Simon Sinek
Born 1973 · Age 52
British-born American author, motivational speaker and organizational consultant best known for Start With Why and The Infinite Game; founder of The Optimism Company and Optimism Press; popular TED/TEDx speaker.
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Life & Career Timeline
Childhood — international upbringing
As a child he lived in Johannesburg, London, and Hong Kong before the family settled in the United States.
Birth
Born in Wimbledon, London, England to a family of Hungarian Jewish descent.
High school graduation
Graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest in Bergen County, New Jersey.
BA, Cultural Anthropology (estimated graduation)
Earned a BA in cultural anthropology from Brandeis University (graduation year estimated based on typical 4-year path after 1991 HS graduation).
Studied law at City, University of London (postgraduate study)
Studied law at City, University of London after his undergraduate degree (dates not specified in sources; year is an estimate).
Began career in advertising (Euro RSCG, Ogilvy & Mather)
Started professional career at New York advertising agencies Euro RSCG and Ogilvy & Mather (exact start years not specified; placed in late 1990s).
Founded Sinek Partners (consulting business)
Launched his own business, Sinek Partners, to consult on leadership, communications and purpose (founding year reported in some biographical sources; not on every profile).
Delivered TEDx talk 'How Great Leaders Inspire Action' (first viral talk)
Gave the TEDx talk that introduced the Golden Circle / 'Start With Why' concept; this talk later became one of the most-viewed TED talks.
Published 'Start With Why'
Released Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action (Portfolio/Penguin). This book propelled him to international recognition.
TED talk 'How Great Leaders Inspire Action' widely recognized
By 2010 the talk arising from Start With Why had become one of the most-viewed TED talks (widespread online viewership growth around this time).
Named adjunct staff member, RAND Corporation (ongoing role)
Listed as an adjunct staff member with the RAND Corporation; date of appointment not specified but role is publicly noted.
Instructor, Columbia University (strategic communications)
Served as an instructor of strategic communications at Columbia University School of Professional Studies (featured by Columbia in 2012).
Published 'Leaders Eat Last'
Released Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't; it appeared on Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestseller lists.
Spoke at UN Global Compact Leaders Summit
Invited speaker at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit, reflecting the application of his leadership ideas to global/CSR agendas.
Viral 'millennials in the workplace' video
Published an interview/clip about millennials in the workplace that reportedly reached ~80 million views in its first week and later hundreds of millions of views overall.
Published 'Together Is Better'
Released Together Is Better: A Little Book of Inspiration — an illustrated, concise companion piece reinforcing his core messages.
Published 'Find Your Why'
Co-authored Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team with David Mead and Peter Docker (workbook/practical guide).
TED/Talk/YouTube popularity milestone — highly searched
Recognized as one of YouTube's most searched terms (YouTube's 5th most searched term in 2017 according to a profile).
Launched The Optimism Company (digital learning platform)
Launched The Optimism Company, a digital learning and leadership development platform offering courses, workshops and resources centered on his methodologies.
ICE leadership training contract reported ($98,000)
News reported a $98,000 no-bid contract from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for leadership training associated with Ernst & Young that involved Sinek's material.
Optimism Press announced (Penguin Random House imprint)
Publishers Weekly reported Simon would start Optimism Press, a new imprint of Penguin Random House to publish aligned thinkers.
Published 'The Infinite Game'
Released The Infinite Game (Portfolio/Penguin), introducing the 'infinite mindset' for leaders; became a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller.
Founded The Curve (policing reform initiative)
Founded The Curve: a diverse group of chiefs and sheriffs focused on reforming modern policing from the inside-out to advance dignity, equity and fairness.
Public profile and ongoing keynote/workshop business
Continued global speaking, workshops, corporate leadership retreats and training via The Optimism Company; ongoing consulting with private & public sector organizations.
Cumulative book sales and influence milestone (approx.)
Noted for over 1 million copies sold in the U.S. of Start With Why and multiple bestsellers; TED/TEDx and online videos have amassed tens to hundreds of millions of views across platforms.
Ongoing publishing and media (Optimism Press, podcast, content)
Operates Optimism Press and the Optimism Company; publishes other thinkers, produces courses and media (podcasts, videos) tied to his brands.
Key Achievement Ages
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