No one is born knowing how business works. Hult alum Fotios Psaroulis, Class of 2021, started his career in strategy at Deloitte before transitioning to a family business. He reflects on how his time at Hult, defined by its truly global environment, shaped his strategic business perspective and wider worldview. 

With the launch of Hult’s new Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship, students with ambitions in family enterprises now have a dedicated platform to build the skills and experience to drive growth in family businesses. 

Hult: Can you outline your career journey since graduating from Hult? 

Fotios: I began my career in strategy at a Big Four firm, where I was exposed to a wide range of industries and strategic challenges. I later transitioned to a family business. I’m currently pursuing a PhD in family business succession, alongside my work in Group Strategy & Performance at Fibran.  I also do part-time consulting with family businesses, supporting them on governance, succession, and long-term continuity. 

H: What sparked your interest in family business leadership and succession, and why is it such an important topic today? 

F: As part of the third generation in my own family business, I have always been curious about how leadership transitions take place across generations. During my time at Hult, courses such as Change Management and Leadership helped me develop the skills to navigate organizational change and transitions.  

Building on this, my experience in family business highlighted succession as one of the most complex challenges these organizations face. Family businesses represent a significant share of the global economy, yet many struggle with leadership continuity across generations. 

“As part of the third generation in my own family business, I have always been curious about how leadership transitions take place across generations.”

H: What aspects of the Hult experience have had the most impact on your career and research path? 

F: It’s a truly global environment. Being surrounded by hundreds of students from different countries and backgrounds at Hult shaped the way I see the world. It helped me become what Diogenes once described as a kosmopolites—a citizen of the world.  

At the same time, the program is very hands-on and focuses on solving real business problems. That approach strengthened my analytical thinking and gave me the edge I needed in my career. 

“Being surrounded by hundreds of students from different countries and backgrounds at Hult shaped the way I see the world.” 

H: What advice would you give to current and prospective Hult students interested in pursuing a career in family business or strategy? 

F: Stay curious and seek experience in different industries and environments early in your career. Understanding both the business side and the people side is essential. International exposure is also extremely valuable. Working with people from different cultures and backgrounds will sharpen your thinking and broaden your approach to problem-solving. 

“Stay curious and seek experience in different industries and environments early in your career.”

Interested in shaping the future of family enterprises? Explore Hult’s Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship curriculum.