C4E 101: Series of Lectures in Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Fall 2025-2026

With Maria Lavithi Howard, Founder and CEO of Heroes Made – Mentor -Writer

When: Wednesday October 15, 2025, 16:30-17:30

Where: Room B105, Building XOD 02

Synopsis:

Most people believe they need more knowledge, more money, more time, or more confidence, before they can begin building something meaningful. But the truth is, “ready” is not a starting point, it’s a destination. This talk dismantles the myth of readiness and shows students that entrepreneurial success is built not on perfect plans, but on imperfect action.

Through stories that started small and messy, real examples of student-led initiatives, and practical frameworks for taking the first step, this lecture redefines entrepreneurship as a mindset and a practice, something anyone can start cultivating today, even without an idea.

Students will learn how to turn fear into fuel, how to use small experiments instead of big leaps, and how momentum itself creates clarity and confidence. They will leave the session with a deeper understanding that entrepreneurship is not about waiting for permission, it’s about starting where you are, with what you have, and learning as you go.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this lecture, students will:

• Understand why “readiness” is a myth and how action leads to clarity.
• Learn practical methods to test ideas and explore opportunities with minimal resources.
• Discover how courage, curiosity, and small daily steps shape entrepreneurial journeys.
• Feel empowered to take one real action toward a project or idea within 24 hours.

The Speaker:

Maria Lavithi Howard, a graduate in English Literature with a focus on Creative Writing, has over 15 years of experience in business development,  storytelling and a passion for helping others succeed. She is the Founder of MGD HEROES MADE, a start-up that uses state-of-the-art technology and a SaaS platform that helps young children develop self and social awareness, relationship skills, self-management and responsible decision-making skills. The company raised seed funding and has launched version 1.0 of the platform, currently being piloted in multiple private schools. Maria has been coaching start-ups in Cyprus for the past four years, mentoring young entrepreneurs and giving talks at local universities and workshops on innovation and entrepreneurship. She represented Cyprus in the Creative European Cup in Denmark in 2019 and was appointed as Vice President of the Parallel Parliament's Entrepreneurship Committee in 2020. Maria's vision is to contribute to creating a world where the next generations of adults navigate their lives in improved societies with genuine effectiveness, being resilient and competent, capable of standing up to things in the face of difficulties and fear and keep moving forward on their own volition.