What is your full name and age?
Costa Savva, 36
What is your current Job Position?
Managing director | Founder – Lazudi
What do you like most about your profession?
It’s the axis of many of my favourite professional areas, Real Estate, sales, Tech & Marketing. I’ve always had a side interest in architecture, studying product & furniture design in University, Art & media prior to that. Professionally I’ve bounced between sales and marketing. Starting my own business allowed me to initially work across all these areas, but now have the ability to bring in smarter people than me to handle these areas, and help the business to continue to grow.
Switching from mostly a career in b2b to b2c, one of the most interesting parts, is the people you meet, which wasn’t what I was expecting. Over the last few years, the business and individuals I’ve had the pleasure to work with has been a very interesting factor in what I do. Lastly on this point, it’s also about building something and growing it, from one man band to multi region footprint within a year during the challenges of Covid has been a very interesting journey. What we can achieve post covid will be even more interesting.
How long have you lived in Bangkok, and where did you live prior?
9 years, London Prior.
What do you like most about Bangkok?
I’ve always gravitated to big cities. Its where I feel most comfortable, the convenience factor is the main driver plus that’s where the largest business opportunities can be found for myself. If you want to enjoy a beach, it’s only a short flight and travel to other countries. The range of options available make it very comfortable place to be based.
What is your favorite restaurant, and why?
Right now foodpanda & grab food. As eating out is limited, however I’m not a fussy eater. Enjoying very simple traditional thai food to the recent explosion of Michelin in the Kingdom. If I had to narrow it down, I do have a soft spot for trying every burger option in Bangkok.
What is your favorite “Special Occasion” restaurant, and why?
I’m not one for getting complacent with a single location, for special occasions I try to arrange the newest hot restaurant in town to try. I like to explore and reach as many as I can. Where I am a regular is our local som tam shop and a couple of Italian restaurants around Thong lor for a more casual homely experience or to celebrate a small win.
What do you like to do in your free time, and why?My side passion is motoring, motorsports, I do like to arrange the occasional road trip. Visiting local motorsports, still not to old yet to go karting when I can. But recently taken up golf lessons, which I’m really enjoying and hopefully spend some more time on. Otherwise I’m a very homely person, because of what I do I don’t spend to much time at home but do enjoy the chances I get.
Where do you recommend first time visitors to Bangkok go, and why?
There’s definitely the well tread path of Yaowarat road, grand palace, temples that must be seen to be appreciated. Followed by sundowners at one of the many rooftops, one of the top restaurants and depending on logistics and locations of everyone, a very local cocktail bar somewhere that only locals will go to.
On a night out with friends, where do you like to go, and why?
Thong lor is my go to spot, but in the recent years this has changed, I’m not one for many nights out anymore. Opting for more of a casual dinning / bar experience.
Tell us a surprising fact that the public might not know about you?
I would say it’s the level of spice I can handle, it shocks many people that I can eat spicer then most of my expat and thai friends are comfortable with. Maybe that was because of my up bringing in London where we regularly enjoyed very spicy Indian food. But much prefer Thai!
What is the most outlandish thing you have ever done?
Starting a real estate business during the toughest market conditions. Many people thought I was crazy, but I saw it as a market opportunity.