Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek: Inspiring Leadership Through Purpose and the Power of “Why”

Simon Sinek, born on October 9, 1973, in Wimbledon, England, is a British-American author, motivational speaker, and organizational consultant best known for his concept of the “Golden Circle” and the idea that great leaders and organizations start with “Why.” His work has become a cornerstone of modern leadership philosophy.

Sinek studied law at London’s City University before moving to the United States to attend Brandeis University, where he earned a degree in cultural anthropology. His early career in advertising at agencies such as Euro RSCG and Ogilvy & Mather provided insight into human motivation and communication, which he later translated into leadership theory.

He achieved global recognition with his 2009 book Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, based on his widely viewed TED Talk of the same name — one of the most popular in history, with over 60 million views. The “Golden Circle” model — Why, How, What — provides a simple yet profound framework for inspiring trust and loyalty in organizations.

Sinek expanded his leadership philosophy in Leaders Eat Last (2014), exploring how empathy and psychological safety foster stronger, more resilient teams. His later works, including Together Is Better (2016) and The Infinite Game (2019), emphasize long-term thinking, ethical leadership, and the pursuit of purpose over competition.

As a speaker and consultant, Sinek has worked with companies like Microsoft, the U.S. military, and the United Nations, helping leaders connect values to action. He continues to advocate for leadership rooted in service, authenticity, and optimism.

Simon Sinek’s message — that purpose is the foundation of lasting success — has inspired a generation of leaders to rethink how they lead, motivate, and measure progress in an ever-changing world.