Hi =D
I’m Simon. I love technology, new ideas, design and people, along with any excuse to talk about those topics. Broadcasting, writing, professional speaking and designing enable me to do so.
I currently guide product strategy and design at 22seven, am technology editor at Finweek magazine, host of (tech)5 on 5FM, and a partner at Split Infinitive – a new media broadcasting company.
I also speak at events internationally, where topics include innovation, design thinking, technology and business trends, emerging markets and other ideas that I find exciting.
In the past I’ve contributed to a selection of technology, business and lifestyle publications including Brainstorm, PC Format, Africa Telecoms, SL, SA Computer Magazine, PC Format and Stuff. I wrote a chapter on Mark Shuttleworth for the book South Africa’s Greatest Entrepreneurs and worked as a communications consultant to technology firms including Google, Oracle, The Shuttleworth Foundation and others.
I was a presenter on Talk Radio 702 from 2008 to 2010 and my first job in radio was while studying at the University of Pretoria where I worked as a DJ, station manager and programme manager at Tuks FM.
As someone who commentates on technology trends, I’ve had the honour of meeting with former IBM CEO Sam Palmisano, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, former joint-CEO of Research In Motion (BlackBerry) Jim Balsillie, and many more, which has afforded me some awesome insights for my talks, shows and writing.
I believe that most of the world’s problems are really just education challenges with design and technology as key components of their solution. As far as I’m concerned, smart is not something you are, but something you do.
To book Simon as a keynote speaker, facilitator or MC for your next event contact Famous Faces Management on +27 (0)11 784 3111 or use the contact page to send a message.