Your way to growth, balance and fulfilment starts here

Who is Achilleas

I am a highly experienced consultant who can guide you to find personal and professional clarity, growth, balance and fulfilment.

My journey in life started in a mountain village in Cyprus, a small and diverse island in the Mediterranean with a long and extraordinary history. My curiosity about what makes us who we are led me to studies in Humanities and Social Sciences in Greece, Italy and the UK. Since I obtained my PhD in History and Civilisation in 2010, I have worked in project management, education, academia and diplomacy. I am also a published author, a husband and a father of two. Adapting and excelling in these professional and personal roles has not been easy. I have had my own share of dark days along the way. Even if I was not able to see it back then, I am now sure that it was those difficult times that helped me become who I am: a person able to inspire others to take on challenges, overcome fear, learn from their mistakes and become the best version of themselves.

Overcoming barriers, gaining clarity and escaping elusive comfort zones is often not a matter of ability but a matter of choice. By trusting our process, and allowing time to adapt, you can enter a whole new way of thinking, living and excelling in your everyday reality.

Why AchillesWay

Simply because it’s your way. In AchillesWay you will not find a preset package of ‘ideal’ solutions to your problems because there isn’t one. As people and companies are unique entities, their challenges are also unique and must be treated as such. Generic and prefabricated solutions are easy compromises I am not willing to make.

In AchillesWay I apply a variety of tools based on philosophical ideas, mentoring principles, scientific methodologies and educational practices to create a healthy environment for individuals, teams and organisations to understand and think clearly. I focus on creating personal and collective awareness as a prerequisite for the development of tailored-made plans which lead people and organisations to their full potential. This is the most efficient way to identify solutions that are hidden inside you and your team and achieve your goals. With AchillesWay you will not shy away from problems, challenges and insecurities. My promise is to help you find the best way, your way, and to use it as a springboard into a better future.

Testimonials & Endorsements

  • Achilleas is one of the most inspiring people I know – astute, diligent, imaginative, sage, brave… coaching and mentoring is a perfect endeavour, with exciting possibilities, for this excellent man.

    Bettany Hughes
    OBE, FSA, Award winning historian, author and broadcaster
    Image ©SandStone Global Productions Ltd
  • I first met Achilleas in 2017. Achilleas is a driven individual who struck me as a helper of others, always looking for an opportunity to help where he could. He is a reliable person who became a friend instantly. Dealing with Achilleas is always a pleasure and his ability to be creative and better whatever occupies his time is a great strength. I strongly recommend him to anyone looking for coach or mentor to help them unlock their full potential.

    Demetri Catrakilis
    Professional Rugby Player, Former Harlequins
  • If there is one person I know, who I would honestly say without hesitation he can advise, mentor, and guide someone who needs it, it would be Achilleas. His depth of knowledge on a wide range of subjects, his energy and enthusiasm for life, his natural insight to the human condition and constant searching, fully qualify him for this role.

    Nadia Marks
    Journalist and best-selling author
  • I met Achilleas not by coincidence, but serendipity played its role. His positive attitude towards life and the processes he follows to bring people on board and to convert a negative situation into a positive one are second to none. I consider myself fortunate that the universe conspired to include Achilleas in my circle of trust and the group of people I consider my life mentors.

    When I had an extremely demanding role during the pandemic working as Chief Social Media Officer in Whitehall in central government, at some point, I started feeling completely burnt out and disappointed by the way the executive leadership was taking decisions which were affecting not only my mental wellbeing but my team’s also. Achilleas was there for me as my life coach and friend. He helped me take positive drastic measures to end this chapter and start a new beginning. I was looking forward to the combination of dialectic procedure and physical exercise, such as our long walks across North West London every week.

    Ultimately, I got a fantastic and well-suited consulting role in the Oil & Gas industry and am personally and professionally satisfied. I wouldn’t be able to do that without the guidance and support of Achilleas.

    Yaakov Chaliotis
    Social and Digital Analytics Advisor, Shell
  • I know Achilleas very well and in many capacities. As a former diplomat he proved how big a small country can be if they “play their cards right” by bringing together people, ideas and networks. I remember him coming in London in late 2014 as Cultural Counsellor of the Cyprus High Commission and in just two years, and despite his young age, he managed to become the President of EUNIC, one of the largest networks of national cultural institutions in the world. As a knowledgeable individual he has a uniquely enjoyable way to discuss and explain abstract philosophical concepts and to make them relevant and useful to everyday life. Being in the world of hotel management all my life, I can say from experience that very often even the most successful leaders and the most efficient teams somehow end up losing their focus. I have no doubt that working with Achilleas as a coach, mentor and consultant will be of enormous help to anyone who wants to maximise their inner potential, stay committed to their goals and lead their businesses to growth. Just make sure you hire him before your competitors do!

    Harry Bhalla
    Edwardian Hotels London
  • My friend and former student, Achilleas Hadjikyriacou, has outstanding qualities of strength, subtlety, and intelligence, combined with great empathy for others. I was impressed with him when we first met, almost twenty years ago; and I remain even more so today.

    Penelope J. Corfield
    Emeritus Prof. Royal Holloway, London University; and President of the International Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (March 2023)
  • Achilleas is one of most driven, energetic and resourceful people I have interacted with in my entire professional life. A truly charismatic and committed researcher, an excellent academic, an experienced lecturer, a diplomat with a deep sense of community engagement and understanding of the rapidly shifting socioeconomic and political landscape of Europe, Achilleas has a unique way of approaching people and a charisma for promoting personal growth and wellbeing. I have worked closely with him for over 9 years; his ability to transmit complex knowledge and his ability to engage, mentor and motivate his audience is paramount.

    Dr Anastasia Christophilopoulou
    Senior Curator of the Ancient Mediterranean, Principal Investigator, Being an Islander Project, University of Cambridge
  • I’ve known Achilleas in many capacities over the last decade. Talking with him about life’s small and big questions always encourages solution-oriented thinking. He creates wonderful dialogues and doesn’t shy away from difficult issues. His love-life attitude boosts motivation for action.

    Edmée Leventis
    OBE, Former Trustee of the British Museum and Ambassador of Cyprus to UNESCO
  • I had the pleasure to work with Achilleas Hadjikyriacou when he joined the team at the Cyprus High Commission in London in 2014. During his tenure as a Cultural Counsellor, he executed his duties in an exemplary manner: with diligence; energy; professionalism; and methodology, leaving few things to chance. He has a strong personality and he is of high moral character. He carried out instructions, but he was not by any means a “yes” person. He was always ready to speak truth to power in a constructive and forward-looking manner. Achilleas became a catalyst in raising the public profile of our diplomatic mission in the areas of his responsibility and creating the vision and infrastructure for institutional growth. I therefore have no hesitation in recommending him as he embarks in new directions, that of consultant, coach and mentor.

    Euripides L. Evriviades
    High Commissioner of Cyprus to the UK (2013-2019)
  • Achilleas combines a rare set of qualities which make him an ideal intellectual companion for people who need new ways to deal with day-to-day challenges in their personal and professional lives. I have always been impressed by his deeply philosophical perspective, friendly personality, calming tone, contagious positivity, and extremely practical mindset.

    Agatha Kalisperas
    BEM, Former Director of the Hellenic Centre, London
  • I have known Achilleas for a number of years in his capacity as a teacher and have always been greatly impressed with his intellect and knowledge on a wide range of topics from History to Sociology and beyond. He is hardworking, driven and dependable and consistently finds creative ways to teach and mentor others. In a variety of situations – in the classroom and elsewhere – his calm and experienced manner has shone through. I strongly recommend working with Achilleas as a coach or mentor for all the reasons above.

    David Gunn
    Former Head of History, Politics and Sociology, Camden School for Girls, London and now on YouTube as 'Mr Gunn History' www.mrgunnhistory.wordpress.com
  • I worked with Achilleas as Cultural Counsellor of the Cyprus High Commission in London and he was always proactive and resourceful about how we could impactfully showcase our rich and varied cultural heritage without being constrained by what had been done before. Certainly a person who can help others to think out-of-the-box and achieve their goals!

    Christos Karaolis
    President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK
  • I first met Achilleas when he was Cultural Counsellor at the Cyprus High Commission in London while repatriating cultural property to Cyprus from London, this was done in a very polished seamless fashion. Often repatriation of objects is a minefield chocked with obstacles, but Achilleas found a way through. Since then we have continued a dialogue around cultural heritage, international geopolitics and the environment. He is a highly accomplished yet modest specialist with expansive knowledge and senior diplomatic experience. I strongly recommend Achilleas as multifoliate polymath and practical consultant who can help you tackle any problem. He is an inspiring coach and mentor who can bring the best out of you, your team and your organisation.

    Roy Stephenson
    Former Head of Archaeological Collections at the Museum of London
  • I have known Achilleas since he became the Cultural Counsellor for Cyprus High Commission in London. Achilleas applied himself with vim and vigour and very soon made himself known. When he became part of the presidential team that ran the EU National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC) London one saw his ability to guide, cajole and convince this group of disparate interests to work together for the common good.

    Jeremy O’Sullivan
    Former Cultural Officer, European Commission Representation in the UK
  • I have had the pleasure of knowing Achilleas for several years and can confidently attest to his exceptional skills, both personally and professionally. With a diverse background that spans diplomacy, academia, teaching, and project management, Achilleas is uniquely positioned to excel as a coach and mentor.

    Achilleas possesses a warm, energetic personality that naturally draws people to him. His ability to diffuse challenging situations and foster a sense of shared values and goals within teams speaks to his outstanding interpersonal skills. Achilleas has a genuine interest in understanding the character, motives, and concerns of those he interacts with, going the extra mile to ensure their well-being and success.

    I have no doubt that Achilleas will make a significant impact on individuals and organisations alike. His dedication, empathy, and wealth of experience will undoubtedly help countless people to regain focus, set realistic goals, and reach their full potential. I wholeheartedly recommend Achilleas for any coaching or mentoring endeavour.

    Christos Gkantsidis
    Principal Researcher, Microsoft
  • Achilleas Hadjikyriacou is a talented and skilled professional, bridging the academic and policy worlds. His diverse experience brings together many years of expertise in different fields and principles. I have had the chance to cooperate with him on several activities and can wholeheartedly endorse his knowledge, skills and dedication.

    Dr Leon Saltiel
    Historian, Human rights advocate