Employee Spotlight: Q&A with Stavros Tsolkanakis

Synextra Employee Spotlight

Joining our Synextra team a few weeks ago, Stavros is an experienced videographer – specialising in Video, Audio and Social Technologies. Originally from Athens, Stavros is a big fan of British culture and music, so much so that his band, Ursula Fair is heavily inspired by British bands such as Joy Division, The Clash etc. As the newest member of the marketing and design team, we caught up with him to find out more about him.

Firstly, welcome! You’ve joined Synextra at an exciting time, how are you finding it so far?

It’s going great so far – I’m really enjoying the work that we do here at Synextra and working with an experienced team. It’s been good to work closely with Michael and get to know graphic design a lot better, it’s really helping me further grow my skills, and extending my knowledge. Filming and working on video content are really helping me to understand the business a lot better and helping to generate ideas with the rest of the team.

Tell us a bit more about your career up to this point.

With a keen interest in multimedia since a young age, I then went on to study and achieve a BA in Sound Technology and Musical Instruments. Furthering this, I then applied to do my Masters in Video, Audio and Social Technologies in 2016, moving from Greece to Manchester – and I’ve been here ever since! My first job after this was as a Videographer, where I really came to understand how videos can be successful on such things as social media.

Earlier this year, I also, took the Google course, Fundamentals of Digital Marketing which furthered my understanding of such things as SEO, email marketing and PPC. I would strongly recommend it to anyone wanting to further their knowledge in these fields also.

Whilst developing my career as a Videographer I also started doing some freelancing along the way until I co-founded Livd, a mental health online service. It was great to be involved right from the beginning, seeing the business grow. During my time here I collaborated with the development team, making all the design decisions. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, Livd struggled, resulting in its closure.

What’s your favourite thing about working in multimedia design?

My favourite thing is definitely being creative, collaborating with others to build content that contributes to the business’ success by always having the target audience in mind.

What has been your biggest achievement?

I would say taking the decision to move away from home to a whole new country with a new language. Arriving in the UK without a concrete plan and not sure if I had been accepted on to my Master’s course, I was really taking a chance. After securing a job in the hospitality sector and being accepted on to my course, I’ve never looked back!

What does a typical weekend look like for you?

I love the British music scene, so I often attend live gigs, whilst playing in my own band also. As well as this, I enjoy cooking, watching films, travelling, and playing badminton.

What was your first job?

My father owns a car workshop so I would often help him out there on the weekend and during the school holidays.

Tell us something not a lot of people know about you?

Back when I was living in Greece, I was in a band under the name Victory Collapse, we actually had a 12-inch LP vinyl record and a 7-inch single together; we also were the opening act for British band “Gang of Four”, among others is one of my favourite bands.

A big welcome to Stavros, we’re happy to have him on board as part of the Synextra team! Want to be a part of the Synextra team, changing the game in a new era of cloud? Keep your eyes peeled on our LinkedIn for any potential job openings.