Paris Dragnis: The Shipowner supports the next generarion

Last week, shipowner Paris Dragnis attended Posidonia Sea Tourism and spoke at the YES Sea Forum, addressing young people interested in pursuing a career at sea. As a self-made entrepreneur, he shared valuable advice with the younger generation, emphasising that, regardless of the difficulties they may encounter along the way, they should remain persistent and continue pursuing their dreams. He also stressed the importance of learning how to get back up whenever they fall. He then took questions from the audience. Among those who spoke was a graduate of a Maritime High School, who highlighted the difficulties young people from this educational background face when seeking employment with a shipping company.

Paris Dragnis replied with a smile: “I told you that you must remain persistent in your efforts. But in life, where nothing is simply handed to you, you also need a little luck. So, I commit to hiring you at my company from this very moment, right from the beginning of your career.” He then went over and sat beside the young student. The two exchanged contact details, and Paris Dragnis invited him to visit the company immediately.

Paris Dragni with Newmoney journalist Minas Tsamopoulos.

With roots in Asia Minor and having grown up listening to stories of displacement and the refugee experience, Paris Dragnis overcame numerous challenges on his journey to the forefront of the Greek and global shipping industry.

He began his career as a captain, as did many Greek shipowners, studying on a state scholarship as an outstanding student. At a young age, he went on to establish his own company. However, he faced a major setback very early in his career. At the age of 33, amid the international shipping crisis, he lost everything, including all 17 of his containerships. He started again from scratch, taking a more conservative approach and moving forward one step at a time. As he has himself acknowledged, it was the greatest life lesson he ever received. However, he faced a major setback very early in his career. At the age of 33, amid the international shipping crisis, he lost everything, including all 17 of his containerships. He started again from scratch, taking a more conservative approach and moving forward one step at a time. As he has himself acknowledged, it was the greatest life lesson he ever received.

In mid-February of the previous year, he was honoured as the “Person of Greek Shipping for 2019” during the 10th Annual Capital Link Forum.

As Simeon Palios, Chairman of Diana Shipping Inc. noted,a company listed on the U.S. stock market, noted, he said of Paris Dragni:

“He is a man driven by a desire to contribute and create something meaningful, rather than by mere personal advancement. During the crisis, he built luxury yachts and pleasure craft in Greece, providing employment for Greek families while maintaining the highest standards of quality. He has never shied away from responsibility, and his career is truly remarkable. His presence on the London Stock Exchange speaks for itself. Finally, I admire the way he has passed his values on to his children.”
Speech of Paris Dragnis:

– I encourage young people to consider a career at sea. It does not matter where you start, but rather the path you choose. With discipline and determination, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. Hardship never held me back on the contrary, it gave me the motivation to grow and move forward.

– Flexibility and the ability to adapt to the circumstances one encounters are among the essential qualities needed to succeed at sea.

– The open horizon of the ocean is the perfect setting for big dreams. Without dreams and a sense of purpose, you cannot move forward. My pursuit of my own goals began at the ship’s rail and continued on the bridge. It was sustained by hard work and unwavering dedication.

– The sea demands tireless energy and unwavering dedication. It requires the ability to keep looking ahead, with your eyes on the horizon and your feet firmly on the deck.

– One of the defining qualities of success is self-confidence. Without the balance of self-criticism, however, you risk losing everything you have built. You must learn to operate in challenging and adverse circumstances.

– Shipping means understanding what is happening at a global level, recognising the forces shaping the global economy, being able to identify opportunities where others cannot, opening yourself to new horizons, and working with people who live in different environments and hold different perspectives.

– To anticipate emerging fields, recognise new players, and have the ability to work alongside them. Coming from the heart of the Greek refugee community, patriotism was a value instilled in me from an early age by my family.

– Today, as our homeland faces difficult times, we seek to contribute by maintaining part of our business activity here in Greece. I am certain that Greek shipowners share the same way of thinking and carry in their hearts the place where they were born.