They are famous names that we see in front of us everyday. Like her Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC),, The Google or Facebook. Most of these were created in a student apartment or a garage and managed to reach the top. But how do you work with one of these giants?
There is a Greek who is in such a position. It is Steve Vranakis. Currently, she is a manager of her Creative Lab Google. He was born in Canada by Greek immigrants.
In the interview he gives to HuffPost Greece, talks about how to work in a "technological giant", how to advise young people living in Greece of the crisis, and whether a company such as Google could grow in our country.
Let's take things from the beginning. What has you got in mind since that first day on Google?
Google is a great place to work for. The best of what I have worked so far. Several things made me feel good. There you see engineers working with designers. To give flesh and bone to great ideas that can change the world. In this company, you see science meeting imagination.
You see people creating some of the most ambitious and bold projects.
How did the position arise in this world-famous company?
As soon as I found out about this position, I immediately sent my resume, along with work samples. In the past I had already worked in the field of design, advertisingand digital technology, for about 20 years. During these years, I was lucky enough to win a number of awards, which highlighted my work even more.
I also participated in the launch of some very important technological products such as iPhone in the UK, Amazon.co.uk, Oxmin and Coke Zero.
Steve Vranakis
Who exactly is your role on Google?
In one sentence, my job is to innovate on the promotion of the company's core projects. Like the well-known search engine, Android, Chrome, or YouTube.
Let's talk about these projects, interestingly, to the audience. At the same time, I try to analyze the companies that use our products, how they can use them in even more innovative ways, helping their own customers.
Could a giant company like Google grow in Greece?
Google was "born" in a garage in America with very little money but very big ambitions from its creators. I think if the right people work together to create something that will change the world, then it can happen anywhere.
What we need to do in Greece is to convey the right culture to entrepreneurs. Also the general environment should reward innovation and there is no fear of a possible failure. All these elements, if they do, will keep the talent inside the country.
What is your opinion of all that has happened in Greece over the past few years?
I may have grown up in Vancouver, Canada, but I come from Sfakia, Crete. So I feel completely the difficulties that Greeks spend. Unemployment is high and moral low. The Greeks of the Diaspora are trying to help us in any way.
I personally act as the mentor of many young Greek entrepreneurs who have created a startup. So that I can help them in their start. I believe that new technologies can help to develop the economy.
Young people in Greece have many fresh ideas in technology and entrepreneurship, and some of them have taken a look at the world.
In an earlier interview, you stated that Crete, where you come from, can become a new one Valley. How can this become a reality?
Crete is the place where there are some of the best Universities and schools in Europe. The Foundation for Research and Technology is active in Crete in articles such as robotics, laser, biotechnology and 1983-related technology. We have a rich heritage in technology.
It is, of course, necessary to create the right environment, so that there is an impetus for innovation. The talent that exists in Greece must be exploited.
What would you advise young people living in Greece?
I am a great fan of technology and the economy associated with digital media. These changed my life. I therefore believe that young people in Greece should use new technologies and create innovative businesses through which they can export many of the extraordinary Greek products to the whole planet. Make an opening with their startups to international markets. At the same time, make use of the available scientists and engineers who still live in Greece.
Google is trying to act as a source of inspiration for the new generation by uploading to Google Art Project, στο YouTube, μερικά από τα πιο γνωστά ελληνικά museums like that of the Acropolis. There is also the Monastery of Patmos. Something similar happens through the well-known Street View tool.
I believe that Greece has many talented people with great dreams and ideas. People who want to "write history".
