[11] After failing as a musician, Spence worked as an agent and tour manager for several bands, such as Culture Club, the Eurythmics,[12] and Bananarama.
[30][31][29] In 2015, the University of California honored Spence by awarding him a Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in the Department of Architecture and Urban Design.
[13] During COVID-19, as part of the Karma Mayday initiative, Spence teamed up with HRH The Prince of Wales Trust to provide oxygen equipment to India.
[32][27] In its 32nd edition from 2018, Hotelier Indonesia highlighted that under the guidance of Spence, the Karma Group engaged in collaborations with various architects and designers to upgrade and establish new properties.
[34] John Spence is known for his contributions to the hospitality industry through the Karma Group, a global luxury resort and lifestyle brand.
He introduced the "Five Star Hippy" concept, blending luxury with wellness and entertainment, which has been implemented in Karma Group's properties across 12 countries, including Cambodia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
Spence was also awarded a Distinguished Visiting Fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2015, where he worked with students to design a 40-room hotel in Mykonos for Karma Group.
The group’s spirits portfolio includes a 10-year-aged Scotch whisky and Karma Gin, crafted from botanicals sourced from the regions where its resorts are located.
Spence also leads the annual "Penguin Walk," a fundraising event in St. Tropez, France, which has raised over £70,000 to provide university scholarships for Christel House students.