leaders who understand that strength often co-exists with vulnerability. Major life changes have taught me the value of living in the present and cultivating joy through meaningful collaboration. I draw inspiration from colleagues such as Can-Seng Ooi, whose kindness and confidence in my leadership continue to reinforce my commitment to inclusive practice. Together, we explore how academia can move beyond competition and towards co-creation, where knowledge is shared generously, and leadership is expressed through collaboration rather than hierarchy.
My philosophy centres on the belief that kindness and curiosity are the most powerful tools for leadership. They create safe environments where ideas flourish and people feel seen. My advice to emerging leaders is to work hard, nurture authentic connections, and work alongside kind researchers with intellectual ambition. Looking ahead, my future goals are grounded in living fully and purposefully. I intend to continue contributing to the development of transformative educational experiences and to mentor others. I also aspire to strengthen international collaborations that celebrate cultural diversity and human potential. Above all, I want to remain immersed in the simple pleasures of life: teaching, writing, travelling, and connecting meaningfully with others.
Effie Steriopoulos
William Angliss Institute, Australia
