Meet Andrie Penta, a highly regarded leadership development expert and certified coach with over two decades of experience in the corporate world. As a Certified training provider, Andrie specializes in creating, implementing, and assessing training and development programs tailored to meet the needs of staff members in various business environments.
Currently serving as the Country Director and Master Trainer of DOOR Cyprus, a division of DOOR Training & Consulting, Andrie continues to inspire and develop leaders who drive positive change. Her journey is a testament to her vision, dynamic leadership, and dedication to empowering teams with the strategies and skills necessary for lasting success.
Early Education
Andrie’s family owned a clothing business that included both retail and wholesale operations. Remarkably, by the age of nine, Andrie was already capable of managing a small store by herself. Looking back, she feels incredibly fortunate to have learned one of life’s most valuable lessons at such a young age: to keep going, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. “It’s a mindset I had to develop before I could succeed in anything and one that has guided me ever since,”- she remembers.
Academically, Andrie earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from Middlesex University, UK. Her desire for knowledge also led her to obtain a Master of Science in Strategic Marketing from the University of Hertfordshire. In addition to her academic studies in London, Andrie holds several professional certifications, including Chartered Marketer (UK), Certified Image Maker (USA), Accredited Professional Trainer, Certified Trainer in Artificial Intelligence for Business Users, and Associate Certified Coach .
Stepping into the Professional World
Andrie’s professional journey began in 2004 as a Marketing Officer at the College of Tourism and Hotel Management, where she traveled extensively across Asia, delivering presentations to promote Cyprus as a premier destination for education. Over the course of two decades, Andrie has consistently advanced through a range of roles demonstrating versatility, growth, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Throughout her career, Andrie has held several leadership positions, including CEO of the McDonald’s Foundation in Cyprus and senior manager at KPMG. She has collaborated with major global brands like EY and founded a successful marketing and communications company, earning numerous accolades for her work. Her passion for education and empowerment also extends into academia, where she has worked for several years with the European University of Cyprus delivering soft skills programs through their professional school.
From the CEO of McDonald’s Cyprus Foundation to DOOR
Andrie’s journey through various leadership roles has shaped her approach to leadership development. At just 25, she made a bold leap into entrepreneurship, by building and leading a team to deliver services to clients. This experience taught her the value of leadership, resilience, and the importance of creating and nurturing a team from the ground up. Subsequently, her time at the Big 4 reinforced the significance of corporate discipline, structure, and strategic foresight.
As CEO of the McDonald’s Cyprus Foundation, Andrie learned how essential it is to understand both the organizational and community needs and how effective leadership is about building trust and empathy at all levels
Finally, her transition to DOOR provided her with a global perspective on training and coaching, emphasizing agility and adaptability. What ties all of Andrie’s experiences together is the belief that leadership development should always be tailored to the unique needs of individuals and organizations while promoting a culture of continuous growth.
Developing Future Leaders
Andrie’s philosophy on developing leaders today is rooted in the belief that leadership is never a one-size-fits-all model. “It starts with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and trust, which are key traits that help leaders navigate complexity and inspire high-performing teams,”- she explains. “When leaders genuinely care about their people’s well-being and growth, trust naturally follows.”
Emotional intelligence lies at the core of her approach, which she defines as the ability to authentically show up for your team. She also highlights that in today’s rapidly changing world resilience, adaptability, and innovation are more critical than ever.
“The leaders of tomorrow will be those who not only drive results but invest in developing other leaders and creating environments that embrace continuous learning and change,”- she adds.
Differentiating Factors
DOOR stands out due to its genuine care for the clients and its passion for the work it does. The company focuses on listening to and understanding its clients, providing solutions that truly meet their unique needs. DOOR offers comprehensive solutions through fully developed learning journeys aimed at transforming company cultures and delivering measurable results. Unlike traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches, DOOR tailors its solutions to the distinct needs of both organizations and their employees. The team also stays ahead by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence for business, ensuring clients are better prepared for the future.
“Our focus on long-term transformation, rather than quick fixes, is what truly sets us apart and fosters lasting relationships with our clients,” says Andrie.
Significant Leadership Challenges
Andrie believes that today’s leaders are navigating an increasingly complex environment. She feels, one of the most significant challenges is navigating technological disruptions, such as AI and automation, which are rapidly transforming industries. This evolution demands constant adaptation from teams. Throughout her career, Andrie has observed how these disruptions can present both opportunities and challenges for leaders, particularly in empowering their teams to stay ahead.
Another dynamic that Andrie frequently encounters is the complexity of managing multi-generational teams -particularly with the rise of Gen Z in the workforce. Having worked across various organizations and industries, Andrie has observed that different generations bring unique values, expectations, and working styles. This generational mix can create friction, especially as companies aim to integrate these diverse perspectives into cohesive teams. So, leaders must balance these generational differences while ensuring engagement and inclusivity within their teams.
DOOR’s Vision
Under Andrie’s leadership, DOOR aims to expand its impact by delivering world-class, cutting-edge solutions that transform organizations and their leaders. Andrie’s goal for DOOR is to make it a leading player in the Cyprus market, known for its commitment not just to providing solutions, but to building strong, lasting relationships with its clients.
“We will work alongside them, ensuring their growth and success. Through deep collaboration, we will enhance our understanding of each client’s unique needs and challenges, enabling us to tailor our approach and create transformative outcomes”, Andrie further explains.
Building a Legacy of Empowerment
As a leader, mentor, and master trainer, Andrie aspires to create a legacy of empowerment. She aims to help others to reach their fullest potential while fostering a culture of continuous learning, resilience, and ethical leadership. Beyond her professional achievements, Andrie wishes to be remembered for her selfless support of others and for raising individuals who embody values of kindness, empathy, and integrity. Her legacy is not just about shaping successful leaders, but also about inspiring compassionate, visionary individuals who are driven by a sense of purpose. Andrie’s goal is to leave a lasting impact on this world, making a positive impact on people’s lives and creating ripples of change that will continue to influence future generations.
