There’s more to leadership than knowing the mountain. There’s more to leadership than getting people to the summit. Simon, founder and director of Summit Expeditions and Nomadic Experience, is a born leader. He is a leader within his community—an outspoken advocate of sustainable living and conservation, and he is respected among his community and sought after for his help and advice.

Simon's initial efforts were to attend to the immediate and basic needs of his villagers through an infusion of clothing, medical supplies and school materials. He is dedicated to education and sustainability; he is building alliances with other non-profit organizations whose goal is teaching locals the value of an intact ecosystem, education, and positive life choices.

His ability as a world-class athlete could carry him far from this village, yet he chooses to remain and build his home where he grew up. His presence is an inspiration to the surrounding community. Dedicated to break the silence of HIV/AIDS in his community, Simon set the world record for the fastest ascent and descent of Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet) in 6 hours up and 2 hours, 27 minutes down. His tireless dedication and creative approach to problem solving has already begun to transform his village and inspire hope where previously hopelessness was prevalent. Simon’s world record initiated the construction of a community center in his village and production of a documentary to educate the people of his country. When asked where he gets his inspiration, Simon is quick to point to his supportive family whom he credits with teaching him compassion, empathy, and an inability to walk away from a problem without trying to fix it. His kind and open personality has attracted a broad circle of friends who, in Simon’s words, “lead their lives by a humanitarian principle.” His personal generosity inspires generosity in others, and thus, the intelligent and essential infusion of money and energy result in permanent improvement in the lives of many people.

His leadership skills translate naturally to his expeditions. As a licensed Kilimanjaro Guide, he has made more than 300 ascents. Simon is dedicated to the safety and well being of his clients. He is certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR (more than 240 hours of medical training). Simon’s mission is to make his company’s reputation the finest by delivering a high standard of medical training to his team of guides. He is an expert mountaineer, including technical rock and ice climbing, and he recently participated in a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) course in North America. Additionally, Simon holds a certificate from the International Labour Office as an expedition leader for the Tanzanian ranges.

As a leader, Simon accommodates each group’s needs, and he maintains a high group morale. He looks forward to getting to know everyone individually, and to sharing his broad knowledge of natural and cultural history. Above all, Simon recognizes that a successful ascent is a happy one. That’s why his trips, however challenging the group may want them, are comfortable, fun and carefully paced. He knows that as a leader, the responsibility for the success of the expedition lies entirely with him, and for more than 300 ascents, he’s owned up to that responsibility.

View Simon's Resume

View Simon's Bio -short

View Simon's Bio - long

Guinness World Record Recognition Letter