In this Q&A interview edition, we had the pleasure of catching up with Clifton Old Boy, Dimitri Syrris (Class of 2007). Born and raised in Durban, Dimitri had the privilege of completing his entire schooling journey at Clifton College. Now living and working on the edge of the Kruger National Park, Dimitri’s career has been shaped by 14 incredible years spent living and working across Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, and the UK. His Greek heritage and deep-rooted family values have significantly influenced both his character and leadership style.
I am the Founder & CEO of Baotree, an African-founded tech company dedicated to bridging the gap between conservation, community, and sustainability through data-driven solutions. My role involves leading an incredible team with a collaborative approach, driving business development, managing investor relations, and ensuring our sustainability measurement tools empower organizations worldwide.
My path has been anything but linear. I began my career in the Greek military as part of my mandatory service before moving to London, where I spent nearly a decade in advertising technology. Working with big data and machine learning gave me deep insights into human behavior, but something was missing—I wanted my work to contribute to something greater.
In 2019, I embarked on a solo journey through East and Southern Africa, an experience that ultimately led me to found Baotree. My vision was clear: to integrate technology into conservation, climate action, and social impact—ensuring that sustainability efforts are verified, measurable, and truly impactful.
Today, Baotree supports organizations across Africa, Asia, and South America, proving that technology can be a powerful force for good.
The camaraderie, the traditions, and the way we supported each other—it all stayed with me. The friendships I built, along with my love for nature and outdoor adventures, shaped who I am today. Mrs. Visser, may she rest in peace, was my most influential teacher. She ran the Bird Club in the Prep School and opened a gateway to the place where I feel most at peace—nature, the real world.
Clifton instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility—not just for myself but for the world around me. The exposure to leadership roles, diverse experiences, and community engagement planted the seeds of what would become my life’s work. While I didn’t initially envision a career in conservation technology, the school’s values of integrity and service shaped my perspective on making a real impact.
Clifton boys have a unique opportunity to support one another, to lift as we climb, and to drive change in industries and communities worldwide. My advice? Be KIND. Kindness is the gateway to a life of purpose. When we act with intention and kindness, we unlock the true power of humanity. Always be kind, and the world will reflect that kindness back to you.”
To me, success is a byproduct of consistency, resilience, and purpose. My most significant life lesson came when I discovered the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence. I realized that when you identify a problem in society, business, or the environment—and become deeply committed to solving it—you gain a sense of purpose and invigoration.
Don’t give up. Don’t give in. The world needs more global change-makers who can contribute to society. The next generation must step up to address the failures of the past. This mission is what drives my success.
Success is not a destination; it’s a journey.
“I believe in leading with intention, creating impact beyond profit, and staying open to continuous learning. My ethos? Build something greater than yourself.”
“Take risks earlier. Don’t be afraid to fail—failure is the pathway to success. The real lessons come from setbacks, pivots, and moments of uncertainty. Trust the process, stay curious, and always keep moving forward.”
After five years of development, Baotree is scaling. We’re collaborating with more organizations, expanding into new regions, and enhancing how impact is tracked across sectors committed to sustainability. I believe that one day, we will engage over a billion people in driving positive action for people, climate, and the planet—ensuring they receive benefits and recognition for their contributions.
“Personally, I want to continue mentoring young leaders, expanding Baotree’s global reach, and pushing the boundaries of how technology can serve both people and the planet.”
Website: https://www.baotree.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitri-syrris/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dimitree4/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dimitrisyrris?si=7tawzCe-Oo5VqvMw
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and journey with us, Dimitri!
Wishing you continued success on this incredible journey. Your dedication to sustainability and innovation is truly inspiring, and we’re proud to feature you in our “From Our Old Boys Network” series and look forward to seeing how Baotree continues to make a difference.
Stay in touch, and keep leading the way!
