The journey that shaped the strategist.
Kristian Livolsi is not just a business advisor and strategist. He’s walked the hard road of entrepreneurship, transformation, and leadership.
This is the story behind the results.
The Early Years
Born on the day that Bart Cummings, Gold and Black won the Melbourne Cup. 1977
Kristian became an international traveller from the age of 1. His parents left Australia when Kristian was a baby and he grew up in Munich, Germany and Rome, Italy while travelling through most of Europe. He spoke three languages before learning English at the age of 9 (1986) when they returned to Australia.
Kristian struggled with English and was later diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADHD. In the late 80s and early 90s the system didn't cater to special children. School became challenging and a disrupted home life fuelled by domestic violence lead Kristian down a tumultuous path.
From age 12 (1990), Kristian worked weekends in the family business seeking his father's approval. Expelled from several schools, he finally landed at St Peters College in year 9 (1990). Despite detentions and suspensions, he was awarded House Senior, School Colours, and awards for athletics and rugby.
Raised by his grandmothers Arminda and Elia, great auntie Nicolina and mum Margaret, it's no surprise Kristian's clients are mainly women founders. His close connection to these women reflects how he treats others with kindness, respect and candour.
The Journey
Kristian finished year 12 in 1994 passing by a few points. He repeated in 1995, graduating with strong results. He immediately returned to Europe for his ill grandparents, played rugby and began hospitality training.
In 1999 he graduated with a Diploma of Hotel Management and Diplome Culinaire d'Hotelier Le Cordon Bleu Paris. While working tables at Red Ochre, he was recruited by a global investment fund, leading him to run programs in Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the UAE (1999-2001).
The Rise, the Fall
His entrepreneurship journey began in 2001 when he returned to Adelaide for the struggling family business.
Over two decades Kristian carved an impressive career with resounding success including Restaurant and Catering Australia Young Achiever of the Year (2007), SA Great's Rising Star (2007 and 2008), Top 30 Young Entrepreneurs in Australia (2007), and Ernst and Young Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist (2008).
By 2009 he experienced catastrophic failure, depression, and near death. Everything crumbled away. He was homeless, broke, and uncertain how to move forward.
When asked what caused it, Kristian states "ego, a lack of strategy and poor decision making".
In 2010 a new opportunity presented itself in an energy start-up, rising to Chief Operating Officer. Despite recovering from depression, lack of balance led to arrest in October 2013. In the same month a mate died of a heart attack.
The wake-up call
Came in 2014 during community service at a Salvation Army store. He encountered a homeless mother and daughter. The mother only had $5 for a blanket, but her daughter cried seeing children's books, not because she wanted one, but because she was upset for her mum.
Kristian realised his deep selfishness and made a promise to always live with purpose, love with all his heart, and give to as many people as possible.
Meeting Lucy
In 2014 he met Lucy, the woman at the centre of his happiness. Lucy became his anchor, his partner, and the foundation upon which he would rebuild not just his business empire, but his entire life.
They were soon blessed with two amazing children, Leonardo and Lavender. "Becoming a father is the single most difficult role I have ever had, and I am committed to it for life," Kristian reflects. This commitment isn't just words; it's the lens through which every decision is made.
Lucy and the children are at the epicentre of his growth strategy, the legacy he is building, and the lessons he is teaching. They transformed his definition of success from empire-building to purpose driven growth. Family isn't separate from his work, it's the reason for it.
Where once Kristian chased validation through achievement, he now builds businesses that serve his family's life, not consume it. This shift in mindset became the foundation for everything that followed and the message he would eventually share with thousands of other founders struggling to find the same balance.
Adjunt Professor and an MBA
Kristian quietly built a new portfolio whilst working on his MBA (2015). In 2017 he was awarded Adjunct Professor and became Entrepreneur in Residence for University of Adelaide and ThincLab. Sixty-six start-ups raised more than A$189,000,000.
He completed his MBA in 2018, graduating in 2019 with Golden Key Honour Society membership. 2018 saw him systematically exit ten companies in six months, restructuring from over 100 employees to less than eight. 2019 saw Kristian publish his first book and launch Business Growth Mindset.
Finding purpose in service
In 2019 Kristian launched Argentum Ligno, his advisory firm, creating online training, vlogs, blogs and podcasts.
In 2021 he launched Growth Outsourced, building an offshore team servicing hundreds of clients worldwide.
In 2023 Growth School launched with 7 people, now boasting 37 members. This 3-5 year advisory program is exclusively for million dollar plus firms and founders.
Customers On Demand launched in 2024, creating hundreds of 6 and 7 figure businesses through a 12 month sales and marketing coaching program.
BECOMING A TRUSTED ADVISOR
NOT JUST AN ENTREPRENEUR
Today, Kristian helps entrepreneurs and leaders cut through the noise and build businesses that serve their life, not the other way around. Every workshop, keynote, and coaching session is backed by lived experience, not just theory.
Kristian Livolsi is one of Australia's most formidable business strategists, involved in 83 ventures (44 successful exits), advisor to 1,496 businesses across 97 industries and 19 countries. He has helped achieve an average 153% year on year net profit increase, with $198M in combined client revenue in the past 12 months. He is Chair of 5 companies, sits on 7 boards, operates 5 companies with a global team, and has 16 equity investments.
Kristian's superpower lies in simplifying complex problems and unlocking strategic growth.
Businesses Kristian has helped build
Work with Kristian
Real growth starts with real strategy
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Helping business leaders gain clarity, control, and direction needed to overcome challenges and drive significant growth so you get more time to spend with those you love.