My Journey From Pursuing Success to Pursuing Significance

Simon is a businessman and humanitarian. With 30 years of executive experience, including 22 years as CEO/Director of large private, public and not-for-profit organisations, he understands the complexities of business and the critical importance of building a culture that unites people around an inspiring purpose.

As the head of one of Australia’s largest private companies, he was responsible for 32 operating entities, employing over 14,000 people. In 2011, Simon changed his focus from pursuing success to pursuing significance. He left corporate life to take on a voluntary role with the United Nations, focusing on reducing food insecurity and poverty across sub-Saharan Africa. He remained in Africa without his family for 8 years.

Simon is a problem solver on a global scale. He has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to successfully lead commercial teams in overcoming seemingly impossible tasks. His leadership of a global consortium, responsible for identifying and addressing the systemic issues that cause food loss and poverty in developing countries, has resulted in over a million families living significantly better lives today.

Simon now shares his knowledge and proven expertise to develop successful managers into inspiring leaders. His clients in Australasia, the USA, Canada, and the UK range in scale and scope from sole proprietorships to large, international corporations across a broad range of industries. 100% of Simon’s coaching fees are given to charity.

• Simon was appointed Senior Officer of the Order of Australia for outstanding service to business and humanity.
• He was a finalist in the Australian of the Year Award.
• He received the Pride of Australia Medal for his selfless service to disadvantaged individuals both internationally and within Australian society.
• He received the Global Humanitarian Award from the UN for his impact and innovations in developing countries.
• His work in combating hunger was a critical component of the UN/WFP being awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.
• He has led teams that have been awarded the Australian Family Business of the Year and the Leading Supply Chain Company (Australasia).

M.C.: Mark Pinoli

Photo: Provided by President Dorothy Gilmour