‘Wanderer, there is no path, the path is made by walking’, as the poet once said.

A few months ago, Eleni Tassi (Greece, 1983) turned that same idea into the starting point for Walk With Me: a women-led community created to mentor women who may be facing doubts or uncertainty in their professional careers. And all of it, quite literally, through a walk.

Eleni has built her career driving excellence across business operations teams in travel tech. With a background in Finance and Marketing Management, she has been working at Tripadvisor since 2010, where she is now Senior Director, Client Delivery & Business Systems, and Executive Sponsor of the Women ERG.

Outside of work, she is passionate about endurance sports in nature, adventure travel, cooking and learning new skills. And perhaps that says something about her: she is someone who enjoys moving, discovering and, most importantly, learning along the way.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

ET: To connect women navigating career challenges with experienced women for meaningful 1:1 conversations, through walks outdoors, creating space for intuition, mental fluidity and reflection to surface.

TB: What stage is the project at, and where do you see it in two years’ time?

ET: Currently in a pilot stage. The intent is to build a curated women-led community of women sharing lived experience and guidance with other women who navigate career challenges in tech or other industries, through a flexible commitment model.

TB: What key decision has shaped your project?

ET: Basing the value proposition on my own experience and intuition rather than future monetization.

TB: What has been the biggest challenge you have faced, and what has it taught you?

ET: It’s still quite early so the biggest challenge is likely yet to come, but I’m seeing early signs of impostor syndrome in women with senior experience and exceptional skills who are reluctant to reclaim their wisdom and step forward to identify as potential mentors.

TB: What is the best piece of advice you have received?

ET: It’s a quote from Paul Millerd’s book Good Work: “If you are unsure if you truly love what you do, ask yourself: ‘How much would I pay to work on this?'”.

TB: We all change over time. Have you changed your mind about anything?

ET: The naiveness regarding my ability to control outcomes. My actions can influence the outcome, but the ultimate resultdepends on many forces beyond my control.

TB: Who is a professional role model who inspires you?

ET: Rochelle Richardson, former mentor and business leader. Inspired by her skill in leading change and organizationaltransformation and most importantly her ability to motivate people, and unlock their potential by making them feel trulyseen and understood.

TB: What do you value most in the people you work with?

ET: People who aren’t afraid to be authentic and show their human side while remaining professional and consistent.

TB: What technology will shape the future?

ET: Robotics. Still early in solving real-world problems but there is tremendous progress.

TB: Is there a startup or company you admire, and why?

ET: Groundbreaker Talents: a non-profit organization that runs fully-funded AI and Software Engineering training programs for women in Uganda, providing support and mentorship to young female talent who want to launch a career in tech. What’s more inspiring than that?

TB: What do you do to switch off?

ET: Run in nature, cook, discover new music.

TB: A book you would recommend.

ET: ‘The four agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz.

TB: A song that defines this stage of your life.

ET: ‘Youth’ by Asgeir, on rediscovering joy and creativity.

TB: A recipe, a dish, or a restaurant.

ET: Greek Stuffed vegetables (Gemista) – a traditional delicious Greek dish! Mula bar in Sants for the most authentic Greek food in Barcelona!

TB: A place in the world.

ET: Ethiopia. Wild scenery and beautiful people.

TB: Where would you invest €100,000?

ET: In a diversified investment mix of crypto, ETF and AI infrastructure stock option.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

ET: I would plan and lead retreat experiences. Or make jewellery.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona mean to you?

ET: Passion for courageous innovation, bold ideas, community and opportunity.