top of page

Exclusive Interview With Simon Haigh – The Growth Strategist & GCM Advisory

  • Writer: Brainz Magazine
    Brainz Magazine
  • Jan 13, 2022
  • 4 min read

Updated: Feb 17, 2024

Simon Haigh, known as The Growth Strategist, helps organizations and leaders unlock, build and sustain business, leadership, brand, and mindset growth through his coaching, consulting, training, publications, speaking, and e-learning programs. Simon’s clients include high-performing leaders, companies, business schools, professional organizations & Government bodies globally. His work is endorsed by world no. 1 leadership thinker Marshall Goldsmith. He is nominated by PeopleHum Top 200 Influential Thought Leaders 2021, Thinkers 360 4 Sales, 9 Entrepreneurship, 10 Legal & IP, 13 Health & Wellness, 33 Mental Health, 37 Management & 47 Emerging Tech, and featured in the PeopleHum Top 100 Thought Leader series for Mindful Negotiation. He has also been featured on numerous global TV and radio outlets, and two of his three Amazon 5 Star books – How to be a Better Dealcloser and Dealmaking for Corporate Growth, are endorsed by Marshall Goldsmith, and he is an associate member of the Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching Organisation. Simon is also an acclaimed Keynote Speaker.

Simon Haigh, The Growth Strategist & GCM Advisory


Who is Simon?


Hi, I’m Simon Haigh, otherwise known as The Growth Strategist – Driving Business, Leadership, Brand & Personal Growth “I help you to achieve personal & professional success through aligning potential with opportunity”. I live in Dublin, Ireland with my wife Margaret and our two cats Toby – The giant Australian Maine Coon and Stella. I have two grown-up daughters who also live in Ireland. I have also spent ten years living in Australia and also time in California, Poland and started life in the UK.


I am delighted to be an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine and I have also been featured on the BBC, ABC, Newstalk Radio, The Chairmans’ Network, Decision – Ireland’s Business Review & my work is endorsed by World No.1 Leadership Thinker Marshall Goldsmith.

I am regarded as a leading business, leadership, brand & personal growth strategist & transformational thought leader. I am also a globally acknowledged expert in negotiation & dealmaking, a certified leadership, executive & life coach, mentor, consultant, advisor, trainer, facilitator, certified mediator, adjunct lecturer, keynote speaker, media host, board/business advisor, lawyer, business process improvement & project management professional & 5 star Amazon author.I’m also a tri-qualified former corporate lawyer, investor/entrepreneur having built & sold out of technology, luxury items & travel companies and I’ve been a C-suite multinational executive (NANA Development Corporation, Dell EMC, BHP, Xilinx Inc., Eneabba Gas) across four continents over 29 years. Finally, I’ve also been a non-executive director for numerous organisations around the world (business, homeless, education & media not-for-profits).


What is it that you do for your clients?


Through my business simonhaigh.com and representing our sister company – GCM GROWTH GROUP “We unlock human & organisational potential to optimise your growth journey”, I help organisations to achieve their aligned purpose and leaders & entrepreneurs to fulfil their authentic potential.


I have also published 3 Books, been featured in 12+ other publications and have received 100 + wonderful client testimonials. I am also honoured to receive a number a number of recent accolades including:

  • Thinkers 360 - 4 Sales, 9 Entrepreneurship, 10 Legal & IP, 13 Health & Wellness, 33 Mental Health, 37 Management 47 Emerging Technology.

  • PeopleHum - Top 200 Influential Thought Leader.

  • LeadersHum - Nominated Top 100 Influential Thought Leader.

  • Brainz Magazine - Top 500 Influential Thought Leader.


Who should hire/work with you?


We consult, coach, advise, train & facilitate across North America, Europe, Australia & Asia – including corporates (start-ups to multinationals), business schools, higher education, professional membership organizations, Governments, leaders, entrepreneurs & consultants.


Do you collaborate with others?


Yes, I am currently advisor to three companies in Ireland & the US – Steerus.io, Trainedin.ie and EnsoInitiatives.com. I am also co-founder and partner of Inclusioninleadership.com & Businesseyeadvisory.com; a Collaborative trainer for Inclusio.io; and proud member of chairmansnetwork.com.


What is your big goal? Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?


To be acknowledged as a leading global thought leader in personal and professional growth and in helping clients maximise their potential. To this end, as a large step forward in this respect, I am delighted to announce our new Building a Growth Mindset (Optimise your Growth Journey) program – https://upskill-trainedin.global/optimising-your-growth-journey-simon-haigh/ – a powerful new international high impact program with 1:1 coaching or consulting after the program. This sits alongside our e-learning course - Driving Business Growthhttps://haighinstitute.teachable.com/ – Based upon our 7P methodology.


Any final words of wisdom?


My passion is to write about various aspects of business, leadership, strategy, negotiation, dealmaking, well-being, technology, collaboration, innovation, culture & diversity. But, it’s not what you say about yourself, it’s what others say about you and I’m delighted to share:


“Simon gives us a rich & thoroughly comprehensible framework for closing deals in business”. Marshall Goldsmith – World no. 1 Leadership Thinker – US


“Simon does outstanding work in creating & sharing ideas with impact”. Dave Ulrich, “The Father of Modern HR” – US


“Stellar leadership“. Sally Helgesen “Premier Expert on Women’s Leadership” – US


Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit my website for more info!


 
 

This article is published in collaboration with Brainz Magazine’s network of global experts, carefully selected to share real, valuable insights.

Article Image

Why Financial Resolutions Fail and What to Do Instead in 2026

Every January, millions of people set financial resolutions with genuine intention. And almost every year, the outcome is the same. Around 80% of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned by February...

Article Image

Why the Return of 2016 Is Quietly Reshaping How and Where We Choose to Live

Every few years, culture reaches backward to move forward. Right now, we are watching a subtle but powerful shift across media and social platforms. There is a collective pull toward 2016, not because...

Article Image

Beyond the Algorithm – How SEO Success is Built on SEO Coach-Client Alchemy

Have you ever felt that your online presence does not quite reflect the depth of your real-world expertise? In an era where search engines are evolving to prioritise human trust over technical loopholes...

Article Image

Why Instagram Is Ruining the Reformer Pilates Industry

Before anyone sharpens their pitchforks, let’s not be dramatic. Instagram is vital in this day and age. Social media has opened doors, built brands, filled classes, and created opportunities I’m genuinely...

Article Image

Micro-Habits That Move Mountains – The 1% Daily Tweaks That Transform Energy and Focus

Most people don’t struggle with knowing what to do to feel better, they struggle with doing it consistently. You start the week with the best intentions: a healthier breakfast, more water, an early...

Article Image

Why Performance Isn’t About Talent

For years, we’ve been told that high performance is reserved for the “naturally gifted”, the prodigy, the born leader, the person who just has it. Psychology and performance science tell a very different...

Understanding Anxiety in the Modern World

Can Mindfulness Improve Your Sex Life?

How Smart Investors Identify the Right Developer After Spotting the Wrong One

How to Stop Hitting Snooze on Your Career Transition Journey

5 Essential Areas to Stretch to Increase Your Breath Capacity

The Cyborg Psychologist – How Human-AI Partnerships Can Heal the Mental Health Crisis in Secondary Schools

What do Micro-Reactions Cost Fast-Moving Organisations?

Strong Parents, Strong Kids – Why Fitness Is the Foundation of Family Health

How AI Predicts the Exact Content Your Audience Will Crave Next

bottom of page