Women of all ages play a significant role in each of our lives. These are the women who have inspired us, the women who have paved the way and the women who have given us the courage to grow. Women around the world continue to inspire and encourage us to go beyond our expectations. Who are the modern women of today ? So proud to share the profiles of women that set the bar and bring change.
I am thrilled to share the interview with the talented Evangelia Tsotsis, a Partner/Lawyer at Levy Tsotsis Attorneys. Her practice focuses on litigation in civil, commercial, real estate and family law. She was recently nominated for the 2015 Notable Award in the Category of Law and was the Regional winner for Quebec. She is just one example of the dynamic women creating their legacies. She is focused, driven and smart. Here is what she has to say about her herself and her aspirations.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, your aspirations and your hobbies?
I’m a very passionate and dedicated woman. My aspirations are to be able to leave an imprint on people when they meet me and to be successful. With respect to hobbies- who has time for hobbies? lol- when I have time I love to read books on development and essentially learn from other leaders.
What are your greatest strengths?
I always say my greatest skill is if you throw me in the middle of the desert I'll figure out the game and being adaptable is something that can be a great strength. I’m also a people person and naturally good at connecting individuals and understanding their needs.
What do you do when you are not working at your practice?
I’m usually always out and about, whether it be attending networking or charity event or reading my very own Auntie Evangelia’s Story Book with my nieces and my nephews.
What are five adjectives that describe you? Passionate, Persistent, Loyal, Tenacious, and giving.
What book would you say has made the biggest impact good or bad on you? Why?
Charlottes Web. The truth is it made me understand the concept behind friendships and how you never know who you can be friends with and that every person is a door to a new world.
Recently you were nominated for an award, on winning the Award, how does that make you feel?
I feel honoured and blessed that throughout this experience, people actually reached out to me and let me know just how much value I added to their life, and the genuine impact I had in their life through my work and dedication.
What words and advice for your readers do you have?
You need to surround yourself with people who will empower you and help you grow both intellectually and emotionally. You need to have courage to persevere. It’s important to be clear in what you want out of life, make things happen, be good to people and you will see that in the end it all works out…but nothing happens without recognizing the people in your team, in your home, and the ones that will always be there through the battles of life. In anything you do - you want to be with the right people, the ones that do not give up on you.
What do you do to keep learning and developing your skills in this area?
I read a lot, and I try to find other individuals that are more skilled to learn from them.
How would you define “success” for someone in your chosen career?
It depends, to me it means that I can wake up every morning and know that I pushed myself to do things that I didn’t think were possible. It’s never been just about making money or achieving financial success. It’s also on making an impact on other people and their life. Essentially it’s being able to do something you are deeply passionate about.
What is your favourite memory from childhood?
Family dinner with my parents and maternal grandparents. My family was and continue to be big believers on keeping the family together, so they never let us have dinner without everyone at the table. This is a memory I want to instil in my family and kids one day because it’s what ties us together, even today.
What are you most proud of ? I’m proud of Levy Tsotsis Attorneys, it was not easy- only 4 years into my practice to earn the respect from my partner to trust and give me the opportunity to put my name next to his.
Who are your heroes?
My father- he is a warrior- they don’t make men like him anymore. Despite the hardships in his life, he perseveres and continues to put his family first and would do anything for his family. My other hero is my cousin Lewis Farsedakis, he is to me as much a hero as he is a mentor, because he managed to leave Quebec with nothing and has built a successful business from the ground up- and today his company - Blinc Inc is amongst some of the most influential cosmetic brands - all while being a family man and raising a beautiful family of 3.
Was there a person in your career who really made a difference?
My partner, Raphael Levy, who despite my resistance showed me that hard work and dedication can be rewarding.
Can you give an example of something you have learned on your own that has helped you in your professional life?
Compassion and keeping an open mind. All of my clients stem from personal connections I’ve made, whether it was through sharing moments like buying my first train ticket to Ottawa, I met my first client- while on the train…..years later I never anticipated to have him walk into my office.
What is your personal mission statement?
I want to leave an imprint on people, to lead and inspire with integrity. To leave a legacy and to be remembered not so much for the lawyer in me but rather for the woman and the heart in me.
List five words that would describe you.
Loyal, Tenacious, Determined, Generous, Fierce
Why did you choose this profession/field?
I love being a lawyer because I can make a difference in someone’s life and I try to add value whether it is on an employment issue or a restructuring perspective or even just to help grow my client’s business. I truly love to help people and more importantly I love making an impact on their life.
What inspires you?
I have witnessed the sacrificial depths people will go in order to survive. This is a true inspiration. I know what it’s like to see a woman and man do whatever it takes to make sure their family is taken care of and supported. This inspires me to understand the valuable lessons we learn as children and apply them in a way that’s actually meaningful in my life. I truly try to stay as grounded as I can.
What’s next for you?
I have some big dreams, ones I want and need to chase. Soon, I'll be ready to spell out more about what's next for me, but now is not the time. One thing is certain, I see myself hopefully having a family and taking care of them while running my business. I never want to lose the essence of who I am, and this is a caretaker/giver… a hustler, and in the end I do whatever it takes.
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