Author: focusbari_user

Xenia Kourtoglou, founder of Focus Bari, speaker at the BIG P. Conference

With tremendous success and an impressive turnout of representatives and executives from all sectors of business and communication, the first Total Business conference, titled “The BIG P“, was held at the Athens Conservatory on May 16th. The event emphasized that the “big picture” lies in the vision of the future we are shaping together.  To capture the contemporary expectations of consumers towards the businesses of tomorrow, Focus Bari conducted a nationwide survey on behalf of TOTAL BUSINESS, titled: “(Re)Defined: What Greeks Expect from the Businesses of the Future.”  The findings were presented by Xenia Kourtoglou, revealing key messages from consumers to businesses, across the seven core pillars of modern entrepreneurship:

• A Voice with Substance: Citizens want businesses to engage meaningfully in socio-political challenges, free from hidden agendas.
• Ethics & Transparency as the Foundation of Trust: Society demands honesty, ethical values, and real social responsibility from future businesses — including job opportunities, inclusion, and accountability.
• Technology Is Not Enough: Customer experience, employee mental health, and inclusivity are now central to business evaluation.
• Innovation Is the Only Way Forward: Citizens support innovation, while also insisting on preserving human connection and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Gen Z: Don’t create for the new generation — create with them.
• Focuson the Human Factor: With genuine support, empowerment, and care for employees, performance can double.

See the full presentation of the survey here.

With absolute success, the YES to SEApping Forum took place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Heraklion, Crete, as part of the Posidonia SEA Tourism exhibition. The event was honored by the presence of the Secretary General for the Aegean and Island Policy, Mr. Manolis Koutoulakis, who addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of the maritime sector for island Greece and the new generation.  The Forum brought together 200 young participants from leading academic institutions across Crete — including the University of Crete, the Hellenic Mediterranean University, SAEK Rethymno, MBS College, the Metropolitan College, and the Merchant Marine Academy of Chania — offering a unique opportunity for dialogue and connection with the maritime world.

A central pillar of the event was the nationwide research conducted by Focus Bari, presented by the company’s founder, Xenia Kourtoglou. The study focused both on the views and career aspirations of young people interested in the maritime sector, as well as on the perspectives and expectations of potential employers, revealing key findings — most notably:  Young people perceive the maritime industry as an attractive sector full of opportunities, particularly within Greece. However, they often feel excluded, believing that access depends largely on “connections.” This perception leads to low self-confidence and drives many to consider a career abroad, even though their initial preference is to stay and work in their home country.

On the employers’ side, half of the companies surveyed expressed satisfaction with young professionals, while the other half voiced concerns, mainly related to preparedness and professional attitude.

At the same time, the research highlighted the significant role of the YES Forum itself. Young participants recognize it as a tool for empowerment, awareness, and inspiration, while companies view it as a valuable platform for talent discovery and meaningful connection with the next generation.  The event paved the way for deeper dialogue, mutual understanding, and strengthened trust between young people and the maritime industry — another step toward ensuring that shipping is not a closed club, but an open sea of opportunity for all.
XK VIDEO POSIDONIA MAY 2025

See the full research presentation here:

8th EIEP Workshop in Heraklion, Crete

Xenia Kourtoglou on Customer Experience in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

With great success and strong attendance by business owners and corporate executives, the 8th Conference of the Hellenic Institute of Customer Service was held on April 29, 2025, in Heraklion, Crete, under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce of Crete.  The event began with a welcome address by the Vice President of the HICS and the Chamber, followed by a keynote speech by Xenia Kourtoglou, who delivered an inspiring and highly relevant presentation on Customer Experience in the AI Era.  In her talk, Ms. Kourtoglou:

 Analyzed the current socio-economic environment in Greece and how it shapes consumer behaviors and expectations.

 Highlighted the strategic importance of a positive customer experience for the success of any business—regardless of size or sector.

 Presented key findings on Greeks’ relationship with technology and their attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence.

 Demonstrated how AI is rapidly transforming public expectations in the field of service and support.

 Shared practical advice and actionable tips on how businesses can stand out by continuously improving the value and experience they offer to their customers.

Ms. Kourtoglou’s presentation was a highlight of the event, sparking thought-provoking discussions and inspiring immediate action among attendees.

See the full presentation here