Christian J. Hadjipateras is a London-born writer and keynote motivational speaker. Having been born with severely complex craniofacial anomalies, he underwent over fifty reconstructive surgeries. His mission is to share his story as well as be a voice for adults and children that have similar conditions. He has been involved with two US-based organizations, Face the Future Foundation in Chicago and Children’s Craniofacial Association in Dallas, dedicated to helping children born with facial differences – both emotionally and financially. He also serves as an ACPA Social Media Ambassador.

He holds a Higher National Diploma in Business from Southampton Solent University and has also studied film and production at the London and New York Film Academies. Passionate about film and production, Christian is also working on his first screenplay. He has also been featured in Authority Magazine, ThriveGlobal.com, contributed to HuffingtonPost.com, is a soon-to-be contributor to PopSugar.com, and has an active blog on Medium.com.

Christian and his wife Stephanie split their time between Athens and London.

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

I was born in London with severe craniofacial anomalies and underwent some 50+ reconstructive surgeries up until my mid/late 20s. Despite the interruptions to my education, I achieved my aim of going to university and graduated in 2009 from Solent University, Southampton, England with a Higher National Diploma in Business. I started my career in the maritime shipping industry, an industry my family has been involved in for generations. However, my passion for film and writing led me to Los Angeles where I worked for a TV distribution company and simultaneously delved into film production, and I attended both the New York (Burbank) and London film academies, achieving certificates in film production and screenwriting respectively. More recently I’ve pursued a long-term ambition of motivational speaking to be a voice for adults and children living with facial differences. These days my wife and I are based in Athens.

What inspired you to start your business? 

Motivational speaking has been a long term ambition of mine for years. Growing up with facial differences had both a physical, and psychological impact on me, particularly when I entered my teenage years. Despite having the love and support of friends and family, I chose to suffer in silence during the tough times and I want to reach out to those who may be going through hard times. Nobody should ever have to suffer in silence. I’m also determined to spread the message of kindness, tolerance, and acceptance. Society has come a long way, but we have to do more collectively.

Where is your business based?

As is the case with us allowing to the unprecedented times we’re in, I work remotely, but otherwise, I’d be travelling to speak at conferences, summits, retreats, schools, universities, etc, to share my story/experiences with others and to reach out to those living with facial differences.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

The most important part for me was making sure I was ready. Motivational speaking is something I’ve always wanted to do, but it had to be at the right time. From a young age I’d expressed myself, my story and experiences through writing. I’ve always loved writing, but I also knew that speaking about my experiences would bring a whole new dimension to the message I strive to send out.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business? 

Although we should never underestimate the impact of the ‘old-fashioned’ word-of-mouth, social media is the most effective way to get your message out there. Writing about my experiences is also something I’ll always enjoy doing alongside the impact of being able to talk to an audience face-to-face.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? 

Being born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and profound hearing loss, among other issues, brought their own challenges. I received intense speech therapy when I was young. At that time I was only properly understood by close friends and family. My speech has improved drastically over the years with a combination of operations,  speech therapy, and working on improving my confidence.

How do you stay focused?

A combination of maintaining physical exercise and a routine, particularly in these unprecedented times.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition? Because of the topic I focus on, I don’t look at fellow motivational speakers as competition because the more there are, the better. Working together is great.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? 

To focus on organisations who offer emotional and financial support to children and adults living with facial differences – and also parents. When I was born, organisations like those were virtually non-existent and my parents had no other parents to relate to, so I know how important these organisations are.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs? 

Keep going…there will be frustration, setbacks, and times where you feel like you’re getting no luck, but you have to persevere. Timing is important too. I wanted to do what I do now years ago, but it just wasn’t the right time.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

Right now I’m reading. Barack Obama’s new book, A Promised Land. I enjoy reading travel blogs and travel-related apps as I love going to new places.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I’ve had an interest in the stock markets for years so I find Bloomberg a great resource for keeping up with financial news.

Who is your business role model? Why? 

I’ve always admired Richard Branson…he started out by selling items from his boot and went on to form one of the largest groups in the world. Hard work almost always pays off – and of course that bit of luck, but I believe you make your own luck.

How do you balance work and life? 

By having that all-important routine because it allows you to separate work and social life. Of course there are times when work will consume you a bit, but as long as you keep to the routine as best you can then you will get that balance. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

Walking our dog is a good way to clear the mind as is going for a run. Reading screenplays and watching films is something I enjoy too. My wife and I also love going to an amazing region in northwestern Greece for its nature and we try to go when we can.

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

My main aim alongside my motivational speaking is to finish my screenplay. I started it last year and hope to have the first draft completed in a few months.

How can our readers connect with you?

You can find out more about my background on my website, christianhadjipateras.com, and I’m also on Facebook, Instagram.com, and LinkedIn.