Celebrating Innovation: Dr. Lefteris Ntouanoglou as a Finalist for Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Gulf South Award
In a grand celebration at The Cathedral in Austin, Texas, Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) recently revealed the finalists for the highly esteemed Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Gulf South Award. Among the distinguished individuals honored was Dr. Lefteris Ntouanoglou, the visionary Founder and CEO of Schoox, a platform that is revolutionizing workplace learning. This recognition marks an impressive second consecutive nomination for Dr. Ntouanoglou, highlighting his relentless drive and innovative spirit.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year program, now in its milestone 40th year, seeks to honor the bold leaders who are not only disrupting markets but also shaping the future through their groundbreaking companies. This year's Gulf South program celebrates entrepreneurs specifically from Central and South Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The selection process involved an independent panel of judges who evaluated nominees based on their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and the lasting impact they've made in fostering long-term value for their communities.
In reflecting on this honor, Dr. Ntouanoglou expressed, "Being named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Gulf South Award two years in a row, is an incredible honor. At Schoox, we've always believed that learning should be people-first, purposeful, and deeply integrated into the flow of work. This recognition reflects the passion of our entire team and commitment to helping organizations unlock the full potential of their people through learning that drives real business impact."
Schoox, which originated in Austin, Texas, stands out as a learning and skills development platform tailored for the frontline workforce. With a mission to transform the landscape of workplace learning, Schoox empowers organizations to provide personalized and scalable learning experiences that not only engage employees but also propel organizational growth. Tens of thousands of businesses worldwide leverage Schoox to drive success, supporting millions of employees in their journey to learn, grow, and thrive, one lesson at a time.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year program applauds business leaders who demonstrate ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. This prestigious award is not limited to those who have launched startups; it also recognizes transformational CEOs who have implemented innovation within established organizations to enhance their growth trajectories. Furthermore, the program honors multigenerational family business leaders who have redesigned traditional business models to ensure sustainability for the future.
The regional award winners will be disclosed on June 12th during a special celebration in Houston, where they will join an esteemed community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the globe. These regional winners will subsequently compete for national recognition, culminating in the National Awards at the annual Strategic Growth Forum® in November—a gathering renowned for celebrating high-growth, market-leading companies.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards, founded and orchestrated by Ernst & Young LLP, enjoy the support of several sponsors, including PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, and SAP. In the Gulf South region, additional support comes from Platinum sponsors like ADP and DLA Piper, among others.
Founded in 1986, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognized over 11,000 ambitious visionaries steering successful businesses throughout the United States and has grown to include nearly 60 countries worldwide. Each year, 17 regional programs collectively select their respective winners, who then vie for national recognition during the Strategic Growth Forum® in November. The ultimate national winner represents the U.S. in the globally recognized EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition, underscoring the program's worldwide significance.
Ernst & Young is dedicated to building a better working world by generating new value for clients, individuals, society, and the planet. Leveraging data, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology, EY teams provide solutions to clients that inspire confidence while addressing today's pressing challenges. With their global reach and comprehensive service offerings, EY is uniquely positioned to assist organizations in navigating the complexities of our evolving economic landscape.
With his recent accolade, Dr. Lefteris Ntouanoglou continues to embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence that defines the Entrepreneur Of The Year program. His commitment to enhancing the learning experience proactively shapes a workforce ready to tackle future challenges and opportunities.