From life on the basketball court to life in professional services, Milena’s journey shows how resilience, support, and continuous learning can open new paths at Grant Thornton Cyprus.
My journey with Grant Thornton Cyprus began 14 years ago, though it started in an unexpected place, on the basketball court. At the time, I was a professional player and coached young girls at a basketball team in Nicosia. My life revolved entirely around basketball until one day I met our CEO, Stavros Ioannou.
That meeting changed everything. After completing an internship at Grant Thornton, I was offered a trainee contract, and that is where my new career began. I had no background in finance or accounting, I was 38 years old and about to start over, while raising my eight-year-old daughter. It was a bold decision, but one I felt ready for. Looking back now, it was one of the best decisions of my life.
Accepting the ACCA training contract at that stage of my life was both exciting and daunting. Balancing work, studying, and family life was no easy task, especially with an eight-year-old daughter at home. But every challenge became a source of strength.
There were long nights and difficult exams, but there was also incredible support. My colleagues believed in me, and that belief gave me the confidence to keep going. I am proud not only of what I achieved, but of the example I set for my daughter, showing her that it is never too late to start something new.
“Be brave, stay curious, and keep an open mind. You never know where life will take you.”
As time went on, I began to see the results of all the effort I had put in. Every exam passed, every new task mastered, and every successful engagement added to my confidence. What once felt unfamiliar gradually became second nature.
Through the challenges, I learned patience, focus, and gratitude. I realised that growth does not happen overnight, but through small, steady steps, and that consistency is what truly drives success.
From the very beginning, Grant Thornton felt like home. The people here are more than colleagues, they are family. I have always felt encouraged, supported, and trusted to take on new challenges. That sense of belonging has made all the difference.
What I enjoy most about my work today is collaboration, working closely with my team and clients to solve problems, share ideas, and see our joint efforts turn into success. Every project brings something new to learn, and that constant growth is what keeps me motivated.
For me, a career as it should be means reaching a point where you feel proud of who you have become and what you have accomplished.
I came into this career from a completely different world, and every step has been a lesson in resilience, growth, and gratitude. I have learned that it is never too late to reinvent yourself, and that the right environment, one that supports, trusts, and inspires, can change everything.