Buy Trench Leadership a coffee

A proud Canadian living in the nation’s capital, Ottawa, Ontario, Simon enjoys motorcycle rides, attending football games, and flying his beloved 1976 Grumman Cheetah. But Simon’s greatest joy is his daughter, Delaney. He describes her as

intuitive, quick-witted, and the absolute pride of his life. When he isn’t behind the mic or in uniform, Simon and his partner Shirley, the Academic Chair of Media Studies at Algonquin College can be found kayaking, walking, and debating the value of StarTrek.

Simon is a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), currently serving as the RCAF Air Staff HQ CWO. His military career is distinguished not only by his rank but also by his commitment to mentoring junior personnel, implementing strategic initiatives, and fostering an environment that supports the well-being of those experiencing distress.

Over the course of his service, Simon has completed both domestic and international deployments, representing Canada with excellence. Whether serving at home or abroad, he has consistently demonstrated adaptability and resilience, working alongside diverse teams in challenging environments. These experiences have not only shaped his approach to leadership but have also deepened his appreciation for the importance of compassion, empathy, effective communication, and fostering inclusive spaces, regardless of location or circumstance.

In 2021, Simon completed a Master of Arts - Leadership at Royal Roads University, an experience he considers transformative. During his studies, he adopted a more open and compassionate approach to leadership, prioritizing curiosity and kindness at the forefront of his leadership philosophy – the bedrock of his personal and professional leadership mission statement. Embracing these values encourages him to listen actively, seek understanding, and respond thoughtfully to others’ needs. As a result, Simon leads with authenticity, his actions reflect his true intentions, fostering a space where team members feel valued and respected. This commitment to authentic leadership resonates through his work on Trench Leadership, where he consistently strives to bring out the best in others by nurturing an environment grounded in openness and empathy.

Borne from his academic journey, Simon founded Trench Leadership: A Podcast From the Front. The mission is simple yet profound: Empower leaders. Trench Leadership empowers new and emerging leaders with practical advice, inspiration, and the internationally famous ‘Trench Tools’ that enrich any leadership toolkit.

With a focus on practical, experience-based guidance, the goal of the podcast is to ensure every leader can confidently claim their seat at the table and bring forward their unique strengths and perspectives that only they can offer.