When you’re not quite sure what to do, you end up doing a whole lot. Simon has toured with musicians in Europe, played as a DJ at big festivals, hosted talk radio shows, reviewed art and cinema for lifestyle magazines, consulted to big technology companies and contributed to books on entrepreneurship. Some things are certain, however – he loves technology, new ideas, design and people, along with any excuse to talk about them.
Currently guiding product strategy and design at 22seven, Simon is also technology editor at Finweek magazine, host of (tech)5 on 5FM, and a partner at Split Infinitive – a new media broadcasting company. It’s remarkable that these organisations tolerate him given his challenges with remaining serious and tendencies to write about himself in the third person.
Simon is often asked to speak at events internationally, where he presents on technology, futurology, trends and innovation.
In the past he contributed to a selection of technology, business and lifestyle publications including Brainstorm, PC Format, Africa Telecoms, SL, SA Computer Magazine, PC Format and Stuff. He wrote a chapter on Mark Shuttleworth for the book South Africa’s Greatest Entrepreneurs and before that he worked as a communications consultant to technology firms including Google, Oracle, The Shuttleworth Foundation and others.
Simon was also a presenter on Talk Radio 702 from 2008 to 2010. His first job in radio was while studying at the University of Pretoria where he worked as a DJ, station manager and programme manager at Tuks FM.
In recent months he has met with former IBM CEO Sam Palmisano, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, former joint-CEO of Research In Motion (BlackBerry) Jim Balsillie, and many more, gathering the latest insights for his talks, shows and writing.
Simon sees most of the world’s problems as education challenges with design and technology as key components of their resolution. He believes that 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.