Maria Gianoutsos
Founder & CEO
Maria partners with leaders at pivotal moments of change — with purpose, candor, and soul. She helps clients create lasting impact by moving quickly, seeing deeply, and staying alongside them through the constant demands of leadership today.
With over 30 years of experience across strategy, talent, creativity and organizational effectiveness, Maria has led client-facing creative businesses, run the U.S. division of a global executive search firm, and served as both a Global Chief Creative Talent Officer and a Global Chief People Officer. Having worked across two hemispheres, she brings cultural fluency, global perspective, and a rare ability to unlock leadership potential.
Born in New Zealand, raised in Australia, and based in New York for the past 30 years, Maria founded The Counsel Co in 2019 — the culmination of her lifelong work helping leaders find their authentic voice. Known as a trusted connector and confidant, she guides executives to achieve professional success without losing their individuality or creativity.
Outside of work, Maria is most proud of being “Mum” to her daughters, Isobel and Amelia, and of her partnership with Tracy. She finds joy and grounding by the water — whether in the surf of Sydney, the rocky beaches of Greece, or the calm of Shelter Island.
Leadership & Performance Coaching Certification – Brown School of Professional Studies
ICF Membership
Chief Member 2019-Present
Founder & CEO
Maria partners with leaders at pivotal moments of change — with purpose, candor, and soul. She helps clients create lasting impact by moving quickly, seeing deeply, and staying alongside them through the constant demands of leadership today.
With over 30 years of experience across strategy, talent, creativity and organizational effectiveness, Maria has led client-facing creative businesses, run the U.S. division of a global executive search firm, and served as both a Global Chief Creative Talent Officer and a Global Chief People Officer. Having worked across two hemispheres, she brings cultural fluency, global perspective, and a rare ability to unlock leadership potential.
Born in New Zealand, raised in Australia, and based in New York for the past 30 years, Maria founded The Counsel Co in 2019 — the culmination of her lifelong work helping leaders find their authentic voice. Known as a trusted connector and confidant, she guides executives to achieve professional success without losing their individuality or creativity.
Outside of work, Maria is most proud of being “Mum” to her daughters, Isobel and Amelia, and of her partnership with Tracy. She finds joy and grounding by the water — whether in the surf of Sydney, the rocky beaches of Greece, or the calm of Shelter Island.
Leadership & Performance Coaching Certification – Brown School of Professional Studies
ICF Membership
Chief Member 2019-Present
Tristan Rosko
Executive Project Coordinator
Originally from Sydney, Tristan has called New York home for over 20 years. She keeps projects on track and leaders supported with her mix of organization, communication, and care. When she’s not behind the keyboard, she’s with her husband and son on the Lower East Side — the city neighborhood she’s loved since the ’90s.