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 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, contributed to HuffingtonPost, and has an active blog on Medium.
What is your business all about?
I was born in London with severe craniofacial anomalies including craniosynostosis, a bilateral cleft lip and palate, hypertelorism, a Chiari I malformation (structural defect of the cerebellum), a horseshoe kidney and profound hearing loss among other issues. I underwent multiple reconstructive surgeries in London, Paris, Milan, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles up until my mid-20s. I moved to Los Angeles for a few years and worked in the film industry. Although I’ve written about my experiences for many years, my main ambition was to become a motivational speaker to share my story and to help adults and children living with facial differences.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
Growing up with facial differences was extremely challenging both physically and psychologically. When I was born, organisations offering emotional support to children and their parents were virtually non-existent, so it’s wonderful to see so many around today. I’m honoured to be involved with a few of them, both in the US and Europe. Becoming a motivational speaker was very important to me for many reasons. Most importantly, I hope that I can offer hope to children today who may be suffering psychologically in the way I once did. Together we can all spread the message of acceptance, tolerance and kindness. Nobody should ever have to suffer alone.
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur/speaker, and why?
I believe the way you deliver your message is of the utmost importance. Having been born with a bilateral cleft, I had to have intense speech therapy when I was younger and over the years I’ve had to learn to speak with confidence, which is of course sometimes easier said than done. Another important skill is to be able to tell a story effectively to really engage your audience.
What are your plans for the future, how do you plan to grow this company?
My main objective is to seize every opportunity to speak to any audience to share my experiences and to raise awareness about the important topic of mental health as well as to be a voice for adults and children living with facial differences.
How do you separate yourself from your competitors?
Because of the line of work we are in, I don’t see fellow speakers as competitors – I see them as part of a team, each with their own story, but a similar message of spreading acceptance, tolerance and kindness.
If you had the chance to start your career over again what would you do differently?
If things had been different, I’d have begun motivational speaking much earlier, but in hindsight, I believe it was a blessing in disguise that I didn’t simply because I realise I wasn’t ready for it. Because of the multiple surgeries I underwent, I felt as though I was playing catch-up in my 20s. It took a long time for me to feel ready to share my experiences.
What is your favorite quote?
There are so many inspirational quotes I could choose from, but I’d say my favourite was is ‘impossible is nothing’. Anyone can achieve anything if they’re willing to work hard enough for it.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Don’t be disheartened with any setbacks you might encounter because it’s all part of the journey. And equally important…don’t rush.
Who should we interview next and why?
My wife Stephanie! She’s a life coach with a focus on chronic pain management and stress management.
How can we get in touch with you?
You can find out more about my background on my website, christianhadjipateras.com, and I’m also on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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