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

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

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

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

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

FOCUS BARI “SHEDS LIGHT ON CHAOS” AT THE ANNUAL APPLiA HELLAS CONFERENCE

With great success and the participation of over 310 senior executives from the electrical appliances, small devices, and air conditioning sector, the 2025 Annual Conference of APPLiA Hellas concluded under the theme: “Chaos: Here Lies the Opportunity.”

Xenia Kourtoglou, founder of Focus Bari,  presented the findings of an extensive nationwide survey, designed and conducted exclusively for the purposes of the conference. The research mapped in detail four distinct typologies of Greek citizens in response to the "chaos of our times."  The survey captured the public’s attitudes towards today’s most pressing issues: technology and AI, inflation, the global geopolitical landscape, climate change, mental health, job insecurity, uncertainty about the future, value crises, shallow relationships, and more.

The insights offer not only valuable food for thought, but also clear guidance for business leaders on how to navigate the future — both as business organizations and as pillars of society.

View the full research presentation here

December 21, 2024
Game of Money Festival

Xenia Kourtoglou Reveals the Typologies of Greeks Regarding Money & Wealth

The first Game of Money Festival took place on December 21-22, 2024, at DAIS with unprecedented success and attendance. This two-day conference featured speeches from top international and local speakers, along with thematic workshops and an exhibition, covering topics such as money, wealth, entrepreneurship, leadership, personal development, modern communication, psychology, and, of course, the latest advancements in technology and artificial intelligence across various industries.

Xenia Kourtoglou presented the findings of an exclusive research study conducted specifically for GOMF. The study examined the current economic and professional status of Greeks, as well as their mindset and habits related to money, abundance, entrepreneurship, wealth, saving, and investments.

The most intriguing aspect of her presentation was the typologies of Greeks regarding wealth and money, a first-of-its-kind study in Greece. These insights revealed the underlying reasons behind Greeks' financial choices and behaviors.

Closing her speech, Xenia Kourtoglou—an expert in Mental Resilience—invited the audience to reflect on which typology they belong to, whether they are satisfied with it, and introduced a series of self-awareness questions to help individuals reshape their beliefs about money and wealth—should they wish to do so.

See the whole Focus Bari/Game of Money Festival research presentation here.

Almost Nine out of Ten Greeks have had experience with a pet, a strong lifelong relationship!

- New Pan-Hellenic Survey by Focus Bari -

According to a new nationwide survey by Focus Bari, on the trends and perceptions of Greeks about pets, it is found that:

• More than three out of five Greeks, are pet owners at the moment with dogs and cats being the most popular.
• Greek owners show particular sensitivity, preferring half-breed dogs and tile cats, while young people 18-24 show a preference for pedigree pets.
• The vast majority of owners recognise the cost and commitment involved in caring for a pet, but this does not prevent them from getting one.
• The main reason that Greeks choose to have a pet is their positive effect on mental health/balance, but also on the development of children.
• Seven out of ten owners say that the care of their pet is a personal matter and they appear punctual in their obligations.
• Pet owners mainly consult the veterinarian and the local petshop for feeding their four-legged friends.

See the whole survey presentation here

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, The Smile of the Child's annual event was held at Eleon Loft to celebrate 29 years since its establishment. 

The event had a warm and exciting atmosphere. Focus Bari was awarded as an official sponsor of The Smile of the Child for its valuable support of the organization, including the implementation of qualitative and quantitative studies in recent years.

The founder of Focus Bari, Ms. Xenia Kourtoglou, remarked:
"I want to thank Kostas and his team for everything they do and for allowing us to contribute to this important effort. This sentiment resonates with all the sponsors of The Smile of the Child! Our entire team at Focus Bari is thankful, and we will always stand by your side with all our strength!"

he following are the key findings from this year's qualitative and quantitative research:

• 7 out of 10 Greeks would support a business because it collaborates with The Smile of the Child.
• The reasons why companies support the organization include social contribution and corporate responsibility.
• It was emphasized that there is a need to strengthen the culture of the common good in Greek society—something requested by both the general public and the business community.
• Large organizations must act as pillars of society, providing security and support during difficult times, and not just as pillars of the business community.

Greece in the digital age mainly via mobile: Increasing use of the internet, social media and online shopping!

- The new edition of Focus on Tech Life Tips by Focus Bari -

According to the new edition of Focus on Tech Life by Focus Bari, which has been conducted nationwide continuously since 1995, it is observed:

• Almost all of Greece is online, with the Region showing impressive growth.
• Dynamic entry into the digital world for older age groups, with 45+ increasing dramatically.
• Mobile phone use for online activities is exploding across the country, with Thessaloniki standing out on social media.
• More than three out of four Greeks demand more protection from the state against electronic piracy and cybercrime.

See the whole survey presentation here