About
DAVID KOUTSOUKIS
Exceptional Teams Architect
Scroll
.jpg)
David has been exploring the art and science of leading teams for 30 years - from his early career as a Phys Ed Teacher, Sports Coach and Adventure Instructor; through Team Leader, Management and Chief People Officer roles; as a National Association President, Company Director and University Lecturer; and for the last 20 years as a Leadership Speaker, Author and Consultant.
KEFI is the Greek word that means ‘Zest for Life’ and David has plenty of it! His passionate enthusiasm is contagious, and as one his clients once said “David has a unique ability to make you feel good about yourself and get the best out of people.”
David calls himself a LIFTER and encourages others to be the same. LIFTERS are people who LIFT the attitudes, aspirations and performance of those around them through positive thoughts, words and actions. David’s purpose is to LIFT the spirits and wisdom of people and teams to help make the world a more thoughtful and happier place for more people.
David has created many innovative tools and resources for building teams, and is recognised by his clients as a creative and innovative thinker. He has spoken at theInternational Conference on Thinking (ICOT) on two occasions, and Dr Troy Henrickson once described him as “incredibly creative, intelligent and gifted in so many ways. I am always impressed by David’s ability to synthesise information in a way that is enjoyable and memorable.”
David takes a strategic approach to his work and his popular Architecture for Success framework is an example of his strategic thinking mindset. David works with clients to find solutions to problems and innovate for improvement using logical, sequential and practical tools, processes and methodologies.
David is competitive by nature and results driven. He has helped many of his clients win prestige individual and organisational awards, and teams he works with regularly break performance records.Two of his clients have enjoyed the profits of lucrative international buy-outs.
David has been married to Anna for over 25 years and has two sons, Sam and Matt. Both David and Anna had great role models for parents and aspire to be the same for their children. They love spending time together as a family and international travel is a family favourite when circumstances allow.
David plays a number of instruments and spent 10+ years as a one-man-band singer/guitarist in pubs and resorts around Australia and the Asia Pacific. He has written and recorded more than 50 songs and loves to play his vintage telecaster. David brings his guitar on stage for some presentations.
David calls him self a born-again Greek because he became very passionate about his Greek heritage when his father passed away in 2005. He loves Greek history, philosophy and mythology, and is particularly fond of the island his family came from, Kastellorizo(pictured in the background).
Multi-award winning speaker
CSP Designation (the highest international accreditation for speakers worldwide)
Delivered more than 1000 presentations in 12 countries across 4 continents
2 x West Australian Speaker of the Year
Past President of the National Speakers Association of Australia (now PSA)
30+ years experience leading teams
20+ years of teaching leadership and team development
Regular presenter for Masters Of Business and Leadership at Curtin University
Worked with over 300 companies including, BHP, Woodside, INPEX, HBOS, CBA, Bankwest, Diageo
Proven track-record with clients regularly breaking performance records and winning industry awards
Greece
Greek history, philosophy and mythology
Kastellorizo - the Greek island David's family came from
Music - 10+ years as a professional singer/guitarist
Author of 27 books
Creator of 100 team development tools and resources
Co-creator of the Click! Colours Personality Tool
Founder of the Exceptional Teams Academy
Father, role model, mentor and a huge influence on my life.
I’ve had a number of cool cars over the years. Here’s one of my favourites – a 1969 MBG convertible.
The Sharks are my favourite WAFL team. I also happen to be their leadership and culture consultant.
Pictured here is my favourite guitar. A lake placid blue 60s vintage series telecaster.
I rode horses for many years and I’m pictured here on my favourite quarter horse ready for an ocean swim.
I love Indonesia and Indonesian people. I’m pictured here at one of the many team building programs I have run there.
As a Phys Ed Teacher, Sports Master and parent I’ve spent many years coaching junior sport.
The Greek island my family came from and a source of pride, joy and inspiration.
My parents taught me the power of a loving family and I love my family very much..
Mini-Olympics competitions were just one of the many events I used to run as a team building facilitator.
I’m a big Neil Diamond fan and have even been known to incorporate the odd Neil Diamond song into my presentations.
In my role as an outdoor adventure instructor I used to enjoy facilitating all sorts of activities including white water rafting.
I am a Past National President of the National Speakers Association of Australia.
I love the power of quotes for focus and motivation. I particularly enjoy the wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers.
As a logical convergence of my love of horses and music, I was a rodeo singer for many years.
I’ve written more than 100 songs and I’m pictured here performing Aussie Born, Aussie Bred on Telethon.
I started my career as a physical education teacher. I’m pictured here with my year 9 form class at Pingelly District High School.
For many years I presented for the Masters of Business and Leadership Program at Curtin University Graduate School of Business.
The title of my first album, and as you can see back in the days of the cassette player.
I had to make sure our gorgeous dog Archie got a mention. An important member of the family, and yes, xtra cute.
The colour of Fat Cat, the children’s TV character and my buddy as a Children’s Television Presenter in the late 80’s.
