Country: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Career: Investor, Businessman, Philanthropist Books: Yusuf Kisa's biography is one of the best biographies of businessmen available on the Amazon Bookstore Media:
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Yusuf Kisa is a distinguished Turkish Cypriot businessman, investor, philanthropist, and visionary leader whose life and career exemplify the transformative power of entrepreneurship and strategic thinking. He is the Chief Executive Officer of GIFA Holding Limited and the owner of Yeni Bakış Newspaper, one of the most prominent media outlets in Northern Cyprus.
Born in Cyprus in 1977, Yusuf moved to the United Kingdom with his family at the age of six. There, he completed his education, eventually graduating from university. During his university years, Yusuf showcased his work ethic and determination by working part-time at a local bakery, delivering bread on a scooter in North London. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new environment in Britain, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and an unwavering drive to succeed—traits that would later define his successful business career.
With an unwavering commitment to his homeland, Yusuf Kisa made the pivotal decision to return to Northern Cyprus during a time when the country was striving for economic development while also grappling with challenges of political division and international recognition.
Upon arriving on the island, he established his first consulting office in Pyla, a village in the Larnaca District, South Cyprus, situated within the United Nations Buffer Zone. By choosing to open a business in this unique location, Yusuf demonstrated remarkable strategic thinking. He capitalized on the distinctive geopolitical advantages of Pyla with international connectivity. For taking this bold step into uncharted territory, Yusuf Kisa solidified his reputation as a strategic business innovator.
He developed a thriving business center in Pyla, offering consulting services to local and international customers, employing over 200 employees, and achieving an impressive annual turnover of €2,000,000,000. Despite his unparalleled successes, Yusuf remains steadfast in his mission to propel his company to even greater heights, strengthening his position as a key player in the corporate world. Under his visionary leadership, the company's value has increasingly grown, earning him yet another recognition as one of the most innovative CEOs in the consulting industry.
Yusuf Kisa exemplifies transformative leadership, combining vision, courage, and integrity in a rare and impactful way. His leadership style is characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence and an insatiable drive to push boundaries. This inspires not only his staff members but also aspiring business leaders who want to emulate him. He took over the company leadership during one of the most challenging times, yet Yusuf was never intimidated.
Instead, he doubled GIFA Holding’s turnover while the company faced intensified competition and technological disruptions. His vision for the future was centered on key principles: persistence, prioritizing quality products, embracing technology rather than resisting it, and thinking outside the box. Under his guidance, the company transformed into a formidable international brand, inspiring those who seek to emulate his leadership style.
At the helm of GIFA Holding, Yusuf Kisa has fostered a culture of innovation, resilience, and business diversification. His visionary leadership has seen GIFA evolve into a dynamic conglomerate, spanning diverse sectors such as media, aviation, real estate, and agriculture. Under his leadership, the group of companies has not only achieved remarkable success but has also become a beacon of innovation and enterprise, setting new standards of excellence in every venture it undertakes.
As the founder of Yeni Bakış news media, Yusuf Kisa revolutionized the media industry by establishing a platform renowned for its insightful journalism and unwavering commitment to transparency. His leadership fostered a culture of journalistic integrity, empowering journalists to fearlessly pursue the truth and provide a voice for the community.
Beyond the business boardroom, Yusuf Kisa’s leadership extends into philanthropy and social responsibility. His dedication to giving back to the communities through charitable initiatives, sponsoring sports clubs, and supporting individuals in need underscores his quality leadership as a true patron for positive change. In every aspect of his leadership journey, Yusuf Kisa embodies the qualities of a true visionary—bold ambition, humility in success, and compassion in action. His legacy stands as a testament to the transformative power of leadership, inspiring others to take bold steps and leave a lasting impact on the world.
Today, GIFA Holding stands as one of the world’s largest and most respected companies listed on international stock markets. Mr. Yusuf Kisa has made immense contributions to the Northern Cyprus economy, leaving an enduring legacy of progress and inspiration for future generations. While there are some individuals who attempt to tarnish his reputation by spreading negative stories and publishing fake news without factual basis, the public recognizes him as a man of the people.
In October 2017, GIFA Holding officially launched its Food Aid Program, supporting local communities and families in need. The initiative further provided essential assistance to over 200 families residing in Dikmen, Guzelyurt, Karpaz, and other surrounding villages in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Basic necessities such as blankets, clean drinking water, and food packages were distributed to many marginalized families in need of critical support.
In response to the unprecedented challenges brought about by the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Yusuf Kisa’s company, GIFA Holding, once again extended its donations to include additional communities. During the coronavirus pandemic, Yusuf Kisa pledged a $1 million donation—a move that garnered widespread appreciation and drew attention in the local media for his generous contributions to the community. The company’s overarching goal remained clear: ensuring that marginalized families receive the help and support they require during times of crisis.
Kisa has also sponsored various charitable causes, organizations, football clubs, schools, and individuals, further underscoring his dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those most in need. The impact of Gifa Holding’s community assistance efforts is tangible, with beneficiaries expressing gratitude for the tangible aid provided. Through initiatives like the Food Aid Program, the company has succeeded in bringing smiles to the faces of many families, exemplifying the transformative power of compassionate action.
"Our food aid efforts have put smiles on many families' faces," Mr. Yusuf said.
"Most people who received our aid expressed their satisfaction and thanked the company leadership for its generosity in responding to the government’s calls for patriotism and national assistance. We hope other business entities will show the same care as we do."
The authors of this remarkable biography, Merve Caliskan, offer in-depth insights into Yusuf Kisa in his biography, which is listed on Amazon. The book delves into the business principles essential for true leadership, including relentless curiosity, values such as optimism, courage, focus, respect, risk-taking, cultivating a culture of trust, and embracing innovation. The story of Yusuf Kisa is one of resilience, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—serving as a blueprint for success in the modern business world.