Yanis Varoufakis is an internationally recognised economist, academic and politician, best known for serving as Greece’s Minister of Finance during the height of the Eurozone crisis in 2015. A leading figure in European politics and a renowned critic of austerity, Yanis has built a reputation as a bold and engaging speaker on economics, global finance and the future of democracy. With his trademark clarity and passion, he translates complex ideas into practical lessons for audiences worldwide.
Yanis began his career in academia after graduating from the University of Essex with a PhD in Economics. He went on to lecture at prestigious institutions including the University of Cambridge, University of Sydney, University of Athens and University of Texas at Austin. His early work focused on game theory and political economy, shaping the foundation for his later influence on European financial policy. This mix of scholarly insight and real-world experience makes him one of the most authoritative and compelling economic voices of his generation.
In 2015, Yanis rose to global prominence as he became Greece’s Finance Minister at the height of the Eurozone debt crisis. He played a pivotal role in negotiating with the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund, gaining international recognition for his outspoken stance against austerity measures. Beyond politics, Yanis is a best-selling author, with influential titles including "Adults in the Room" and "And the Weak Suffer What They Must?". He has been featured extensively in global media and remains an active voice in debates on economics, democracy and technology.
As a speaker, Yanis Varoufakis combines intellectual rigour with storytelling, offering audiences not only a deeper understanding of global economics but also practical lessons on leadership, negotiation and resilience. He motivates businesses, policymakers and institutions to think critically about the future of the economy and the responsibilities of leadership in turbulent times. Charismatic, articulate and thought-provoking, Yanis is an ideal speaker for audiences looking to understand how global events shape markets and how bold thinking can create new opportunities.
