Simon Smith | Mentor Of the Year

Simon Smith is the founder and CEO of Southern Cross Coaching & Development™, a leadership development firm he established in 2006 with a clear purpose: “To make the world a better place through better, neuroscience-based leadership.” With more than three decades of experience in brain-based leadership, coaching, and consulting, Simon has shaped the company’s services—from Executive Coaching and Leadership Training to Strategic Facilitation, Team Building, and Culture & People Development—around practical, results-driven methodologies rooted in how the brain functions in real-world environments.

His leadership philosophy was forged early during his time as an officer in the British Royal Air Force, where he witnessed firsthand both exemplary and deeply flawed leadership. These formative experiences continue to influence his training and mentoring approach today. After his military service, Simon’s career spanned a wide range of industries including recruitment, HR consulting, business development, and even underwater videography and marine research, before he eventually settled in Australia.

At Southern Cross Coaching & Development™, Simon leads a team of over 35 contract coaches, trainers, and consultants, as well as a full-time operations manager, Katrina Welch. He plays an active role in mentoring his team to ensure they uphold the company’s values, ethics, and professional standards. Many of his team members are former clients who chose to join the company—a testament to the culture and the impact of Simon’s leadership. Recognizing the shift in mindset required to move from being a client to delivering services, Simon provides tailored mentoring to support that transition.

His mentorship is deeply hands-on and inclusive, based on a simple principle: there are no stupid questions. He balances what his team wants with what they need, always working to help them grow personally and professionally. This approach has built exceptional loyalty—some team members have been with him since the company’s inception.

Simon’s commitment to fostering genuine leadership, mentoring with intent, and delivering measurable outcomes continues to shape Southern Cross Coaching & Development™ into a trusted partner for clients across government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.