Anastasia Yianni, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Sotheby’s International Realty in Cyprus, calls her work “an adventure within an adventure.” Over two decades in real estate have taught her to look beyond numbers and transactions, focusing instead on trust, structure, and people. Today, she is building a company with a distinctive culture where high standards blend seamlessly with a human touch. In this interview, Anastasia shares her leadership philosophy, how she navigates crises, and what helps her balance global expectations with a deeply local perspective.

When you entered the real estate sector, did you imagine it would become your life’s work? Was there ever a moment when you felt: “This is where I belong”?

When I first joined Pafilia in 2001, I saw it as an interesting step in my career – certainly not a defining one. I never imagined this path would captivate me for years to come and grow into such an essential part of my life.

But over time, things shifted. My role evolved from hands on property sales into founding a company, building systems, shaping teams, leading people, and growing the business. Today, I see my work not simply as “real estate” but as creating a dynamic, evolving organisation – shaping culture, influencing markets, and improving lives. It has become a true entrepreneurial journey, and I feel deeply aligned with it.

You’ve said before that a person can offer something no technology ever could. What qualities do you think will define future leaders in your field?

Technology is advancing rapidly – it’s smarter, faster, and increasingly useful. I embrace it fully; we’re already integrating AI tools to manage initial client interactions, filter enquiries, and analyse trends. But even the most sophisticated systems can’t read a buyer’s true emotions, fears or desires. In the luxury segment especially, the difference lies in empathy, nuance, and emotional intelligence.

I believe tomorrow’s leaders will be those who can combine technological skill with genuine human insight. Not just managers, but mentors – people with empathy, presence and the ability to inspire trust and loyalty. That human warmth is irreplaceable.

You help people find a new home – sometimes even a new life. What creates a sense of “home” for you personally?

For me, a home isn’t about walls and décor. It’s a place where I can be fully myself, where I feel safe, calm and at ease.

I’m genuinely in love with my home. Every morning, I step onto the veranda with a glass of water and lemon, look out over the sea and the greenery, and think: “How beautiful it is here.” That feeling never gets old; it nourishes me and sets the tone for the day.

Home is about comfort, a sense of belonging, and the freedom to create and recharge. That’s what I aim to help our clients find – not just a property, but a space where they can truly live a happy life.

Leading an international brand’s Cyprus office means you’re constantly bridging global standards and local realities. What does “balance” mean to you in this context?

It’s about maturity and adaptability. On paper, Cyprus is a European country with an English speaking environment and a British colonial legacy. But in practice, the island has a distinctly southern temperament: its own rhythms, timelines, and cultural nuances.

My role is to apply global standards without forcing them on the local context – and to guide international clients in understanding how things work here. For example, I often explain that Cyprus summers are intensely hot; it’s not a flaw, it’s the island’s peculiarity. Or that certain processes on the island can take longer than in Northern Europe. These may seem like details, but they shape the overall experience. Balance means recognising both worlds and building a bridge between them.

Is there a moment in your career you’re especially proud of – even if it stayed “behind the scenes”?

Yes – and it was one of the most challenging yet rewarding phases of my career. Between 2020 and 2021, we went through a complete transformation. Until then, we were focused on a narrow niche – property sales tied to Cyprus’s citizenship programme. It was a stable model, but when the programme ended, everything changed overnight.

We had to start almost from scratch: redesigning systems, repositioning the business, and rebuilding the team. It was an emotionally and financially intense time. But looking back, it became our turning point. We didn’t just survive – we laid a foundation rooted in values, not just market opportunities. That experience made me stronger as a leader and as a person.

What’s non negotiable for you as a leader – something you’ll never compromise on?

Ethics and transparency are my bedrock. I want to be able to look every client, colleague and partner in the eye – five, ten or twenty years from now – knowing I acted with integrity.

That doesn’t mean everything always runs smoothly. There are delays, setbacks, difficult situations. But if you communicate honestly and take responsibility instead of shifting blame, you earn trust. To me, a strong leader isn’t flawless; they’re someone who owns their mistakes and leads through them with courage.

In a world obsessed with speed and efficiency, how do you keep quality front and centre – in projects, partnerships, and people?

It’s a constant discipline, particularly as the company grows. I’m determined not to let our processes become cold or mechanical. Real estate is about relationships – with clients, partners, and within our team.

Quality isn’t just about products. It’s how you listen, how you respond, how you handle the unexpected. Mistakes will happen, but what matters is how you address them. For me, quality is about respect for others and a commitment to continuous learning.

Luxury real estate is often associated with beauty and status. But what remains “behind the scenes” in this work and deserves more respect?

Beneath the beauty and prestige lies deep expertise. A luxury property advisor needs to understand everything from materials and finishes to engineering systems, water filtration and energy efficiency.

Clients aren’t just buying space; they’re buying confidence, experience, and peace of mind. That’s why you cannot dress up a business class property as luxury – it would be dishonest. True luxury comes from knowledge, service, and a genuine commitment to creating value.

Are there times when a decision rests solely on your shoulders? How do you handle those moments?

Absolutely – that’s part of leadership. My elder son once said: “Mum, you’re like a filter – you absorb all the toughest decisions yourself.” And he’s right.

What helps me is a personal decision making framework. First, I ask: does this align with my values? Then: is it effective? And finally: what are the potential consequences? I also try to look several steps ahead. And I remind myself of a favourite saying: “Everything will be fine in the end. If it’s not fine yet, it’s not the end.”

How has your definition of success evolved over the years? What truly matters to you now?

In the past, I measured success by recognition, results and numbers. Now I see it very differently. Success is waking up eager to embrace the day, with energy and purpose.

Of course, I celebrate achievements, awards and milestones. But without inner fulfilment, they lose their meaning. For me today, success is about harmony – health, family, freedom, meaningful work, and the sense that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

You participate actively in international forums and diaspora initiatives. How do these experiences shape you as a leader and as a person?

They’re invaluable sources of perspective and inspiration. The world is shifting fast, and staying connected is essential. These events give me insights into trends, let me meet extraordinary people, and often spark new ideas.

Increasingly, I also find joy in sharing my own experience and seeing it resonate. It makes me feel part of a wider professional community, speaking the same language.

Imagine you could offer one piece of advice to future women leaders in Cyprus. What would you say to make it stay with them?

I’d say: “If someone else has done it, so can you.” Believe in yourself and take the first step – even if you feel unready, even if you’re afraid.

Confidence comes through action. I drew strength from observing other strong women, even from afar, and I told myself: “If they did it, I can too.” And I was right. So my advice is: start moving. Stay curious, trust yourself – and you’ll succeed.

Interview by Kateryna Bila

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