Elias Kanaris
Elias Kanaris is a globally respected leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and executive advisor dedicated to developing values-driven leaders across government, business, faith, and community sectors. With more than 30 years of experience, he has guided organisations through complexity and change, helping senior leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity, cultural intelligence, and moral courage.
A former President of the Global Speakers Federation—representing 6,000 leaders in over 20 countries—Elias brings deep international governance experience and a collaborative, Pacific-aligned leadership ethos. He is the CEO of The Insight & Strategy Group and creator of the Presidential Think Tank’s Leadership Compass, a transformational development course that equips leaders with practical tools for influence, resilience, and high-trust decision-making.
Elias is also the author of Leading From The Stop and a Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach, known for turning lived experience—including his leadership response during the 9/11 shutdown in Gander—into compelling lessons that inspire action.
Elias is honoured to contribute to the Pacific Legacy Leadership Foundation’s mission of strengthening ethical, culturally grounded leadership across the Blue Pacific.
Area of Expertise: Developing values-driven leaders across government, business, faith, and community sectors.
Meet More of Our Dedicated Team Members
Kalolaine Kavaefiafi is a committed development practitioner from Lapaha, Tonga, with extensive experience in community-based initiatives and environmental stewardship. As a proud Tongan national, she combines deep cultural knowledge with technical expertise, ensuring that projects are both locally grounded and aligned with broader development priorities.
Lanieta Rauqeuqe is a public sector policy and leadership practitioner. Building on her professional experience at the local, regional and multilateral level, Lani co-founded Sautu Solutions, a consultancy firm that delivers analytical, advisory and research services on macroeconomic policy and financial sector development issues. Lani also serves on a fintech and public sector boards in Fiji, bringing her global and local experience to drive impactful leadership and development. She has a keen interest in helping people and organizations embody leadership in their person (language use, emotions and body) and cultures with a view to protecting and promoting the welfare of our people and communities.
Mereseini Tuivuniwai is Communications specialist and has served extensively in the financial inclusion and development sectors, providing strategic communication consultancy and advisory in the Pacific region and beyond. Her expertise also includes content creation, project management and stakeholder mobilization. Mereseini is from Fiji is married with 7 kids and a grandson. She is currently engaged with Alliance for Financial Inclusion as the Regional Manager Pacific working closely with central banks in the Pacific specifically on financial inclusion initiatives.
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We welcome individuals who want to uplift communities and contribute to meaningful leadership work. Join our team and help shape a brighter future for the Pacific.
