The Leadership Thread with Dr. Peggy Pelonis

Episode 11: Breaking Barriers: A Woman’s Journey in Global Maritime Law

In this inspiring episode of The Leadership Thread, maritime attorney Ioanna Vitta shares her journey from a determined young woman in Greece to a respected leader in international shipping law. She discusses perseverance, breaking barriers in a male- dominated industry, the value of trust and teamwork, and why patience, lifelong learning, and resilience remain essential ingredients for leadership and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 10: No Permission. Just Go Make a Film: Sura Mallugh’s Unstoppable Journey

From engineering student to award-winning filmmaker, ASC Athens Alumni, Sura Mallugh shares how resilience, identity, and fearless storytelling shaped her path in the film industry. In this inspiring conversation with Dr. Peggy Pelonis, she opens up about creating her own opportunities, finding her voice, and why filmmakers should never wait for permission. A powerful episode about creativity, leadership, and the courage to tell stories that matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 9: Janice Crampton On Leadership Mindset, Enrollment Challenges, and Institutional Growth

In this episode, Janice Crampton, CEO of ASAP, delivers a powerful and deeply personal conversation on leadership, purpose, and the rapidly evolving landscape of education. Drawing on more than four decades of experience, she shares hard-earned insights on navigating change, leading with integrity, and balancing institutional tradition with the demands of a global, digital world. From redefining success and managing high-stakes responsibility to empowering others and building ethical frameworks, Crampton reveals what it truly means to lead with both conviction and compassion. This episode goes beyond theory, offering real-world perspective on resilience, decision-making, and the human impact behind every leadership role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 8: Telly Hatzigiorgiou: The Pivot That Changed Everything & Built an Entrepreneur

In this episode of The Leadership Thread, entrepreneur Telly Hatzigiorgiou shares his journey from Wall Street to building successful hospitality and real estate ventures in New York City. He talks about the importance of hard work, family values, taking risks, and learning how to pivot when life doesn’t go as planned. From opening his first business at a young age to expanding into Manhattan and real estate, his story is one of resilience, creativity, and determination. This conversation explores what it really takes to succeed, the lessons learned from mistakes, and why doing something you love—and doing it well—can make all the difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 7: Cooking with Purpose: Maria Loi’s Journey from a Greek Village to a Global Culinary Voice

On this episode of Leadership Thread, hosted by Dr. Peggy Pelonis, Chef Maria Loi reflects on her remarkable journey — from growing up in the village of Thermo, Greece, to establishing a celebrated culinary presence in New York, while bringing the flavors and spirit of Greece to a national audience through her PBS television series, Life of Loi. Maria reflects on growing up in a tight-knit family of five children, shaped by love, freedom, and strong values. Encouraged by her father and guided by her mother’s resilience and her grandfather’s deep knowledge of traditional remedies, she discovered early that food was her calling. Her philosophy is simple: cook with instinct, respect ingredients, and let food nourish both body and spirit. More than a chef, Maria sees her work as a mission. She speaks about the Greek roots of the Mediterranean way of eating, the healing power of olive oil, beans, and greens, and why “food is medicine.” She also opens up about leaving a successful lobbying career to rediscover herself and return to purpose. At its heart, this conversation is about leadership through love, courage, optimism, and service and Maria’s message to young people is clear: give, stay true to yourself, and never give up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]