Simon is a purpose driven humanitarian, social impact entrepreneur, keynote speaker, serial innovator and author.
Driven by passion, dedication and empathy, Simon combines his unique skillset to improve the lives of millions of people living in energy poverty, and other extreme circumstances, across the globe, whilst inspiring others to do the same.
In 2011, Simon read a Time Magazine article detailing the devastating effects of energy poverty and why it is the worst form of poverty that stopped him in his tracks. Determined to make a difference, the article changed not only Simon’s life, but through him would go on to change the lives of millions of people, and counting.
Simon was a founding member of the Moving Energy Initiative of Chatham House in London UK; an initiative to develop an understanding of the energy needs of refugees. Simon’s time on the UNHCR committee saw his inventions improve the quality of life for thousands of refugees in the Azraq refugee camp, Jordan, among others. Simon was also a founding member of the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association and an early member of Lighting Africa.
A year later he founded the charity, SolarBuddy; a now global organisation dedicated to illuminating the futures of all children, with the goal of gifting millions of solar solutions to children living in energy poverty to assist with their educational outcomes & health.
Simon’s understanding of the intersectional and systemic injustices that drive poverty and its myriad effects has enabled him to purposely build both charity and social impact business models that are designed to address the cause of global issues. Simon has worked with organisations all over the world to re-define their purpose, integrating actionable and measurable programs at their core.
Recently Simon founded Barefoot Citizens, a group of social enterprises, including SolarBuddy Live, SolarBuddy STEM, WYLD Bamboo Bikes, Barefoot Creative Collective and Solve The 17 Consulting
WYLD Bamboo Bikes is a social enterprise helping provide quality employment in Ghana whilst supporting disadvantaged youth in Australia through meaningful employment.
Simon’s natural leadership style has led him to become a mentor for more than twenty Australians, from young professionals to established senior businesspeople. He has presented his keynote addresses to over 100,000 people globally.
A father of three himself, Simon is determined to ensure that all children have access to a safe, fulfilling education that will enable them to determine their own bright futures.
