Passionate thought leader, celebrated author, keynote speaker and successful businessman, John Karagounis is a force to be reckoned with. He left a fruitful, 20-year career in the financial services industry where he won numerous state and national awards to take a chance at owning his own company. And, according to him, it was the best decision he ever made.
“I decided to take the plunge and go out on my own, purchasing The CEO Circle globally in 2008. And, I haven’t looked back since,” Karagounis says. “Now, I find myself in the privileged position of running Australia’s most exclusive membership organisation for captains of the industry. I have the best job in the world, listening to and interacting with some of the best and brightest minds in our country.”
“As a humble, honest and authentic leader, I enjoy guiding and empowering my people to be the best they can be.”
The CEO Circle provides chief executives and industry leaders with a unique forum to share advice, exchange experiences and connect in a trusting atmosphere. “We have circle groups operating across Australia with a diverse range of industry leaders, travelling far and wide to be a part of this incredible community,” he shares. “The CEO Circle provides completely confidential forums for open and frank exchanges, ensuring the role of a CEO is no longer a lonely existence.”
With his career achievements and diverse skill set, Karagounis truly knows what it takes to be a successful leader in today’s global marketplace. Thanks to this, he’s held a seat on The CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Awards’ esteemed judging panel every year since the event commenced in 2012. He says it’s an honour to give back and celebrate the country’s best and brightest.
“The Executive of the Year Awards are the pre-eminent awards recognising the most successful, inspirational leaders in our magnificent country,” he says. “It is a phenomenal opportunity to celebrate the success and achievements of our brilliant business leaders.”
An inclusive leader, Karagounis believes he’s only as good as the people around him. “I try to surround myself with people who are different to me, embracing diversity of opinion,” he says. “As a humble, honest and authentic leader, I enjoy guiding and empowering my people to be the best they can be.”
Outside of work, Karagounis is a dedicated supporter of numerous charities and causes throughout Australia and overseas. He smashes it out at the gym and keeps his mind sharp with meditation. And every day, without fail, he takes time out to self-reflect and think about what he could have done differently to be a better version of himself – to make a greater difference.
