Nicholas N. Bouri, Partner at N.G.B Construction & Management, shares details about his background and interests. Born in Manhattan, NYC, USA, he spent much of his life in Athens, Greece, and Bucharest, Romania, attending American International schools and graduating with an IB diploma in 2002. Despite starting university in Boston, he returned to Greece in 2004 to complete his education and began professional training at the family’s shipping company, Seabulk Shipping, where he became a member of the management team by 2007.
Beyond academics and work, Nicholas maintains an active lifestyle, engaging in archery, kickboxing, fitness training, and playing for the Athens Rugby Club, achieving national championships two years in a row. He was also part of his university’s basketball team, securing national and regional championships in 2005-2006. In addition to sports, his interests include chess, spending time with friends and family, exploring new places through travel, and enjoying dining out. Sports continue to play a significant role in his life.
A Multifaceted Leader in Business
Nicholas is dedicated to continuous personal and professional growth. Outside the office, he maintains an active social life, participating in various sporting activities and hobbies such as archery, sailing, kickboxing, and the gym. He has a passion for travel, both for work and leisure.
His commitment to education is evident in his annual enrollment in university programs or training for specific certifications, keeping his mind fresh and updated while acquiring new specializations. His academic achievements include a B.S in Business Administration from DEREE College, an MBA from UQAM (Canada), EMBA from Bucharest Business School, a Masters degree from the University of Economics of Bucharest, completion of the MAP program from INSEAD, and a graduate certificate in Finance from Cornell University. Additionally, he has completed certification training programs in various fields, including Cement Manufacturing, Concrete Production, Real Estate Development, Port Operations Management, Shipping, Cyber Security, Project Management, and Consultancy.
In the workplace, Nicholas considers himself a driven and ambitious individual. Preferring to be on the front lines, he enjoys developing, building, and growing, rather than spending extensive time in the office. Actively engaged in meetings, networking, and deal-making, he values spending time on construction sites, witnessing ideas come to fruition. Supported by his brothers in the office, he appreciates the privilege of exploring hidden opportunities, finding ways to finance them, and engaging in the art of negotiations with clients and suppliers.
Journey Through Patience, Wisdom, and Perseverance in Career and Life
Nicholas, at 38 years old, reflects on the valuable lessons he has learned throughout his career. One significant struggle he faced was the need to cultivate patience. As a young individual, the belief in knowing and handling everything can be overwhelming. Learning to take a step back and avoid impulsive actions became an essential lesson.
The second struggle involved recognizing the wisdom of elders. Understanding the importance of listening to those with +20-30 years of life and work experience before him could have spared him from numerous small mistakes. However, acknowledging that mistakes contribute to personal growth is also a part of the learning process.
A key piece of advice that greatly impacted Nicholas came from one of his uncles. Regardless of the subject or problem, the uncle’s response was consistently, “What are you doing about it?” This straightforward approach taught Nicholas to address problems truthfully and find clear paths to solutions.
Early in his career, another uncle and mentor shared wisdom: “For every problem, there are 100 solutions. You just need to find the clarity in your mind to find only 1 solution.” This advice emphasized the importance of life and work experience, intellect, reading, information gathering, training, and studies in achieving clarity.
The family motto, “Perseverance is the key to success,” serves as a reminder from Nicholas’s father. This advice emphasizes the importance of persistence and encourages him to keep pushing forward and never give up, especially when believing in one’s endeavors.
Vision for Value and Versatility
In the real estate division of N.G.B Construction & Management, Nicholas highlights key factors that contribute to creating value and trust with clients. These factors include the strategic consideration of location, distance, quality, price, and on-site support services. By prioritizing these elements, the company aims to establish a strong rapport with clients.
In the mining division, the focus is on utilizing mobile extraction systems. This approach minimizes internal traffic, reduces personnel and energy costs, and enables the company to offer competitive prices. The flexibility provided by these extraction systems allows for a diverse range of products, enhancing the company’s offerings.
N.G.B Construction & Management’s ownership and operation of various sites in the region offer advantages such as proximity to ongoing projects. This closeness allows for efficient and timely project supply. Importantly, the company’s diversified approach means it is not confined to a single area, project, or source of income. This versatility enables the simultaneous servicing of various projects and regions, contributing to the company’s adaptability and resilience.
Blending Passion with Family Values
As a partner in N.G.B Construction & Management, Nicholas takes on crucial responsibilities, including business development, project and construction management, as well as overseeing sales and marketing across all activities and regions of the group. His role involves a multifaceted engagement with various aspects of the business.
Nicholas finds joy in designing and studying projects, negotiating with suppliers and clients to establish mutually beneficial agreements. He takes pleasure in being on-site, whether at construction sites, ports, factories, or mining sites. Witnessing real estate projects evolve from the ground up brings him a profound sense of pride, knowing the lasting impact these structures will have on the city’s skyline.
However, what Nicholas cherishes most is the privilege of working alongside his father and brothers. The family unity at both home and the office is a source of immense blessing. Recognizing each family member’s strengths, Nicholas believes that together, they form a formidable force. He looks forward with anticipation to what the future holds for their collective endeavors.
Insightful Tips for New Leaders
Nicholas offers valuable advice for individuals stepping into a leadership position for the first time:
- Patience: Cultivate patience, both with yourself and with others. Recognize that everyone has different perspectives, experiences, knowledge, and training.
- Clear Communication: Clearly communicate your objectives, goals, and expectations. Acknowledge diverse ways of thinking and ensure that your messages are understood by everyone.
- Task Delegation: When assigning tasks, ensure that individuals possess the necessary experience or training. If lacking, provide the required training to empower them for success in the future.
- Continuous Learning: Strive to be the most experienced or knowledgeable person in the room, particularly concerning the subject of your meetings. Embrace a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
- Active Listening: Prioritize listening first. Allow others to speak and contribute, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued.
- Build a Strong Team: Assemble a team of the best and like-minded individuals. Surround yourself with competent and collaborative team members to enhance overall effectiveness and success.
