Meet George K. Petros, Jr.
George Petros, affectionately known as Papa G, is a driver with our CMMB Zambia office but does a lot more than that. Recently, during a visit from the New York team, he made sure his team got where they needed to be safely and was also taking photos in the field. He is a kind, generous soul and CMMB is lucky to have him as part of our global family. He recently sat down to answer a number of questions that really highlight who he is beyond his role as a driver.
Tell us a little bit about you
Cool, calm collected… always willing to learn, with a passion for technology and strong desire to DRIVE. A family man, born in a family of seven. A bit shy but very jovial (not a good public speaker though!)
Where is home?
Born and bred in Kitwe , Zambia. That was home from birth to 1988! But now I live in Lusaka since 2014. Before that, I lived in Monze (13 years), moved to Mporokoso (Northern Province, 1 year), then relocated to Kawambwa (Luapula Province, my home village, 8 years), and recently, Solwezi (North-Western Province, 4 years). But my real home is definitely KITWE! Currently living in Libala, Lusaka, since 2014.
Education
After completing grade 12, I did a certificate course in Catering in Monze (hey, I can cook!!!), and later a certificate course in bookkeeping and accounting in Monze, Distance Education, UNZA.
What is your role at CMMB?
I am the head driver, taking staff, volunteers, beneficiaries safely wherever they need to go!
If you were asked to sum yourself up in two words, what would they be?
Cheerful and energetic!
Share an interesting fact about you that few people know about:
Self-taught pencil artist
What are you most proud of?
That I am a daddy to my three kids, and that I married an angel!
Imagine you are stuck in an elevator. Who would you most like to be stuck with? And why?
I have a huge phobia for elevators (haha!!) and getting stuck in there would only be easier if I get stuck with Dr. Phil. He’d talk me out of panic, and (most importantly) give me a lot of advice to life’s problems!
You are featured in the Zambian Daily Mail. What’s the headline?
George “Papa G” Petros breaks transfer fee as he joins his dream team, Real Madrid!
Imagine a song played every time you walked into a room. What would yours be?
“Good Ole Boys Like Me” by Don Williams
If you were an animal, which animal would you be and why?
An Eagle….. I’d soar high above life’s problems!!! (yep! *wink*)
Imagine they made a movie about your life. Which actor would play you?
Denzel Washington, of course!
What’s your favorite quote?
“Lose a minute and save life!” George Sr, (my dad) would use this every so often to caution me about the dangers of living in the fast lane.
What are your hopes for the future?
That I may be able to help change this country (Zambia) and the world by contributing to poverty and disease alleviation through my work with CMMB.
Share one of the most inspiring speeches you’ve ever heard.
Barack Obama’s farewell speech. It was very touching, encouraging and uniting. (It’s a long one – but a good one)
If you could solve one world problem, which would it be?
Completely end the HIV/AIDS pandemic!
What are the three things you are most grateful for?
- My late parents…. they gave me life, and were the best mum and dad…ever!
- The peace and joy we have in our country…though there should be more room for political tolerance
- Being part of the wider CMMB family! It has given me an opportunity to see life differently and just being able to contribute in my small way towards helping those that need our help makes me proud!
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? Why/how?
Of course, DAD (George K. Petros, Sr)! He helped me mature and be responsible. And one other thing he told me was “Don’t be a rolling stone.” What better advice could a dad give?
What would you like your last words to be?
Love, be merry, be responsible….tomorrow you won’t be around!