CyChefs.com

1. Mr. Michalis, as a welcoming to the CyChefs interview of the month, we would like for you to give us a brief description of the man and the business man that is Michalis Virardi.

Michael Virardi is part owner and the Managing Director of Virardi (www.virardi.com) which is dealing in the HO.RE.CA (Hotels, Restaurants and Catering Institutions) industry. Michael is also an Inspiration Coach (www.michaelvirardi.com) who helps individuals and organizations set goals and then reach them. Last but not least Michael is an author.

2. Many people may be wondering if your surname is Greek or not. Tell us a little about your heritage and the family Virardi.

Virardi is an Italian surname! My grandfather came to Cyprus as a Mechanical Engineer to help construct a huge project. He met my grandmother (Phanio) and the “accident” was my father (Rolando)! My father never got to meet his dad really because he died when my father was less then 2 years old.

3. You are a successful businessman that has studied and continues to educate himself. Are you only occupied with the family business (hotel and home supplies) or are you involved in other projects as well?

Thank you for your kind comments. Education, in my view, is what prepares people to reach their full potential… it is to plan wisely for the future. As the saying goes: “To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail”. I am not fully “occupied” with the family business as I am also an approved trainer for the HRDA (Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus) and consultant for such companies as Medochemie, UNICARS, Phanos Epiphaniou, EUREKA, Galatariotis Group of Companies, etc)

4. As one of the most thriving Cypriot businesses in the field of hotel and home equipment / supplies what problems do you and your business face in this day and age?

It is not problems that we are facing in this day and age under the current global economic crisis but challenges and opportunities. Virardi and its members need to learn how to adapt and promptly respond to the unexpected moves that the chessboard of life and business demand of us.

5. Do you feel the economic crisis has affected your field of work?

100% yes. Our business is affected firstly and foremost by us and by how we think, act and react but it is also affected by the Tourism Industry. Currently the Tourism Industry of Cyprus is pretty troublesome. But the economic crisis has affected us positively also. It has helped us see things in a different light. We managed to cut costs and become more competitive in our value to the end user and this has helped us reach customers and organizations we never reached before.

I was always an ardent supporter of differentiation; be it on a personal and/or a professional level. The book titled “A Positive Experience! 26 simple ways to differentiate yourself” has managed to win the hearts and soul of readers all across Cyprus (and now in Greece) by proving the reader with 26 simple ways and stories on how to differentiate your organization and yourself.

7. People that know you commend your effortless humour and amazing gift of communication! Is there a secret to this or do you believe it’s something you’re born with?

I strongly believe that we are a by-product of our “trainers”. These trainers are our parents (or the people that raised us). What you see in me and you like is what the previous generation has worked hard for. If you want to congratulate me then you will have to wait for my children to grow up! Allow me to thank my father Rolando and mother Miranda for all their unconditional love and guidance. My brother Giovanni, whom I love very much, also played a vital part.

8. What is your opinion on the development of Culinary Arts in Cyprus?

Culinary Arts, thanks to people like yourselves, have developed tremendously in the past few years.

9. What do you think of the CyChefs website?

CyChefs website is the crown jewel of Cyprus’ website on Culinary Arts. I would like to congratulate both George & Antonis for partnering up to first and foremost help their profession, the younger generation of Cyprus’ aspiring Chefs and last but not least our island, Cyprus. This website is a flagship that reaches beyond Cyprus to the rest of the world and makes us all proud.

Thank you for giving me the chance to express my views through CyChefs.com!