Focusbari

Xenia Kourtoglou on Customer Experience in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

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

Global Uncertainty in Healthcare Systems: Poor Management and Low Confidence in Most Countries!

International Survey “Global Public Confidence” across 21 Countries by the IRIS Network and Focus Bari for Greece

Focus Bari, the official representative of the international IRIS (International Research Institutes) network in Greece, participated in a major global survey titled “GLOBAL PUBLIC CONFIDENCE” addressing critical contemporary issues. The survey was designed and carried out under the initiative of the IRIS Network across 21 countries in 2024.
The findings presented in this release — “Global Perceptions and Concerns about Health: Trends and Challenges” — are enriched with Greek data from a related study conducted by Focus Bari on behalf of Applia, and they reveal:

Healthcare Systems in Crisis: Globally, only 4 in 10 citizens express satisfaction with the healthcare services in their country. Greece ranks among the countries with the highest levels of dissatisfaction.

Poor Governance as the Main Cause: To 60% of citizens worldwide attribute healthcare system problems primarily to ineffective management rather than to a lack of resources.

Skepticism and Lack of Trust: Many countries show significant reservations regarding trust in government healthcare management and the protection of vulnerable groups. Greece is among the countries with the lowest levels of public trust.

Mental Health a Top Priority for Greeks: For Greek citizens, mental health is a top concern, with pressure for productivity cited as the main barrier to successfully meeting professional demands.

See the whole survey presentation here

2nd DIY Traditional Stores Conference & Exhibition

2nd DIY Traditional Stores Conference & Exhibition

Xenia Kourtoglou as Keynote Speaker, highlighting the Power of Customer Experience

On April 28, the 2nd Conference of DIY Stores & Exhibition of Tools and Building Materials was successfully held at the Technopolis City of Athens. Organized by Karydakis Media, the event has already become the annual gathering for the traditional home and garden market.  Once again, the event brought together the full spectrum of the industry: from hardware and ironmongery stores to nurseries, agricultural products, paints, tools, and home & garden improvement equipment.

The Keynote Speaker of the Conference was Xenia Kourtoglou, Founder of Focus Bari and Resilience Expert, who passionately spoke about the critical role of Customer Experience in the sustainability and success of any business—especially in today’s highly demanding market environment.  In her speech, she:

  • Presented timely insights into the attitudes and needs of today’s Greek consumers.
  • Highlighted how a human-centered approach and authentic connection with customers build loyalty and strengthen brand reputation.
  • Shared practical tips and actionable strategies that can make a real difference for small and medium-sized businesses—even with limited resources.

See the full presentation here

Xenia Kourtoglou as Keynote Speaker on Greeks and Real Estate

2nd Real Estate Market Round Table

Xenia Kourtoglou as Keynote Speaker on Greeks and Real Estate

The 2nd Real Estate Market Round Table was successfully held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Eugenides Foundation, firmly establishing itself as a key annual event for the Greek real estate sector. The conference brought together top professionals from the field, decision-makers, investors, and stakeholders from various sectors of the economy.  A highlight of this year’s event was the exclusive nationwide research presented by Focus Bari, titled: “Greeks & the Property Market: Real Estate – Investment, Necessity, Dream or Burden?”

The research was presented by Xenia Kourtoglou, Founder of Focus Bari and internationally recognized expert in Mental Resilience and Leadership Development. As the event’s Keynote Speaker, she offered a fresh and insightful perspective on how Greeks perceive and manage their real estate assets in an era of rapid change.  Based on a sample of over 1,000 respondents from across Greece, the research results sparked meaningful dialogue and reflection. Xenia Kourtoglou’s approach highlighted not only the statistical trends but also the emotional and cultural dimensions of the topic, resonating strongly with the audience. Her presentation explored key questions such as:

  • What is the current rate of property ownership in Greece?
  • How many owners actively utilize their real estate?
  • What role does the emotional and financial value of a property play?
  • Is real estate today a smart investment or a management burden?

View the full research presentation here

Xenia Kourtoglou as Keynote Speaker at PET CONGRESS 2025 at OTE Academy

PET CONGRESS OTE ACADEMY

Xenia Kourtoglou as Keynote Speaker at PET CONGRESS 2025 at OTE Academy

With the participation of representatives from all sectors related to pets, PET CONGRESS 2025 was successfully held at the OTE Academy, attracting the interest of professionals and pet lovers alike.  Xenia Kourtoglou, truly “walking the talk,” took the stage accompanied by her beloved little Kokoni, Litsa, and presented findings from an exclusive study that highlights the unique bond Greeks share with their pets — a relationship filled with love, devotion, and care, often described as the “only form of unconditional love.”

According to the research, the vast majority of Greeks have a long-standing connection with a dog or cat, whom they care for with the same tenderness and attention one would offer to a child. This connection goes beyond companionship — it reflects a deep emotional and existential bond, reminding us daily of what true loyalty and affection really mean.

See Xenia Kourtoglou’s presentation here

Xenia Kourtoglou Keynote Speaker at the BNI Panhellenic Conference

28 March 2025 | BNI GOALS SUMMIT 2025

Xenia Kourtoglou Keynote Speaker at the BNI Panhellenic Conference

With remarkable success and an inspiring turnout of entrepreneurs from all over Greece, the National GOALS SUMMIT of BNI—the world’s largest business networking organization—was held at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens.  Xenia Kourtoglou, founder of Focus Bari, renowned coach and top expert in Mental Resilience, was honored to participate as a Keynote Speaker, sharing her original and deeply human approach to goal-setting and achievement—both personal and professional.

Drawing from her 35+ years of experience in behavioral research and human development, Xenia offered a simple yet powerful roadmap to help participants overcome daily challenges, internal fears, and external pressures—while staying focused, motivated, and mentally strong in an ever-demanding business world.  Her keynote captivated an audience of 200+ professionals, leaving a lasting impression and providing a fresh, empowering perspective on success through emotional strength and clarity.

Access the full presentation material here

The climate crisis worries 8 out of 10 people worldwide, with Greeks visibly more pessimistic about the future!

– International Survey “Global Public Confidence ” in 21 countries by IRIS Network and Focus Bari for Greece –

Focus Bari, which represents in Greece the international network IRIS (International Research Institutes), participated in an important survey on “Global Public Confidence” on critical issues of the day. The survey was designed and implemented on the initiative of the Network in 21 countries in 2024. The findings presented in this publication on : “International and Nationwide Trends and Perceptions on Climate Change” combined with Focus Bari’s results from a survey conducted on behalf of Applia, and reveal that:

Strong global concern about climate change, but sense of risk is more limited at national – local level, with the exception of Turkey.
Renewable energy is an important but not top priority for many countries, especially in Greece, Japan and Switzerland.
– Consumers worldwide are choosing products – services based on safety and purity rather than sustainability.
Greeks are more pessimistic than other countries about tackling the climate crisis in our country, considering the state as a key helper in managing it.

See the whole survey presentation here

Η κλιματική κρίση ανησυχεί 8 στους 10 πολίτες παγκοσμίως, με τους Έλληνες εμφανώς πιο απαισιόδοξους για το μέλλον!

– Διεθνής Έρευνα «Global Public Confidence » σε 21 χώρες από το Δίκτυο IRIS και την Focus Bari για την Ελλάδα –

Η Focus Bari, η οποία εκπροσωπεί στην Ελλάδα το διεθνές δίκτυο IRIS (International Research Institutes), συμμετείχε σε μια σημαντική έρευνα με θέμα «Παγκόσμια Δημόσια Εμπιστοσύνη» για κρίσιμα ζητήματα της εποχής. Η έρευνα σχεδιάστηκε και υλοποιήθηκε με πρωτοβουλία του Δικτύου σε 21 χώρες το 2024. Τα ευρήματα που παρουσιάζονται στην παρούσα δημοσίευση με θέμα : “Διεθνείς και Πανελλαδικές τάσεις και αντιλήψεις για την κλιματική αλλαγή» συνδυάζονται με αποτελέσματα της Focus Bari από έρευνα για λογαριασμό της Applia, και αποκαλύπτουν ότι:

Έντονη παγκόσμια ανησυχία για την κλιματική αλλαγή, αλλά η αίσθηση κινδύνου είναι πιο περιορισμένη σε εθνικό – τοπικό επίπεδο, με εξαίρεση την Τουρκία.
Οι ανανεώσιμες πηγές ενέργειας αποτελούν σημαντική αλλά όχι κορυφαία προτεραιότητα για πολλές χώρες, ειδικά σε Ελλάδα, Ιαπωνία και Ελβετία.
– Οι καταναλωτές παγκοσμίως επιλέγουν προϊόντα – υπηρεσίες με κριτήρια την ασφάλεια και καθαρότητα, αντί για τη βιωσιμότητα.
Οι Έλληνες είναι πιο απαισιόδοξοι από άλλες χώρες σχετικά με την αντιμετώπιση της κλιματικής κρίσης στη χώρα μας, θεωρώντας το κράτος βασικό αρωγό στη διαχείρισή της.

Δείτε όλη την έρευνα εδώ

Beauty & Self-Expression in the Digital Age: The Attitudes of Greek Women

Beauty & Self-Expression in the Digital Age: The Attitudes of Greek Women

New Nationwide Survey by Focus Bari:

Focus Bari, in order to investigate and understand contemporary perceptions of beauty in Greece, conducted a National Survey, the results of which were presented at the 48th COSMOESTETICA. This publication also includes data from YouGov Profiles, which reveal:

Beauty, fashion and wellness stand out as the most popular online destinations for Greek women, with trends in the health and wellness sector constantly gaining ground.
– Greek women’s digital shopping carts are filled with fashion, beauty and gadgets, reflecting contemporary market priorities.
– Greek women are informed about new trends and beauty products mainly through social media and influencers, with the influence of digital platforms being stronger on the younger ones.
Quality and safety remain non-negotiable, the most timeless important criteria for Greek women when choosing beauty products, remaining loyal to what they know and trust, but with room for change.
The popularity of filters in the photos they upload to social media is universal, with younger women accepting them as normal, while mature ones are more hesitant to use them.

See the whole survey presentation here

Redefining beauty in Greece: Naturalness, Care and Self-Confidence in the Spotlight!

Redefining beauty in Greece: Naturalness, Care and Self-Confidence in the Spotlight!

New Nationwide Survey by Focus Bari:

Focus Bari, in order to investigate and understand contemporary perceptions of beauty in Greece, conducted a new National Survey on the topic: “Approaching Beauty in Greece: Perceptions, Habits & Attitudes”. The results were presented at the 48th COSMOESTETICA, and reveal that:

– Greek women recognize the value of inner beauty, however, for most, grooming remains the “key” to boosting self-confidence.
Beauty is associated with health, naturalness and authenticity for two in three Greek women, while they also recognize the importance of improvement and anti-aging.
– Greek women, especially younger ages, invest heavily in their beauty and self-care, seeking the right balance of naturalness and confidence.
One in two express a positive attitude towards cosmetic dermatological interventions, while they appear more cautious towards cosmetic plastic surgery.
But grooming is no longer just a woman’s business, as one in three men systematically follows a skin care routine, marking a new era in self-care.

See the whole survey presentation here

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