Here we are again, sitting in Efi’s office – that’s always a good sign. I’m starting to believe this cabinet holds some secret power for these interviews to shine. Or maybe it’s just Efi – such an outstanding woman. But today, I’m here with someone equally remarkable: Maria Michailidou, our administrative assistant. 

If I could sing, I’d break into the song Maria from The Sound of Music, because that’s truly how she makes us feel. Maria is here for everyone. I don’t know where she gets this energy, this passion for juggling thousands of details across different tasks. She’s tiny, but as fit and agile as a gymnast. Funnily enough, she used to love watching gymnastics on TV as a kid – her hero was Nadia Comăneci. Back then, parents didn’t have time to drive you to every after-school dream, so that dream stayed a dream. But to me, she’s still a gymnast – in speed, in spirit, in stamina. 

Maria is petite, athletic, with a crown of magnificent curly hair – which, of course, she hates. Why am I not surprised? It must be the curse of humanity: we always want what we don’t have. She speaks fast, moves fast, is everywhere – and yet somehow, you don’t hear her. That’s the magic of our Maria. 

How did she end up in the first Greek neobank? Well… it started with her magical hair again! She met our Deputy CEO back when Snappi was just taking its first steps. She invited Maria to apply, and after a couple of interviews, she was in. Employee number 43. And though both still go to the same hairdresser, they’ve never run into each other there again. Sounds very Greek to me! 

Maria is 50 – though, let me be honest, no one at Snappi looks older than 35. I don’t know what miracle is happening here, but it’s real. Of course, like all of us, Maria thinks about staying healthy. That number 50 does something to your brain. She swims, walks, does Pilates in the winter. But hopefully Snappi grows so fast, and there’ll be so many new people, new partners, new customers, that she won’t even have time to remember how old she is. 

Because what inspires her most is people. Meeting people, helping people, learning and doing new things. That’s what keeps her going – fast. 

If she had to describe Snappi in one word? Innovative. She loves how different Snappi is in the Greek market, especially when it comes to culture. There’s a deep openness, a belief that people do their best work when they understand the full picture. From small things like who’s joining the company this week, to big things like our strategic roadmap and major decisions, everything is shared. Everyone is involved. 

We hold WhatsUpWednesday sessions every Wednesday, and Friday learning sessions that keep us growing and connected. The way we manage things – fast, transparent, and inclusive – is still rare in Greece. And that’s exactly what Maria loves most. 

We’re talking about the sheer number of projects and tasks she’s juggling at the same time. She pauses, laughs, and admits: 
“I haven’t forgotten anything so far,” she says with a smile, then confesses that she doesn’t write anything down and doesn’t use any project management tools either. Trello might come in handy, I think! 

“I love learning new things. Procurement? I never planned on it, but since no one else was here, I did it.” 

She’s hoping to grow too, and I have no doubt she will. I’m certain we’ll see her take on a new role at Snappi before long. 

Before Snappi, she worked at Eurobank, they were looking for an assistant for a new department (NPL΄s). And before that, she worked at the central offices of Marks & Spencer. The family behind Marks & Spencer also owned Beauty Shops – so she worked for their central offices as an assistant to the commercial manager.  

Two children, aged 20 and 13. And she loves to cook – her most-requested dishes? Pastitsio and moussaka. (No one’s surprised.) 

When I ask about her relationship with banking, she gives an answer of a proper investment banker: 
“Never keep all your eggs in one basket.” 
Even though we’re not talking about huge sums of money, Maria keeps her savings in three different banks – and, of course, uses the Snappi app as much as she can. 

Maria’s roots are on Lesbos, where both of her parents were born. The family still has a cottage there, just 150 meters from the sea. Imagine: privacy, peace, and some of the most stunning beaches you can picture. Her father still gardens. They have chickens, fresh eggs, and friends who come to visit with their children. Honestly, it sounds like something straight out of Mamma Mia. 

And maybe that’s why Maria still dreams of visiting other places in Greece – places she hasn’t been to yet, like Patmos. The bar is set high. She and her family once tried Syros for a summer vacation when her children were young (3 and 10), but they left a little disappointed, not because it lacked beauty, but because it offered a different kind of experience. Less beaches and privacy, more historical and religious sightseeing, traditional food and sweets, natural landscapes. 

Because yes, Greece spoils you… when you grow up surrounded by the real thing. 

Her dream? To stay healthy and have enough money to travel. 

Toward the end of our interview, I realize we haven’t landed on a single Greek word yet. I ask Maria to share one that truly speaks to her – it has to come spontaneously, otherwise it doesn’t work. 

She pauses. 
Then says: 
Αιωνιότητα – Eternity. 

What a magical ending. That one word somehow captured everything we had talked about – with warmth, with truth, with beauty.  

PS: Snappi Journal is a series of interviews about life, and the people behind Snappi. 
Because ultimately, it’s people who build brands and companies. 
Not just roadmaps, quarterly results, or processes (though those matter too! 😉). 

We’re building a service with a soul, and through this series, we’d love for you to experience it firsthand. 

The interviews are written by Piret Reinson, Snappi’s Head of Global Brand & Communications, originally from Tallinn, Estonia. So don’t be surprised if you spot a few Estonian hints here and there.