My Professional Background

I’m a Canadian, eh! who retired from the Canadian Armed Forces as an aircraft maintenance superintendent at the rank of Master Warrant Officer.

I completed 26+ years in the regular force, experiencing multiple postings, exercises, and domestic and international deployments.

Currently, I’m a member of the RCAF Reserves, and I’m the RCAF Air Staff Headquarters Chief Warrant Officer (CWO), located in Canada’s national capital city, Ottawa, Ontario.

I hold a Master of Arts in Leadership degree from Royal Roads University where I found my passion to help emerging leaders create strong foundations as they embark on their leadership journey.

Two pilots in flight suits standing in front of a fighter jet on a tarmac, with an open cockpit, ladder, and equipment nearby. One pilot has an arrow labeled 'Not Simon' pointing to him, and the other has an arrow labeled 'Simon' pointing to him.

Just another day at the office… Can you see the vomit bag?

A man sitting on a black motorcycle parked on a brick-paved street, smiling, with a model jet airplane mounted on the back of the motorcycle, under a partly cloudy sky with trees and houses in the background.

On the personal side

Me and my custom painted 1500 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad Classic

Beyond the Trenches: My Life at Full Throttle

While my career has been defined by leadership and service, my life is defined by the things—and the people—I love. I believe that a leader who doesn’t have a life outside of work is a leader who eventually runs out of stories to tell. Here is what keeps me grounded and inspired when the uniform comes off.

Proud Father & Family First

Above every rank I’ve held, being a father is my most important role. You’ve likely heard my daughter, Delaney, narrating the intro and outro of the podcast. Watching her grow into an emerging leader herself is a constant reminder of why I do this work. She keeps me honest, keeps me laughing, and is the ultimate proof that leading with kindness starts at home.

From the Flight Line to the Cockpit

I didn’t just maintain aircraft for 26 years; I developed a soul-deep passion for flight. Today, I’m a licensed pilot and a proud co-owner of a private plane. There is a unique clarity that comes with being thousands of feet in the air—it’s a place where you have to be fully present, radically honest with your gauges, and always curious about the horizon. It’s "Trench Leadership" with a much better view.

The Freedom of the Open Road

When I’m not in the air, you can usually find me on two wheels. As a motorcycle enthusiast, I find that nothing clears the mind like a long ride through the Canadian landscape. It’s my version of meditation—a way to recharge, reflect, and stay connected to the sense of adventure that first led me to join the Canadian Armed Forces decades ago.

Why This Matters for Leadership

You might wonder what flying a plane or riding a motorcycle has to do with leadership. To me, it’s everything. These passions require focus, technical proficiency, and a respect for the journey. They remind me to stay curious about new skills, be kind to myself when learning, and show up authentically in every community I’m a part of - whether that’s in the hangar, on the road, or in the studio.

I’m also blessed to have a partner who hears me, who understands me, pushes me, and is my biggest fan. Shirley is truly astounding in all the ways. I still can’t believe she chose me!

My hope is to become a professional speaker, extolling the virtue and value of community and reminding leaders the importance of asking the question “What do I REALLY know?” - offering practical advice to help all of us be the best leaders we want to be.