
Athanasia Koraki
Store Manager at Vodafone GreeceMy main motivation for becoming a Store Manager at Vodafone was the desire to inspire and lead a team toward success. I had worked in sales for years, and during that time realised how important a supportive and positive environment is for both performance and personal growth. I wanted to actively contribute to creating that kind of culture, and help the people around me grow professionally and personally.
As a Store Manager, I’m responsible for leading and supporting my team to ensure we consistently deliver an excellent customer experience and meet our sales targets. I take pride in creating a culture that’s focused on service, growth, and collaboration, and where everyone feels valued and motivated. It has resulted in our store being one of the top performers in our region, and I find immense satisfaction in fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to develop their skills and advance in their careers.
I started at Vodafone in 2018
At first I was a Sales Advisor, with a strong focus on delivering an outstanding customer experience. This customer-centric approach significantly boosted my sales performance and helped me build lasting relationships based on trust.
After three years I moved into the role of Internet Specialist, focusing more on technical customer needs while keeping their overall experience at the centre of my work. Then, two and a half years ago I was promoted to Store Manager. The opportunity to shape the direction of the store and drive its success was a major motivating factor for me taking on this role. I was particularly driven by the challenge of taking on more responsibility and implementing innovative strategies to enhance customer satisfaction.
A big part of my day is spent on the floor with customers and my colleagues. Other day to day tasks include setting and monitoring team goals, coaching team members through regular feedback and training, and making sure everyone feels motivated and aligned with our shared objectives. I also handle operational aspects (managing stock, ensuring visual merchandising is up to standard, customer issues etc.), analyse sales data to identify trends and areas for improvement, and liaise with district managers to align our store strategies with broader company goals.
Leading a successful team is so rewarding
My experience as a Sales Advisor has had a major influence on my management style. Daily contact with customers taught me to listen actively, understand needs, and respond with empathy and efficiency. I cultivate a supportive and inclusive work environment, and focus on listening, supporting, and building trust - values that I believe are the foundation of a strong team. I also fully understand the challenges that frontline staff face, which helps me guide and motivate them with both realism and respect.
At the same time, I keep the customer at the centre of everything we do - it’s something that’s been deeply embedded in me since my very first day in sales. This customer-centric approach ensures that the team aligns with the company’s goals while maintaining excellent service. I encourage my team to contribute their ideas and I actively participate in day-to-day operations to stay connected with them.
What I love most about being a Store Manager is being the foundation my team can rely on - someone they can trust, learn from, and grow with. My biggest sense of accomplishment comes from seeing people exceed their own expectations, gain confidence, and achieve goals they once found challenging. I also enjoy being the link between Vodafone’s broader strategy and the everyday work on the store floor. I love turning business objectives into motivation and clear actions for my team, while creating an environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to contribute.
It’s the human connection - seeing individuals thrive and feeling part of something bigger - that makes this role so fulfilling for me. Vodafone is an organisation that truly invests in people, not just numbers, and I feel like we’re all constantly growing both personally and professionally. There’s a real company commitment to innovation and employee development here, and there is always something new at Vodafone to learn and explore.