Simon Sinek is a bestselling author and visionary speaker, best known for introducing the importance of 'Why' and inspiring leaders worldwide through his books, talks, and groundbreaking ideas on optimism and leadership.
Who is Simon Sinek?
Simon is the influential thinker behind the concept of ‘The Golden Circle’, which he explores in further detail in his books “Start With Why” and “The Infinite Game”. As the founder of The Optimism Company and The Curve, he has inspired leaders across industries, governments, and even the U.S. Armed Forces. He is ranked in Thinkers50 and was named the world’s top motivational speaker in 2021, with his TED Talk, “How Great Leaders Inspire Action”, being the second most-watched of all time.
What is 'The Golden Circle'?
The ‘Golden Circle’ is a model for inspiring leadership and communication built around three layers: Why, How, and What. At the centre is the 'why,' the core purpose, belief, or cause that drives an organisation. The ‘how’ explains the unique methods or values that bring that purpose to life. The outer circle is the ‘what’, the tangible products, services, or results. Simon's message is that the best leaders and organisations start with ‘why’, then show ‘how’, and finally share ‘what’, creating a message that inspires trust, loyalty, and action.
Who Helps Bring Simon's Ideology to Life?
Through Simon’s infectious messaging and commitment to helping leaders find their purpose, these speakers support Simon’s concept in their own work:
1. Rich Diviney
Former Navy SEAL and Simon Sinek Inc Optimist
Rich Diviney, a retired Navy SEAL commander turned leadership and performance expert, works closely with Simon to translate theory into actionable advice. In the military, he led elite teams through high-stakes missions and helped design a ‘Mind Gym' to help colleagues enhance mental resilience when under extreme stress. After his service, Rich became a speaker, facilitator, and consultant, partnering with Simon on programs such as ‘A Navy SEAL’s Guide to High Performance at Work’ to bring purpose, trust, and performance into organisations. He also founded The Attributes Inc., where he develops tools and frameworks that help teams and individuals operate at their best.
Official Testimonial for Rich Diviney
"Not your typical Navy SEAL rah, rah speaker... Rich is a combination of part neuroscientist and part professor who built and tested his theories in the most elite special forces. My team was blown away." - Dan, President for BuildWitt
2. Kristen Hadeed
Leadership Consultant and Optimist Instructor
Kristen Hadeed is the founder of Student Maid, where she first discovered her passion for building strong, people-focused teams. A two-time TEDx speaker, with her talks 'How to Retire by 20' and 'The Millennial Myth', and bestselling author of ‘Permission to Screw Up’, she is known for her honest and relatable approach to leadership, sharing lessons learned from her own early challenges as a business owner. Kristen partners with Simon’s company to offer valuable guidance on leadership and employee development, helping organisations create cultures rooted in trust and purpose. Recognised for her influence in the field, she was named one of the Top 100 HR Influencers by Engagedly in 2022.
Official Testimonial for Kristen Hadeed
"Kristen is a natural speaker and leader. She brings energy and enthusiasm to her audience, and she relays tales about business, entrepreneurism, team building, and life. Her compassion for people shines, along with a sense of humour that engages and makes for a very enjoyable learning experience" - Taysa, Keller Williams Realtor
3. Stephen Shedletzky
Lead Igniter at Simon Sinek Inc
Stephen Shedletzky is the Head of Brand Experience and Lead Igniter at Simon Sinek Inc., where he helps organisations put people ahead of profits and supports team members in sharing Simon’s message and mission. With a background in coaching and leadership, he brings a people-first approach to everything he does. Before joining Simon’s team, Stephen served as a Strategic Advisor for The Mental Gym, where he focused on personal growth and resilience. He first connected with Simon as the co-host of the ‘Start With Why’ podcast and today continues to amplify the impact of Simon’s work worldwide.
Official Testimonial for Stephen Shedletzky
"Stephen is wise beyond his years, listens exceptionally well and gets to the heart of the matter quickly. He has helped me greatly and I would recommend him to anyone to assist them in finding their "Why".” - George P Gettas
4. Heath Slawner
Speaker and Igniter at Simon Sinek Inc
Heath Slawner is a motivational speaker and Igniter at Simon Sinek Inc., where he helps businesses not only discover their sense of purpose but also sustain long-term success. With more than 15 years of experience at the frontline of business, he brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his work with leaders and teams. Heath’s background as a corporate training consultant shaped his ability to make complex ideas simple, engaging, and actionable. Today, through talks and workshops, he inspires organisations to lead with purpose, build trust, and create cultures that thrive well beyond short-term results.
Official Testimonial for Heath Slawner
“Heath is an energetic speaker who worked diligently to understand our people, challenges and culture in order to deliver a presentation that connected with our leadership team and completely matched our objectives. He’s passionate about speaking and a real pleasure to work with.” - Lou, President, Quadient Canada
5. Matt Dunsmoor
Founder of Octopy and Workplace Coach
Matt Dunsmoor is a workplace coach with a focus on building more human-focused cultures rooted in purpose, working with Simon Sinek Inc. to help organisations align with their “Why.” With a background as a project manager, he created a framework that blended marketing, decision-making, and client relations, improving teams’ collaboration. He now leads workshops, programs, and initiatives that encourage leaders and employees to connect everyday actions to meaningful purpose. Outside of this work, Matt is the head writer and CEO of Salt & Pepper 30s and the founder of Octopy, extending his mission to inspire positive change.
Official Testimonial for Matt Dunsmoor
"Matt’s knowledge of the material is phenomenal—he was able to answer all our questions and show us how this would apply at an individual, team and business level for our company, specifically" - Amy, Product Manager, Tempur Sealy International
Hire Your Optimist Instructor Today!
Interested in motivating your team, inspiring greatness, and driving lasting results? Booking Simon or one of his Optimist Instructors ensures your organisation is equipped with the right tools to succeed. Contact Champions Speakers today by calling 0207 1010553 or filling out our contact form.
An image of the official top speakers who bring Simon Sinek's Golden Circle and Start With Why concept to life.
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