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

Uncertain and Insecure Greeks

for the operation of private universities in our country!

- New National Survey by Focus Bari on Private Universities -

According to a new Panhellenic Survey by Focus Bari, on the topic:

"Views & Challenges for Private Universities in Greece",it is found that:

• Widespread insecurity among Greeks regarding the operation of private universities in Greece, highlighting the need for information and dialogue.
• Opinions differ by generation: older people support private educational institutions, 25-34 express opposition, while younger people remain neutral, showing a wait-and-see or even confused attitude.
• The main concern of citizens about private universities is the possible exclusion of the economically weak from higher education with the gradual abolition (or downgrading) of public educational institutions.
• Η συντριπτική πλειοψηφία των Ελλήνων συνεχίζει τη μόρφωσή τους μετά το Λύκειο, ενώ η αυξανόμενη συμμετοχή γυναικών στα ανώτερα- ανώτατα επίπεδα εκπαίδευσης, υποδηλώνει σημαντικές αλλαγές στο εκπαιδευτικό τοπίο.

See the whole survey presentation here

Safety of minors at the forefront: Greeks Demand Responsibility, Innovation and Cooperation!

According to a new nationwide survey by Focus Bari, entitled:

"Opinions & opinions. Suggestions of Greeks on the Panic Button and the Protection of Minors",It is found that:

• The majority of Greeks express moderate support for the expansion of Panic Button, recognizing its importance in the prevention and safety of minors.
• Half of Greeks express reservations about the extension of the measure,underlining the need for proper education and information in order to ensure its responsible use.
• The effectiveness of the Panic Button depends on the immediate information & response of the Authorities and the education of children and guardians.
• Public opinion recognises the mainstays of child safety in the public spaces, the police, schools and local authorities.
• Around two out of three Greeks believe that private companies can enhance the protection of minors through sponsorship for information and prevention.

See the whole survey presentation here

More than one in two parents express concern about the safety of their children in the school environment!

According to a new nationwide survey by Focus Bari, entitled: "Parental concerns in Greece: From safety to school shopping" , it is found that:

• Mental balance & bullying are the main parental concerns most prominently among moms and parents of teen and pre-teen children at the start of this school year.
• For the new school year, parents choose school supplies mainly based on low prices and offers, taking into account the preferences of their children, while quality and durability seem to come in "second place" in view of the tight finances in Greek household.
• The average expenditure on school supplies is €128, with older parents spending more.
• Almost three out of four parents prefer to buy school supplies from physical stores, with just 7% opting exclusively for online shopping for these items.
• Parents sourced school equipment from both well-known chain stores and local bookshops, with some choosing supermarkets.

See the whole survey presentation here

As part of its nationwide activities, the Hellenic Institute of Customer Service organized a seminar in Iraklion, Crete, with the aim of promoting the importance of Customer Experience for businesses. Xenia Kourtoglou spoke about the Power of Customer Experience, which is a central mission for every organization, presenting data from the Greek market and society that familiarize businesses with modern consumer demands, mindset, habits, and expectations. In her speech, Ms. Kourtoglou emphasized the increasingly close relationship between consumers and technology, and presented strategies that help all organizations develop a CX culture as well as practical steps for the continuous improvement of the customer experience they offer.

See the whole presentation of Mrs. Kourtoglou here

VIDEO XK CRETE