Hello

Hello, I'm Dr Simon Hayward. 

My first book, Connected Leadership: How to Build a More Agile, Customer-Driven Business, was published by FT Publishing in December 2015.

I researched Connected Leadership for my DBA at Manchester Business School, where I gained an MBA back in the 1980s. I also have an MA (Hons) in English from Oxford University.

Connected Leadership is a new style of leadership for a world which is becoming ever more closely and rapidly connected. In this more connected world, leaders need to create more agile, collaborative organisations that can flex with the uncertainties and changing customer expectations around us. In my book, I aim to show leaders how to achieve this by adopting the five key factors of connected leadership. You can read more about the aims of the book here.

For over 25 years I've worked as a strategic leadership consultant and led successful consultancy businesses, partnering with major clients across the globe. Today I'm proud to be CEO of Cirrus, an international leadership consultancy with additional expertise in talent and engagement. We have a tremendous team of consultants, business psychologists, project managers, digital experts and creative designers.

I started this site because I wanted to create a space where I could explore the concept of Connected Leadership more widely. Sometimes I draw on my work as a consultant with clients, sometimes on much more personal experiences.

I set up my first leadership consultancy business, Ellis Hayward, in 1993. I then launched Academee, one of the UK's first elearning specialists, in 1996. As the reputation of Academee grew, we brought together the Academee and Ellis Hayward brands under the Acamemee name. We were recognised as the fifth Best Workplace in the UK by the Financial Times, and one of the Sunday Times 100 Best Workplaces. In 2008 Academee became part of global consulting firm Oliver Wyman.

I often comment in the media. You can read more in the 'In the media' section of this site. I am also a regular conference speaker. I've spoken at Alliance Manchester Business School, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, Leeds University Business School and Cass Business School as well as at CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) and BAM (British Academy of Management) conferences and many client events in the UK, Europe, and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Over the years I have been recognised by the World of Learning Awards, British Gas/Daily Express Tomorrow’s People Awards and Entrepreneur of the Year awards.  My work with clients has been recognised by the CIPD People Management Awards, Management Consultancies Association Awards, HR Excellence Awards, Personnel Today Awards and the Hotel and Catering Personnel and Training Awards.

I'm a keen runner and a fundraiser for cancer charities. A father of three sons, I live in Cheshire, UK, with my wife Clare.