Fotini Kypraios, the Chair of the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI), underscored the role of “community, family values, hard work.”
However, she added the Greek “beautiful, untranslatable” word, filotimo (φιλότιμο), a deeply ingrained cultural concept that encompasses values of honour, respect, and hospitality, and kefi (κέφι), that very Greek-specific sense of transcendent joy or unbridled exuberance.
She links filotimo and kefi to what she calls the “Greek Australian success story.” “Ours is a culture of extroversion.
“We are a gregarious lot; we enjoy being out and about, mingling with others, and drawing energy from socializing. Kefi and filotimo,” Kypraios writes, “are the foundation of our professional ethos.”
“It is our way of doing business; it is an extension and a part of social interaction. We do business because it allows us to be with others, doing what we enjoy. It makes us feel good—financial success comes (very close) second.”
She adds that the concept of eudaimonia (ευδαιμονία) in ancient Greek philosophy refers to a state of well-being achieved through a meaningful life. The notion goes beyond happiness and encompasses a sense of living in accordance with one’s true nature and potential.
“Finally, Australia is catching up” she added and pointed to the Federal Treasury issuing Australia’s first wellbeing framework. According to the Framework’s indicators, a cohesive society is one that “supports connections with family, friends, and the community, values diversity, and promotes belonging and culture.”
“Something we Greeks can definitely relate to,” Kypraios writes.
She calls on everyone to see how they can implement the Framework in their professional life and business activities. In the Framework, creative and cultural engagement, and recreation are seen as critical.
She refers to Professor Alex Christou, also a HACCI Board Member and a leader in executive education at Monash University, who discusses ‘kefi’. Prof. Christou sees kefi in aspects of Greek life, including folk dances, singing, festivals, and events where “warmth and hospitality extended to guests.”
“It reflects the Greek approach to life, where finding pleasure in the simple things and appreciating the beauty of everyday moments are cherished values,” Prof. Christou writes. The expert on kefi adds that it can reduce stress, renew energy, augment mindfulness, and improve resilience.
Prof. Christou writes that incorporating kefi into our lives “does not necessarily require grand gestures or drastic changes.” “It can be as simple as taking time to dance, listen to music, spend quality time with loved ones, or pursue creative endeavours.”
HACCI is keen to give everyone a “healthy dose of kefi” at the 2023 HACCI Excellence Awards, and tickets are on sale, as well as an extension to the ‘early bird rate’ until September 15.
Book for the HACCI Excellence Awards
