Karl George has entrepreneurial blood running through his veins.
At the age of 15 he was running a martial arts school. Now he's managing director of accountants and business consultants Andersons KBS UK, as well as being an in-demand public speaker and published author on the subject of entrepreneurship, and a tireless charity supporter.
In 2004 he was awarded the MBE for services to the social and business community. This was the pinnacle of a whirlwind decade or so for Karl, who also won a gold medal in public speaking, Black Business in Birmingham Achiever of the Year, Birmingham Young Professional of the Year for 2002 and Carlton TV's Business Midlander of the Year 2003.
He began his career as a wages clerk at Brockhouse, and when the company was acquired he became acting finance director at just 23. He started his own consultancy business for 12 years before it merged with Andersons KBS and he became managing director. Under his leadership the firm's turnover increased dramatically.
His first book, Most People Only Try, I Make Sure, has become a bible for those thinking of setting up their own businesses.
He is an active participant in Birmingham DiverCity and the Afro-Caribbean Business Forum and set up the first UK chapter of the international organisation, 100 Black Men which aims to mentor and encourage young Afro-Caribbean boys and prevent them from under-achieving.
Despite his exceptional business and financial acumen, it is for his motivational speaking that he has become best known. He has a reputation for combining his in-depth knowledge with passion and a unique delivery style, turning complicated concepts into simple mantras. He is now ranked as one of the country's top speakers on business, leadership and entrepreneurship.
He is also a visiting professor at the University of Central England and a practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
