Hey!
I’m Barbara.
Top executive coach, trainer, author, and female leadership thinker in Greece. The coaches’ coach, here to help you step into your power.
WHO AM I?
I am an inner and outer leadership coach and an ICF Professional Coaching Training Provider. I bring positive energy, a passion for connecting with people, and a commitment to building communities and transforming lives.
I stand by your side to help you navigate life and master self-awareness. By staying focused and unstoppable toward your ultimate goals, you can create an outstanding Life Plan that integrates purpose, action, and personal philosophy.
My mission is to energize you, inspire breakthroughs, and empower you to live life to its fullest potential.
As your guide, I help you illuminate your path and expand your horizons by cultivating a unique personal worldview and philosophy, rooted in the timeless wisdom of Greek philosophers.
Philosophy has been my guiding light, transforming my journey and providing the foundation for profound personal change and genuine happiness.
With over 30 years of corporate experience, a strong academic background (BSc in Chemistry and MBA), ongoing professional development, and a proven track record, I am dedicated to being your ideal partner in growth. My approach blends positive psychology, business development, entrepreneurship, management, neuroscience, mindfulness, and leadership principles to help you achieve lasting results.
In my latest book, Philosophical Leadership, I share actionable tools and insights inspired by classical wisdom and modern coaching practices to help you lead with impact and purpose.
If this resonates with you and you’re ready to transform your life, book a meeting with me. I look forward to supporting you in achieving your personal and professional goals.
Until then, live fully and with purpose.
Barbara Asimakopoulou is a highly acclaimed Global Executive and Team Coach, recognized by the International Coach Federation (ICF) as a professional coaching training provider. She is also an author and speaker with an international reputation. With over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur, senior executive, and expert HR consultant, she is dedicated to helping individuals discover their true gifts and illuminate their life journeys.
Barbara is known for promoting a positive work-life balance and enhancing overall well-being (eudaimonia) through her coaching practice.
Professional Experience
After a decade in a high-level HR management position, she established Human Resources Expertise (HRE) in Athens to assist companies of all sizes in efficiently managing human development. Now, they specialize in executive coaching, leadership development, organizational transformation, and accredited coaching education.
She serves as an Executive and C-Suite Coach, Systemic Team Coach, Mentor, Trainer, and Motivational Speaker.
In her work with executives, she focuses on:
– Strengthening purposeful decision-making
– Enhancing leadership clarity in complex situations
– Aligning influence with ethical responsibility
– Developing a sustainable organizational impact
When working with teams, she assists in:
– Aligning around a shared vision, values, and purpose
– Adopting a more beneficial organizational culture
– Collaborating to achieve better corporate results and individual satisfaction
Barbara has guided numerous high-potential, visionary senior executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs to become better leaders and happier individuals, helping them reach key milestones and expand their horizons.
She also empowers women leaders to step forward, speak up, and claim more impactful leadership positions.
Furthermore, she coaches teams to be aligned and energized, increasing their performance and satisfaction at work and supporting companies in transforming their culture for greater success and sustainability.
She is an associate of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, which offers two E-learning programs: “Coaching Leadership in the Footsteps of Socrates” and “The Profession of Recruiter.”
She designed and led the international coaching training program for Greek and English speakers. Philosophical Coaching Diploma: Coaching Skills & Tools in Practice, which is ICF-accredited for Level 1 and Level 2.
She is a founding member of the ICF Greece Chapter, served as President in 2015, and as a board member in 2014, 2016, and 2024.
Methodology:
Her methods include personalized programs, 1-1 coaching, workshops, books, and events. She leverages a broad combination of expertise across coaching, positive psychology, philosophy, business, management, and science.
As a coach, trainer, and entrepreneur, Barbara has developed a distinctive personal coaching signature grounded in the wisdom of Greek philosophers and positive psychology, and has created the pioneering “Philosophy & Coaching in Practice™” methodology. Through this methodology, individuals learn about their values and ancient Greek virtues to live a meaningful, fulfilling, and rewarding personal and professional life.
Distinctions and Awards
- Leadership Coach of the Year 2025 & 2026 by Innovation & Excellence Awards
- Best Corporate Coaching Company 2025 – Greece by Education & Training Awards (UK).
- Most Influential Executive & Team Coach 2024 in Greece
- Best Seller on Amazon France for her book Philosophical Leadership: Become a Better Leader through the Lens of Classical Philosophy and Coaching
- #1 Executive Coach in Athens, 2020
- HR Award for the most innovative leadership program
- International recognition by the ICF Foundation “Gift of Coaching Collective.”
Publications:
Barbara is an accomplished keynote speaker and a published author of books on coaching and leadership.
Captain: Full Speed Ahead, 2026
A Navigation Chart for Successfully Governing Your Life:
Introduction of Feminineship, a self – leadership model for women and open-minded men inspired by the sea rules
Philosophical Leadership, 2024
Classical Philosophy with modern leadership, International Book Excellence Award Finalist, #34 Best Sellers List, Amazon France
Inner Emancipation, 2021
ICF Coaching Principles Vs Classical Philosophy
Self-Reflections, 2021
The Coach FeedForward
The art of peace in the working environment, 2008
Human Resources Management
One of the things I’m often asked is
“How on earth did you get started in all this?”
- Executive & Leadership Coaching,
- Female Leadership (Femininship™),
- Team Coaching & Building Coaching Culture.
- Philosophical coaching (Philosophership™)
- Narrative Coaching
- Positive Ethical Culture at Work
- How did you adapt through the Greek financial crisis?
- Why did you bring Greek philosophy and coaching together?
- How and why did you start your coaching business?
- What challenges did you face starting your coaching business?
- How can people harness Greek philosophy for a happier life?
- What is a V.I.P coach?
- What are your coaching methodologies and why did you create your own ones?
- Why has your program “The Leader of Today” been awarded?
She holds
-a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Patras, Greece,
-a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with a major in Organizational Psychology from « Institut d’Administration et Gestion » I.A.G. Université Catholique de Louvain-La- Neuve, Belgium, and
-a Master in Business Administration, with major in Human Resources from ALBA Graduate Business School, Athens, Greece.
- Femininship™ (Female Leadership)
- Philosophership™ (Philosophical coaching )
- Coaching Leadership in the footsteps of Socrates.”
- The Coach Leader™
- Philosophership in Action: Philosophy & Coaching in Practice
- The Leader of Today: an award-winning program for developing leadership skills and changing culture- HR Award 2020.
- “Your Time of Power”, “The Rebounders,”
- The VIP Community: (Visionary, Innovative & Powerful) Coaches & Leaders, the students and alumni of her Coaching School,
- COACH NOW, and the hybrid international conference
Barbara has cooperated with some of the most prestigious companies and organizations, such as:
Diageo, Beiersdorf, Leo Pharma, Bayer, Janssen, Generation Y, Intracom Defense Electronics, Unisol SA, Kone SA, Bluegr Resorts, Vodafone, Sephora, Alfa Laval, Rina, Mapei.
Moreover, she collaborates with the National Kapodistrian University of Athens and Hult Ashridge Executive Education in the UK.
Certifications
- Certified Global Leadership Coach by Global Coach Group
- Certified Leadership Coach by Marshall Goldsmith, Stakeholder Centered Coaching
- Team Coaching Certified by Global Team Coaching Institute: P.Hawkins & D. Clutterbuck
- Coaching Certification from Coach University (Coach U)
- Core Practitioner Narrative Coach™ by Dr. Dave Drake
- Positive Psychology Certification, by City University
- Certificate NLP by NLPingreece
Accreditations
- Professional Certified Coach by ICF (PCC)
- Certified Global Leadership Assessment (GLA360) Coach by Global Coach Group
- Team Coaching Accrediration by EMCC – ITCA
- ICF-Accredited Coaching Education Provider (Level 1 & Level 2)
- Qualified to use the 360 assessment, Marshall Goldsmith, Global Leader of the Future.
- ICF Mentor & PCC Evaluator
- Qualified to hold a license to use OPQ tests by SHL
Why I became a coach.
In order to help people transform their lives and gain peace and joy
My whole life has been filled with challenges. While I have experienced happiness, I have also faced dark moments. I often felt emotional, unfulfilled, and lost among the chaos, unsure of which direction to take toward my goals and aspirations.
However, once I discovered coaching and, shortly after, philosophy, I became more focused and found my true north, achieving a sense of balance. I realized that my life goal was to be serene and happy, which I learned is a journey rather than a destination.
I am on a journey toward wisdom and happiness, and my mission is to help you achieve the same. This is why I became a coach and why I believe in the transformative power of coaching to change lives.
Serving Individuals
Barbara coaches visionary women and men to reach their goals, unleash their potential, and expand their horizons. Furthermore, she helps them successfully lead their winning teams.
As a professional coach, she challenges you and builds your capabilities to overcome internal and external obstacles, design a plan of action, and follow it successfully.
Her ultimate goal is to bring out your best so you can stay focused on your needs, values, and vision and live in authenticity.
Honoring our Greek ancestors together, you look at the significant philosophical issues over the years, such as meaning, freedom, choice, and responsibility, and how these play an essential part in your life to flourish.
Serving Companies
Barbara founded HRE in 2000 after a successful career in many HR positions at Titan cement company, a Greek multinational with great human values at its center.
Major visionary companies and individuals trust her and her team to reach growth and claim success.
She assists businesses and organizations to achieve great results at all times – through their people. She supports them in establishing trust and energizing personnel, changing organizational culture, and reaching alignment with every new strategy and decision.
Serving Society
“I am passionate about building thriving communities with ethical and high standards and an ultimate purpose towards a sustainable society.”
Toward this purpose, Barbara has created:
Your Time of Power, a volunteering project starting from research, offers Free Empowering Coaching Sessions and a specially designed workshop to support the Greek economy and society during a crisis or whenever the need arises.
–Coach Now – An International Hybrid Coaching Conference that explores the essential themes of our times.
–The V.I.P. Community of Coaches & Coach Leaders– Formed from the CSTP alumni, students, and academic team. V.I.P. stands for Visionary, Innovative, and Powerful.
–The Rebounders: Volunteering for people who needed help during the global economic crisis 2008-2018.
To enhance a sustainable and flourishing global society with “ethos,” “pathos,” and “logos” towards a life with “eudemonia.”
Greek Philosophy
The foundation of a meaningful and flourishing life. Unlocking the secrets of a purposeful journey and making decisions in any critical crossroad.
Coaching
As a daily habit for personal & professional growth. Coaching is not just a methodology, it's a way of living. For you to become an everyday Coach.
Leadership
Becoming the leader you desire. How to find the way in for the way out. A journey for peace and happiness for you and those around you.
“The unexamined life is not worth living” Socrates in Plato's Apology.
(470 B.C. to 399 B.C)
Join me.
Let me be your coach.
