“Artificial Intelligence and Big Data: Innovative solutions for modern needs” is what our 3^rd episode by ImpacTalk focuses on. Our special guests, John Gikopoulos, Chief Innovation Officer, Head of AI & Analytics at Qualco Group; Valerio Matola, Composer & Founder of the Kallos Group, Co-founder of the GATE AI Project, Engagement Manager, and AI & Applied Intelligence at QUALCO; Alexandros Noussias, Collaborating Researcher, The AI Lab, define in simple terms what Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are.

Mr. Gikopoulos explains how Big Data and AI are connected and analyses the AI benefits. At the same time, he elaborates on the sciences involved in creating products and applications. Finally, he shares his thoughts on how the public sector can be the accelerator using AI to facilitate citizens’ needs. “We are already experiencing the consequences of this new era. Certainly, there is the fear of violation and control, but the positive impact prevails.”, Mr. Gikopoulos states.

Mr. Noussias agrees that by utilising AI, we can reach this point where we will achieve the best possible service for our modern needs; however, speaking of ethics, he emphasises the importance of synchronising machines with values to avoid social eliminations in the future.

With regards to the reluctance shown by businesses in the adoption of AI and technology, Mr. Matola expresses his concern; “Historically, when we face a technological development that acts as a game changer, there is always a sense of disbelief. However, evolution is inevitable.” he points out. At the same time, he highlights the impressive result of the cooperation of Science and the Arts while posing the reasonable question of the artists’ creativity. “Art can use AI as a tool.”, Mr. Matola states.

Finally, the million-dollar question comes up; How and who will define the value framework? Mr. Noussias argues that humanities scientists should set limits. Then, Mr. Matola states that humans decide what information they’ll share and what will be reflected in technology development. Finally, Mr. Gikopoulos states, “With the advent of AI, the determination of the rights and obligations of each member of the value chain differentiates.”

Tune in to the whole discussion.

How do discipline and persistence contribute to achieving your goals?

In the final episode of our Well-Played podcast series, we take tips from a professional athlete on how self-discipline helps us get things done.

This time, our special guest is Antigoni Drisbioti, the European Champion in 35 and 20km race walking!

The first Greek athlete in history who achieved a double accomplishment narrates how race walking came into her life and the difficulties she faced during this journey, … bursting in like an inspiration regarding self-discipline and dedication. In parallel, she describes how athletes address financial adversities in their careers while telling her own story, “Athletes need financial support to meet their goals,” as she points out.

At the same time, Antigoni Drisbioti describes a typical training day, emphasising how she defines her purposes and stays faithful to them.

“If you have confidence in the training you’ve done, you have nothing to fear”, as she highlights.

Regarding her double achievement in Munich, Ms. Drisbioti explains her attitude and way of thinking: “In the 2nd course of 20 km, I participated to enjoy the race”.

Listen to the inspiring “Patience and persistence: Ηοw to overcome difficulties” podcast on Spotify, Apple & Google podcasts.

What do men really think about gender equality? The 5th episode of the women empowerment podcast series is on air featuring the men’s point of view on the hot topic of gender equality.

Pinelopi Theodorakakou, Certified Personal & Executive Coach and Co-Founder at Women On Top; Themis Christofidis, Regional Talent & Development Manager at Bayer; Dimitris Mazos, HR Manager Support Functions, BPO & I&D at ATHENIAN BREWERY S.A.; Stavros Milionis, Founder of Diversity Charter Greece & President of KEAN join this episode sharing their perspective and personal experiences about women empowerment initiatives along with the establishment of equal and inclusive workplaces.

Mr. Christofidis describes his male colleagues’ perception in this respect: “Men have to see the gender equality issue from the women’s side,” he mentions. At the same time, he suggests ways to create inclusive workplaces while emphasizing the controversial issue of positive discrimination, expressing his view regarding the recruiting and evaluation process: “Women are not a special category. Hiring criteria should be based on merit, not on gender.”

Mr. Mazos narrates several incidents of injustice against women and how he coped with these. In addition, he expresses that there is room for improvement in the Greek working ecosystem compared to those abroad in terms of eliminating gender-related biases. “Being a male ally, especially in senior positions, is a step toward women empowerment.”

Finally, Mr. Milionis describes how the Diversity Charter began and affected organisations. He highlights how difficult it is for men in Greece to be male allies. At the same time, he shares tips for men on how to stand up for women and kick sexist behaviors out. “Diversity isn’t exclusively centered around the LGBTU community; anything can make us stand out.”

Listen to the “Gender Equality: The male perspective”: podcast on Spotify, Google & Apple Podcasts platforms.

Qualco Group offers technology solutions and tech-driven services in the Credit Tech, Digital Tech, and Property Tech sectors. “We provide market-ready software products and solutions, investing in establishing a holistic technology ecosystem that simplifies, accelerates, and rapidly increases effectiveness.”, explains Mr. John Gikopoulos, Chief Innovation Officer and Head of AI & Analytics at Qualco Group.

Fintech, as a term, describes the emerging technology that helps consumers or financial institutions deliver financial services in newer, faster ways than was traditionally available.”As an established Fintech organisation, we create the appropriate framework that allows businesses to gain high value through various flexible and digital-first solutions.”, highlights Mr. Gikopoulos.

The organisation partners with NCSR Demokritos, one of the country’s top technology research institutions. “Based on the know-how exchange between executives and researchers, our synergy with NCSR Demokritos aims for the mutual development of new technological tools that will solve specific problems of the international financial market. We hope that through such partnerships, businesses and academic institutions will accelerate the implementation of innovative technologies while encouraging the participation of young, talented scientists in the fintech ecosystem.”, indicates Mr. Gikopoulos.

Our goal is to improve our solutions offering while giving back to the economy and the society. “In this respect, we have set the following goals: Enhance extroversion emphasizing Greek talent across global markets; Increase the organisation’s resilience toward external factors through further expanding the international client base; Constantly invest in new tech solutions and participate in an ever-expanding partners’ network,” highlights Mr. Gikopoulos. “Our goals include adopting a holistic ESG strategy and capitalising on cutting-edge technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Analytics, and Robotic Process Automation, as the catalysts across our clients’ projects.”

With its employees lying at the core since its establishment, Qualco Group is officially certified by Great Place to Work®, following a thorough evaluation undertaken by Great Place to Work® Hellas.

This certification is based on the anonymous and confidential evaluation of more than 800 employees regarding their experience within its working environment.

For us, our employees have always been our real assets. They are behind every solution, decision, and achievement, boasting a successful track record across all markets we operate in. Historically, our strategic goal is to offer solutions to real problems of the financial sector worldwide, delivering actual value to the real economy and society, a purpose that our people bring to life. Thus, we constantly invest in establishing a productive workplace of inclusion and equality that genuinely embraces our people, laying the foundation for their and their families’ well-being.

How can we remain productive and focused while working from home?

What are the challenges of this new working model?

Konstantinos Charantiniotis, Mindfulness Coach, joins the second episode of our well-played podcast series, sharing valuable tips and practical advice on the remote work and productivity combo!

Specifically, he highlights the importance of self-discipline, and self-observation, while pointing out how we can organise our work environment to ensure productivity. Finally, he recommends the 3 Steps of Mindfulness and explains why multitasking can harm concentration.

Listen to our episode on Spotify, Apple & Google podcasts, and check the new work-from-home model from an entirely new perspective.

The 4th episode of the women empowerment podcast series is hot off the press, focusing on the relationship between gender equality and the climate crisis, women’s catalyst role in sustainability, and creating a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

Stella Kasdagli, Co-founder of Women on Top; Zefi Dimadama, Lecturer at Pantheon University; Efi Koutsoureli, Co-Founder and main Shareholder of Quest Holdings; Ioanna Theodosiou, Policy Associate at Green Think Tank and George Karapanagos, Epidemiologist from Médecins Sans Frontières participate in this episode sharing research findings, opinions, and experiences on sustainable development.

Ms. Dimadama talks about the effects of natural disasters on vulnerable social groups, especially women. At the same time, she analyses the research findings conducted by Women on Top in collaboration with Panteion University regarding women’s interest and participation in environmental issues. “Women can become a driver of change in the transition to a more sustainable society model.”

Mr. Karapanagos describes how vulnerable social groups experience the climate crisis’ consequences in other countries while pointing out the importance of embracing diversity. “Much of the population is hidden. We need to hear it.”

Ms. Theodosiou defines energy communities that invest in renewable energy sources all over Greece, highlighting how women may participate. In parallel, she shows women’s low participation in Greece. “It is important to preserve inclusive processes in society.”

Finally, Ms. Koutsoureli indicates why women don’t hold responsible positions in the decision-making centers. “Women are early adaptors in the area of ​​sustainability.”

Listen to the “Climate Crisis & Gender Equality: How do they relate?” podcast on Spotify, Google & Apple Podcasts platforms.

Qualco Group was distinguished with Gold & Silver awards in 3 categories at the HR Awards 2022, organised by Boussias Media.

In particular, our organisation excelled in the “Best Employee Engagement Strategy” category with the Gold Award for designing and implementing a 360° holistic employee engagement strategy. In parallel, Qualco Group received a Silver Award in the category “Excellence in Workplace Well-being” for applying a comprehensive plan of initiatives with employees’ well-being at its core. Lastly, our distinction in the “Best Team Building Program” category for the ‘WIN from WITHIN’ team building event came to complete the puzzle!

These distinctions attest to our goal of attracting and maintaining talented people and catering to their well-being and personal development.

How can a healthy diet act as an energy booster in the office?

Manos Dimitroulis, Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist and Founder of Dietstories, joins the first episode of our Well Played Season 2, inviting us to fight the midday slump in the office through proper nutrition;

Which are the commonly said brain foods?

How exactly do the time, place, and manner of eating affect us?

How can organisations build the right culture around healthy food?

Manos Dimitroulis changes how we think and act in this respect while sharing a few of his go-to daily recipes applicable to our office routine.

Additionally, he proposes specific foods that will help us maintain our energy and wellness in the office and, in parallel, protect us from seasonable viruses.

Listen to the Well Played Season 2 on Spotify, Apple & Google podcasts and learn about the importance of a healthy diet in our daily lives.