Simon Banks

Creativity, Innovation and Design Specialist, International Keynote Speaker & MC

Simon describes his geek out spot as the intersection of creativity and design, learning, people and passion. He uses his artist’s curiosity combined with his 20-year corporate career to help build a more creative, innovative world. The aim is to help business thrive in the modern age through cutting-edge reimagination, co-creation and radical collaboration. To ignite results and keep innovation rolling. Drawing on the practical world of creativity and design, Simon’s big point of difference is an active, hands-on approach for everyone present.

Simon has substantial experience, with over 1400+ events facilitated across Europe, Asia, America and Australia. He’s worked to turn creative thinking up to 11/10 and bring innovation out of teams with companies that include: Google; EY; The Federal Department of Industry, Innovation and Science; Geoscience Australia; Laing O’Rourke; and Volkswagen, to name a few.  Simon’s clients span diverse industries, but they all value the biggest result he delivers: a shift in their thinking so they can reimagine what’s possible and then building the lasting skills to deliver that change.

Creativity is at the heart of everything Simon does. He has exhibited his art across the globe, lectured at the National Gallery of England and developed and delivered programs for institutions such as The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, Vivid Sydney and the Sydney Fringe Festival, and continues to have a foot firmly planted in both the creative and corporate worlds. (It’s his secret special sauce for empowering people to think differently.)

He prefers a moped to a Harley Davidson and surfing over a corporate commute.

And the question that everyone asks? Yes, all drawings in his presentations are his own.

Simon is the author of A Thousand Little Lightbulbs: How to kickstart a culture of Innovation in your Organisation.

What Simon Speaks About

Hello Creativity, it’s good to see you! – Remember that kid who saw possibility in every corner? Where every moment was a creative adventure? That was your creativity and it’s waiting to say hello with a very loud voice, if you’re willing to listen. As you explore the neuroscience of why our creativity makes us human, be ready to embrace your creativity like a long lost bestie and kickstart your brain like never before, and the world needs your creativity more than ever.

A Thousand Little Lightbulbs: How to kickstart a culture of innovation – Kickstarting a culture of innovation (change which adds value) can feel pretty hard but it doesn’t have to. You don’t have to ride a unicycle or start eating kale salads, I promise (though I won’t stop you if you want to). Small steps can make a huge difference, so if you’re looking to kickstart a culture of innovation, fulfil your organisation’s potential and have a constant stream of little lightbulb moments this keynote is for you.

Reimagine: It’s your key to thriving (right now) – Imagine if there was a way to enable you, your team and your organisation to thrive rather than feel like you’re just reacting. To ride the wave of all the endless stuff that’s been a feature of the last couple of years – and that just keeps coming. Imagine you’re primed to see potential opportunities rather than endless problems. You don’t just batten down the hatches and ride it out. You have that tool, it’s just waiting for you to use it. That tool is your ability to Reimagine.  What are you waiting for? Let’s do it.

The art of a story – Humans have been telling stories since day one. They’re an essential part of our communication. A good story makes us think and feel, and speaks to us in ways that numbers, data, and dull presentation slides simply can’t. Learn why we need to put information in a way that our 21st Century minds crave – simple, meaningful and engaging. Whilst technology can spice up storytelling, it’s the most basic human traits of human connection that drive a story and its ability to cut through and make meaning for your audience.

How to enable ideas to thrive – Ideas can get stuck or shut down all too easily, killing inspiration and innovation in their tracks.

Getting to yes is a highly interactive keynote session that uses the principles of improv theatre, storytelling and out of your seat interaction. It enables delegates to move to a place where rewarding conversations, captivating stories and great ideas exist and enable a culture of innovation and freshness to thrive every day – and all with a smile on their face (Note: This session is in person only).

Client testimonials

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