Johnathan Johannes is a Caribbean business leader, author, and global voice on courageous, transformative leadership.
Johnathan Johannes is a Caribbean business leader, author, and global voice on courageous, transformative leadership.
From navigating billion-dollar banking acquisitions in Saint Lucia to leading one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic retail enterprises across the OECS, Johnathan’s career has been forged in high-stakes boardrooms, market disruptions, and moments where leadership was the only thing standing between survival and collapse.
As former Managing Director of 1st National Bank St. Lucia Limited, he led the institution through a dual crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the acquisition of a major international bank, proving that clarity, courage, and culture can turn adversity into advantage. Today, as Managing Director for Unicomer OECS, he champions business growth, financial inclusion, and leadership development across multiple Caribbean markets.
Through his thought leadership platform The Exception C.O.D.E. Leadership™, and his forthcoming book The Exception Code, Johnathan equips leaders worldwide to break the mold, challenge conformity, and create legacies that outlast them.
Johnathan’s leadership philosophy blends bold innovation with deep human connection. At its core, his work is anchored in three principles:
Putting people first, because sustainable success begins with trust and care.
Asking the right questions with courage and respect, to unlock new thinking and challenge outdated norms.
Building systems, cultures, and leaders who will thrive long after you’ve left the room.
For Johnathan, leadership is not about titles, it’s about transformation. His mission is to help leaders find the courage to lead differently and the discipline to lead with impact.
🏆 Customer Experience & Business of the Year St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce
🏆 Bank of the Year. The Banker Magazine / Financial Times
🏆 Bank of the Year for Technology & Pandemic Banking Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
🏆 Best Commercial Bank of the Year International Banker Magazine
Banking Turnaround Leader – Raised millions in capital to rescue and reposition an undercapitalized bank, later leading its acquisition of one of the largest international banks in the region.
Crisis Leadership – Delivered a full digital banking transformation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, earning Bank of the Year for Technology and Pandemic Banking from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.Retail Transformation – As Managing Director for Unicomer OECS, drives operational excellence, innovation, and market growth across multiple island economies.
Award-Winning Executive – Recipient of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce’s Customer Experience and Business of the Year Awards, plus multiple international banking honors.Sought-After Speaker – Featured on global stages, including CEO roundtables, investment summits, and leadership forums, where he addresses themes of courage, resilience, and legacy in leadership.
Banking Turnaround Leader – Raised millions in capital to rescue and reposition an undercapitalized bank, later leading its acquisition of one of the largest international banks in the region.
Crisis Leadership – Delivered a full digital banking transformation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, earning Bank of the Year for Technology and Pandemic Banking from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.Retail Transformation – As Managing Director for Unicomer OECS, drives operational excellence, innovation, and market growth across multiple island economies.
Award-Winning Executive – Recipient of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce’s Customer Experience and Business of the Year Awards, plus multiple international banking honors.Sought-After Speaker – Featured on global stages, including CEO roundtables, investment summits, and leadership forums, where he addresses themes of courage, resilience, and legacy in leadership.