Brand Strategist, Social Entrepreneur and Bestselling Author
Spend five minutes with Simon and you know: This is a man on a mission! Simon’s taking on our culture of conspicuous consumption and suggesting an alternative — contributory consumption; or, as he likes to frame it, moving from a “me first” to a “we first” society. More than pure altruism, Simon’s vision was born of three practical insights that business leaders would do well paying attention to:
- Brands cannot survive in societies that fail
- Today’s consumer wants a better world, not just better widgets
- Social media has created the means for people to connect as consumers and citizens
It’s the subject of his New York Times best-selling book, We First, and regularly featured in his Fast Company blog. But Simon is much more than a man with an idea. What makes his leadership exceptional is how he has built a strong community around it, putting every channel at his disposal to work for the cause. Simon is an expert at creating and channeling energy to make big things happen, and the perfect person to offer a perspective on how we as leaders can build critical mass in our organizations.
On Control
You cannot control the conversation. Employees and customers are the co-authors of your story.
On Authenticity
Authentic does not mean ideal. Mistakes are a necessary and important part of the process.
On the Social Business Marketplace
Brands need to be purposefully engaged – not because it is well intended, but because it is well received.
On Competition
Companies that solve problems bigger than themselves will serve their own self-interests.
On Brand Ambassadors
People emotionally invest when they’re involved in creating the solution.
On Technology
Technology is teaching us to be human again.
On the Business of Hope
Contribution is the new currency.
On Engagement
We are moving from “me first” to “we first.”