Simon Westwood

In my journey, I've traversed various industries, starting from the Insurance sector and later transitioning into a fulfilling career as a professional actor, training at the esteemed Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. This journey eventually led me to combine my passion for performance with corporate expertise, where I've been able to harness my behavioral impact and communication skills within the business realm. For over a decade, I've been dedicated to crafting and delivering top-tier programs tailored to the needs of national and international companies across diverse sectors, including financial services, healthcare, IT, legal services, engineering, fashion & retail, pharmaceuticals, publishing, and telecoms. My experiences have taken me around the globe, exposing me to various organisational cultures and challenges. My approach is in-grained in responsiveness to client needs and the cultivation of strong, enduring relationships. I take pride in my ability to adapt to diverse client environments while fostering meaningful connections. Whether engaging with individuals on the shop floor or collaborating with executives in the boardroom, I am committed to providing impactful development opportunities that resonate at all organisational levels.

My approach revolves around encouraging individuals to explore their unique brand of leadership while honing essential skills crucial for their personal and professional development. I believe in fostering authenticity, purpose, and empowerment in leadership, guiding individuals to embrace their strengths and navigate challenges with confidence. One area I'm particularly passionate about is Personal Impact. I strive to cultivate awareness of how our words, tone, and behavior influence our interactions and relationships. Drawing from the fundamentals of behavioral psychology, I help individuals become more intentional communicators, enabling them to achieve the desired impact in various situations. Presentation Skills are another aspect where I thrive. I enjoy collaborating with individuals and small teams to elevate their presentation techniques to the next level. From crafting compelling messages to mastering effective visual storytelling, I empower clients to captivate audiences and drive meaningful engagement. Additionally, Executive Coaching holds a special place in my heart. Through thoughtful questioning and creating a supportive environment, I help individuals explore their goals, values, and aspirations. By offering space for reflection and growth, I guide them on their journey towards personal and professional fulfillment.

In all my work around leadership development and coaching, I prioritise creating an environment that fosters both support and challenge. I firmly believe in giving individuals the time and space to explore the impact of even the smallest changes within themselves and their teams. Through what I call a "high support/high stretch" environment, I encourage participants to experiment, push their boundaries and reflect, while feeling fully supported in their journey. Central to my philosophy is the belief that every individual possesses the capacity to learn, grow, and excel, regardless of their starting point. I emphasise the practical application of key skills tailored to each person's unique situation and needs. Rather than aiming to be the smartest person in the room, my focus is on being the most helpful. I strive to empower others to make conscious choices, build confidence, develop new capabilities, and adopt a growth mindset.

What drew me to LIW was the opportunity to collaborate with a group of highly skilled and dedicated individuals who are committed to using their expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. One of the most enriching aspects of being part of LIW is the continuous learning experience. The opporuntity to collaborate and learn something new from my colleagues, who come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table is invaluable.

My participants say they appreicate my honesty and direct communication style, as it creates clarity and fosters trust in our interactions. They have also described me as warm, open, and informal. I like to create an atmosphere that is relaxed yet pragmatic, fostering genuine connection and engagement among everyone involved.