This article is part of our new series, The People of Leros, where we introduce individuals from the island who stand out through their stories, passions, and the meaningful ways they contribute to the community.
In the first article, we interview Kalliopi Karpathaki, a woman whose life has always been intertwined with the sea. Born and raised on Leros, she grew up in a family deeply rooted in maritime work, surrounded by boats, shipyards, and the rhythms of an island shaped by nautical tradition. Her academic path naturally aligned with this world, as she pursued specialized studies that support and strengthen the field she grew up in. Equipped with an MBA and additional relevant diplomas, she now leads and develops the family’s maritime businesses with a modern, strategic, and organized approach.
Tell us a few things about yourself.
I was born and raised on Leros, in an environment where the sea and shipping were always part of everyday life. Although I studied something different from the rest of my family, my love for the field eventually led me back to the family businesses. I hold an MBA in Shipping, a Diploma in Boatyard and Marina Operations, and a Diploma in Yacht Brokerage. These studies help me develop the business strategically and in an organized way. I enjoy creating, design, and anything that has to do with growth and new ideas.
What does Leros represent for you?
Leros is the place that shaped me. It is my base, the place where I feel stability and mental clarity. Here, I find the rhythm I need to organize, build, and make decisions with a clear mind.
"I love that life here is genuine. You can work at a fast pace but quickly return to what matters: a clear mind, quality of life, and human relationships that count."How has life on Leros shaped your character and worldview?
It has made me practical, responsible, and perceptive. On Leros, you learn to act with consistency because everything you do is visible. This gave me clarity of thought, the ability to assess situations quickly, and to lead with steadiness. Growing up in a family with a history in shipping and with a strong vision taught me to honor tradition while also looking ahead.
What do you love most about island life?
I love that life here is genuine. You can work at a fast pace but quickly return to what matters: a clear mind, quality of life, and human relationships that count. I like that Leros gives you space to create and develop things with lasting value without the noise of the city.
Your family has always loved the sea. How has that influenced your life and choices?
The sea is in our DNA. Since childhood, I grew up surrounded by ships, engines, and shipyards. It was only natural to continue what previous generations started, but in a more modern way. However, my involvement with the marina emerged from personal choice and continuous training. I wanted to evolve what earlier generations began, bringing it into a new era with a more organized structure, expertise, and modern management. Continuing a family path does not mean copying it, but advancing it with respect and vision. For me, this work is not a profession. It is the continuation of a story.
What inspires you every day to overcome challenges and remain creative?
My love for what I do. The feeling that each day I can do something better for my team, for our clients, and for the island itself. And the belief that quality and integrity always matter, even if it takes time for them to be recognized.
If you had to describe your philosophy in one sentence?
Work with integrity, look beyond what is obvious, and leave everything a little better than you found it.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in a male dominated field?
I cannot say that I encountered obstacles, but there was initial hesitation. It is natural when a woman assumes a position of responsibility in a technical and traditionally male environment. The answer is not to try to prove something, but to remain steady. With consistency, knowledge, and quiet strength, prejudices fade on their own. I believe equality does not need to be declared. It needs to be practiced. When results are measurable and a team functions with respect, gender ceases to matter.
"Artemis has a rare quality. It handles every difficulty as an opportunity to improve."
Was there a moment you felt you had to prove more than your male colleagues?
Yes, mainly in the beginning. But I never saw it as an obstacle. I saw it as an opportunity to show what professionalism means without defensiveness. Knowledge, composure, and consistency are the three elements that ultimately overturn every stereotype.
What advice would you give to young women entering male dominated professions?
Believe in your knowledge and do not ask for space. Create it. Invest in education, seek mentors, and dare to claim what you deserve. And most importantly, stay authentic. You do not need to resemble anyone. You need to make your own presence count.
How did you manage to develop the marina to this level?
With planning, discipline, and a team. The development of the marina is the result of hard work, consistency, and a deep love for what we do. From the beginning, our goal was to create a place that combines high technical expertise with a human centered approach.
My family’s maritime tradition was a valuable foundation, but my path in the marina was a conscious choice and the result of continuous personal growth. My education allowed me to implement international standards and develop an operating model based on organization, transparency, and reliability.
We invested in technological equipment, but perhaps more importantly, in people. We created a team that works with a shared philosophy: professionalism, responsibility, and respect for both the client and the sea.
What makes the difference is our culture. We do not see the marina as a business but as an ecosystem where everyone, from the technician to the client, has a role and importance.
Which part of the job is the most demanding, and which brings you the greatest satisfaction?
The most demanding part is coordinating the many factors that shape daily work: technical projects, timelines, communication with clients, and human relationships. Every decision must combine accuracy, speed, and empathy.
The greatest satisfaction comes when I see a boat ready to depart, well maintained, safe, and with an owner who feels trust. It is the moment when all the effort, from the technical details to the overall organization, is justified.
Clients appreciate this effort. Recently, a client wrote:
“Artemis has a rare quality. It handles every difficulty as an opportunity to improve. The follow up from your office is an uncommon example in Greece. You are building a recognized reputation.”
These words are worth more than any award. They remind us why we do this work and what quality means when it is not just a promise but an action.
What makes Leros a special destination for boats?
Its authenticity and tranquility. It is not a tourist product. It is an island with a soul: sheltered bays, a pristine landscape, people who remember your name. It offers safety and familiarity, which is why owners return.
Are there local initiatives or collaborations of particular importance?
Yes, and this is a part that expresses us deeply. We support the Goran Schildt Regatta, a tradition that honors Leros maritime heritage and encourages young people to stay connected to the sea. We also contribute to social initiatives such as harbor and coastal clean ups and support local clubs and sports activities because we believe the sea is a shared responsibility.
We work closely with Leros professionals, craftsmen, and suppliers, and through training and internship programs we give young people the opportunity to gain real work experience and get acquainted with the world of yachting and technical boat support.
As official partners of international brands in Greece and abroad, we bring expertise and high standards to the island, strengthening Leros reputation as a center of professionalism and nautical knowledge.
For us, progress is not an individual matter. It is a collective effort. And it only has value when business growth goes hand in hand with community development.
What do visitors say about the island? What impressions does it leave?
That they find peace here and feel at home. They appreciate that Leros offers organization without coldness and hospitality without exaggeration. Many tell us that on Leros they remember why they fell in love with the Aegean.
What is your vision for the future of the marina and for promoting the island?
Our vision is to remain faithful to the philosophy “Caring for your Pride and Joy” – to care for every boat as if it were our own, with respect, responsibility, and love for the sea. Artemis Leros Boatyard does not aim simply to expand its facilities. It aims to preserve a culture of care and quality that truly makes a difference. We want every owner who trusts us to feel they become part of a family, not just a client.
At the same time, we invest in green infrastructure, expertise, and team training so that our operation becomes a model for the sustainable development of marine tourism. Leros, with its natural beauty and maritime tradition, deserves to be a destination for high quality and responsible yachting. We want to contribute to that by connecting the island with the international market while preserving its authentic spirit.
We are not interested in becoming bigger. We want to become steadily better, evolving without losing the human element that defines us.
Kalliopi Karpathaki is part of the Leros community in a way that combines tradition, professionalism, and genuine care for the island. She is a special woman and an essential part of the local community, contributing through her work, her values, and her steady commitment to the maritime life of Leros. We thank her for sharing her perspective with us and for everything she continues to do for the island and its people.
