Naomi Simson OAM - B.Comm FAICD Non Exec Director, Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Keynote Speaker, Author | LinkedIn (original) (raw)

B.Comm FAICD Non Exec Director, Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Keynote Speaker, Author

About

My career has been driven by one simple idea: connecting people through experiences. It’s the thread that ties everything together.

It all started in my spare room with a second-hand computer and a big idea called RedBalloon. My mission was to shift the culture of gifting in Australia from "stuff" to experiences. This journey taught me everything about building a brand, the power of a customer-obsessed culture, and the resilience needed to turn a vision into a thriving national business.

But one brand wasn't enough. In 2017, I co-founded the Big Red Group (BRG) to serve an even broader audience, acquiring other market-leading brands and creating an industry powerhouse.

Today, my work has evolved, but my purpose remains the same. I'm dedicated to sharing the real, hard-won lessons from my journey to empower the next generation of Australian business leaders.

★ On Stage & Screen: As one of Australia's most sought-after keynote speakers and a familiar face on TV, including as a "Shark" on four seasons of Shark Tank Australia, my goal is to demystify business. I deliver practical, down-to-earth insights on leadership, marketing, and wellbeing with energy and humour.

★ In the Boardroom: My corporate career with Apple, IBM, and Ansett gave me a foundation that I now apply as an independent director for respected organisations like Australian Payments Plus and Colonial First State, as well as Weebit-Nano [ASX:WBT].

★ In the Community: I'm humbled to be Australia's most-followed person on LinkedIn. I don't take this for granted. I see it as a responsibility to continue the conversation, sharing my thoughts through my blog, my "Handpicked" podcast, and my two bestselling books, Live What You Love and Ready to Soar.

My passion for business is matched only by my passion for giving back. For me, true leadership is about contributing to the community. I proudly serve on the boards of the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation and the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Business and Economics. My journey has also included volunteer roles with Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), YPO, Heads Over Heels, Voiceless, and Best Buddies. Serving as a Sydney Swans ambassador, hosting a women's education tour and personally mentoring many young founders, I am deeply committed to using my platform to help build a more innovative, inclusive, and compassionate Australia.

My mission is simple: to provide the strategic guidance, inspiration, and moral support needed to help others build a business—and a life—they love. I have the simple motto: If it is to be it is up to me.

Courses by Naomi

Start a Business Online

By: Naomi Simson

62,524 viewers

Articles by Naomi

A note on that 'badge of honour'...

I come from a time when we wore 'busy' as a badge of honour..

Top ten posts in the last month

What's really driving growth right now..

Beyond the Buzz: Your Human Advantage

The tough, unfiltered lessons of business, every day I learn - and it is important to share. One of the toughest parts…

From Big Ideas to Brands with Purpose

It’s a thought that crosses my mind often: what is the real difference between a business that simply exists, and one…

Recognition Reset:

The Simple Fix That aligns recognition to strategy The Problem Every Leader Faces Your recognition programme has become…

Why a Ferrari Drive Changed Everything: The Science Behind Unforgettable Sales IncentivesThe Science of Sales

Fresh insights from the latest Handpicked podcast episode that every sales leader needs to hear What if I told you that…

The Hidden Psychology of Gift-Giving: Why We Get It Wrong

In a world drowning in consumerism and mindless accumulation of stuff, we need to pause and reflect on what truly…

What it takes to rise to the top.

A big thanks to the team at Forbes Australia for its recent edition. Lot's of great insights from many founders.

From 'Chaos to Calm' and other great business stories

Whilst business is always challenging, it is important to keep our eye on the bigger picture. I have pulled together a…

Growth funding & resources beyond Shark Tank

People ask me often 'When is Shark Tank coming back?' And whilst that remains a question for the network, I wanted to…

Activity

Experience

Co-Founder - Non Executive Director

Big Red Group (BRG)

Jul 2017 - Present8 years 8 months
Sydney, Australia

Founder

RedBalloon

Apr 2001 - Present24 years 11 months
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Independent Director

Colonial First State

Jul 2023 - Present2 years 8 months
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Independent Director

Weebit Nano Ltd

Aug 2023 - Present2 years 7 months
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

NaomiSimson.com

Mar 2006 - Present20 years
Sydney

Advisory Board Member

Heads Over Heels

Jan 2012 - Mar 2017 5 years 3 months
Sydney, Australia

Council Member & Judge

Voiceless

Aug 2009 - Mar 2017 7 years 8 months
Sydney, Australia

Bright Marketing

Jan 1997 - Oct 2001 4 years 10 months

Ansett Australia

Marketing Executive

KPMG

Dec 1987 - Dec 1988 1 year 1 month
Melbourne, Australia

Marketing Executive

IBM

Dec 1984 - May 1986 1 year 6 months
White Plains NY

Education

University of Melbourne

B.Comm Economics, Commercial Law, Business Administration, Marketing

1982 - 1984
Activities and Societies: I was president of the local chapter of AIESEC

Volunteer Experience

Governor

Cerebral Palsy Alliance

Jul 2013 - Present12 years 8 months
Health
As a member of the Council of Governors of the Research Foundation of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Until recently, research into cerebral palsy prevention, cure and intervention has not been a high priority in Australia or overseas.
The Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance is seeking to raise a sustainable research pool of $50 million dollars. It is our job as governor's to lead this effort.

Skills

Publications

Harlequin April 14, 2016

I would say that one of the questions I get the most is “should I start a business?” Now I can’t answer that, what people are really saying is “Am I cut out to be an entrepreneur?” At any given point more than 10% of adult Australians are considering ‘an innovative idea that could be the next big thing’…. Do you have an idea, you think it might have potential — perhaps people will even spend their hard-earned cash on it … if you could just get started. In Ready to Soar, I show you how to…
I would say that one of the questions I get the most is “should I start a business?” Now I can’t answer that, what people are really saying is “Am I cut out to be an entrepreneur?” At any given point more than 10% of adult Australians are considering ‘an innovative idea that could be the next big thing’…. Do you have an idea, you think it might have potential — perhaps people will even spend their hard-earned cash on it … if you could just get started. In Ready to Soar, I show you how to develop your brilliant idea into a thriving business.
I wrote Ready to Soar because I want people to start their businesses with their eyes wide open so that they don’t get blind sided.
See publication

Harlequin March 1, 2015

If you give your time to discovery you will reap the reward, whatever that reward may be. It might be simply flourishing, or career guidance; perhaps some insights on starting a business, or you might find the inspiration you need to succeed on your academic journey. My new book will make a difference towards living a life you love.
I know if you take the time, contemplate the words, make them your own and do the exercises I have included your experience of life will shift – and you will…
If you give your time to discovery you will reap the reward, whatever that reward may be. It might be simply flourishing, or career guidance; perhaps some insights on starting a business, or you might find the inspiration you need to succeed on your academic journey. My new book will make a difference towards living a life you love.
I know if you take the time, contemplate the words, make them your own and do the exercises I have included your experience of life will shift – and you will have a few laughs along the way.
You will discover your passion, understand the power of persistence, know the difference that comes from being positive and ultimately experience a life filled with purpose.
See publication

RedBalloon September 1, 2012

In this book you will discover how infectious happiness is - and the power of saying an authentic thank-you.
See publication

Honors & Awards

Australian Govenor General

Jan 2026
Awarded an Australia Day Honor For service to business as an entrepreneur, and to leadership. Medal of the Order of Australia OAM

TV Week

Nov 2015
http://www.tvweeklogieawards.com.au/vote/
Voting is now open for the 58th TV WEEK Logie Awards 2016! Vote before Sunday, January 17, 2016 to have your say. Not only will you be supporting the best of Australian TV, but you’ll also go into the draw to win the ultimate VIP prize, including two tickets to join all your favourite stars at the TV WEEK Logie Awards, flights, accommodation and more!
You can only vote once, but check out TV WEEK magazine during the voting period for the…
http://www.tvweeklogieawards.com.au/vote/
Voting is now open for the 58th TV WEEK Logie Awards 2016! Vote before Sunday, January 17, 2016 to have your say. Not only will you be supporting the best of Australian TV, but you’ll also go into the draw to win the ultimate VIP prize, including two tickets to join all your favourite stars at the TV WEEK Logie Awards, flights, accommodation and more!
You can only vote once, but check out TV WEEK magazine during the voting period for the code word to receive bonus entries into the prize draw when you vote.

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