Yas Grigaliunas

Yas Grigaliunas is a visionary entrepreneur and advocate at the forefront of the circular economy movement. As the dynamic founder of her award-winning social enterprise, Circonomy, Yas has dedicated herself to transforming waste into opportunity, championing sustainability, and fostering inclusivity. 

Her journey began with the World’s Biggest Garage Sale, an initiative born from a desire to support breast cancer charities, later evolving into Circonomy. Under her leadership, Circonomy has pioneered various innovative strategies to repurpose and redistribute goods, preventing over 4.3 million kg from ending up in landfills. This effort not only promotes environmental responsibility but also generates significant societal value, providing meaningful employment to overlooked communities, including neurodiverse individuals. 

Yas’s entrepreneurial spirit is matched by her profound commitment to social impact. She serves as the inaugural Chief Circular Entrepreneur of Circular Australia and holds a pivotal role as President of the Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC). Through these platforms, Yas advocates for holistic approaches that integrate sustainability and social responsibility into business practices. 

Recognised for her transformative leadership, Yas inspires audiences worldwide with her authentic storytelling and passion for creating a prosperous, inclusive future. She has been instrumental in guiding businesses towards circular practices and embedding social objectives into their core strategies. Her work not only sets benchmarks for sustainable operations but also serves as a blueprint for an eco-friendlier economy.

Beyond her professional achievements, Yas embodies resilience and determination. Her career spans diverse roles from sales and business development to project management and entrepreneurship, celebrated for her unwavering work ethic, award-winning growth in sales, and innovative retail projects.

Yas’s impact also extends far beyond her business achievements. She’s a 2x Ironman Endurance Race finisher, further reflecting her tenacity and unwavering commitment to personal challenges. Her energy and positivity are contagious, making her a highly sought-after speaker and mentor dedicated to empowering others.

Yas Grigaliunas stands as a beacon of change, driving forward the circular economy movement while empowering individuals and organisations to embrace sustainability and social innovation themselves. Her vision for a world without waste, inclusive of every individuals potential, continues to inspire and redefine possibilities on a global scale.