1. What exactly do you do?
I help organizations and leaders navigate uncertainty with integrity. My approach is rooted in strategic foresight, systems thinking, and a deep understanding of how humans work—together and apart. Whether you’re exploring hybrid culture, repairing trust, or leading through change, I help you see clearly, decide wisely, and move with purpose.
---
2. How do you work with clients?
I act as a thinking partner and clarity catalyst—offering keynotes, fireside chats, panels, and strategic advisory. You won’t find workshops or toolkits here. My work is conversational, reflective, and often the start of deeper transformation. I ask sharp questions, stay curious, and don’t shy away from complexity.
---
3. What’s your background?
With over 20 years inside organizations—leading hybrid transitions, shaping culture, advising executives, and serving on governance bodies—I know what it means to make decisions that impact real people. My credibility is lived, not performed. I always ask: What does this change in practice?
---
4. Why do people trust you?
Because I don’t arrive with all the answers.
I ask better questions. I hold space for ambiguity.
I speak the truth—kindly, but clearly.
Trust is built through presence, discernment, and consistency. I’ve worked with leaders in moments of crisis, transition, and uncertainty—not just when things are easy. What you see is what you get: clear thinking, thoughtful guidance, and a steady hand.
---
5. Who do you typically work with?
Executives, boards, people & culture leaders, and founders—especially those making values-based decisions in high-stakes environments. If you’re navigating change, rebuilding trust, or questioning what leadership needs to look like now, we’ll likely work well together.
---
6. What makes you different?
I don’t sell certainty—I sit with complexity.
I help leaders lead before there’s a playbook.
My work is grounded, intuitive, and fiercely practical. I blend systems insight with narrative intelligence, helping you see what’s really going on—then act on it with integrity.
---
7. What are your speaking topics?
- The System Is You – How to lead with clarity when the world is a mess
- Is Your Org Future-Ready—or Just Future-Adjacent?
- The Myth of Neutral Workplaces: Why Belonging Is Strategic
- Invisible Networks, Visible Impact
I speak at conferences, retreats, and board events. My talks are steady, honest, and quietly catalytic.
---
8. How do I know if my organization is future-ready?
Are you asking the right questions about what’s working, what’s wobbly, and what needs your attention? Start with my Future-Ready or Future-Adjacent Quiz—designed to surface insights without overwhelm.
---
9. Do you work 1:1 with leaders?
Occasionally. If the work affects systems, culture, or long-term strategy, I’m open to the conversation. I’m not a coach—I’m a thought partner who helps you make sense of the mess and move forward with confidence.
---
10. What can I expect from working with you?
- Clarity on what matters most
- A fresh perspective on your organization’s challenges
- Practical next steps—no overwhelm, no jargon
- A safe space to explore ambiguity and complexity
---
11. How does engagement work?
- We start with a clarity conversation to define your needs
- I provide a tailored proposal—no hidden fees, no surprises
- Engagements are typically project-based or retainer
---
12. How do you approach accessibility and inclusion?
How might we ensure every voice is heard? I’m committed to making my work accessible and inclusive. Let me know what you need to fully engage.
---
13. Why does this work matter now?
When the world isn’t getting simpler, who do you turn to for clarity? Leaders need guides who can sit with ambiguity and help others do the same. My work is about building that capacity—together.
---
Fun Facts
- I read org charts for fun—because network science reveals what formal power hides.
- My eyes are different colours, and my hair started turning white when I was 7—both are part of Waardenburg Syndrome.
- I think clarity isn’t about certainty—it’s about courage.
- I’m fluent in ambiguity and allergic to easy answers.
- I believe trust is built in the quiet moments, not the headlines.
- I’m quoted in the 2024 documentary *Blue Rodeo: Lost Together*—sharing what makes their music so emotionally resonant for Canadians.
- I’m featured in the book You’ve Got Quirks and have been highlighted in Maclean’s, CBC, and The Globe and Mail.
---
Ready to lead with clarity?
- Email: nola@nolasimon.com
- Website: nolasimon.com
- Curious? Fill out this form and we can go from there.
About Nola Simon
Strategic Foresight
Narrative Intelligence
Future of Work
