Naomi Simson

Naomi Simson established online experiential gift retailer RedBalloon in 2001. Now Australia and New Zealand’s most awarded gift retailer, redballoon.com.au has been listed in the BRW fast lists six times.

RedBalloon has achieved enormous success since its first order in 2001 to the multimillion dollar business it is today. Voted in the Top Ten Great Places to Work in Australia four times, Hewitt independently ranks RedBalloon with a 97% employee engagement score (when the Australian average is 54%).

Naomi’s accolades include
Ernst & Young Industry Entrepreneur of the Year, 2011
Finalist, BRW Entrepreneur of the Year, 2011
Winner, 2008 national Telstra Business Women’s Awards for Innovation

Naomi writes a blog naomisimson.com which is listed in the top 15 of Australia’s Best Busi-ness Blogs and her first book “I want what she’s having” was reviewed as an “essential busi-ness read” By The Australian.

Naomi has presented to a number of audiences including
TedX Darling Harbour, The Australian HR Summit, The 2009 Employer Branding Summit, The Australian Institute of Management, The American Chamber of Commerce, The CEO Institute, Westpac, ANZ, PwC, Telstra, Business Womens Network, Business Chicks, The University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, NAB, IBM, Sussan, ACP and many other events.

Here’s what audiences have to say about her
“In a sea of potential presenters, Naomi Simson is one of the best there is. During her key-note she created considerable interest with RedBalloon and other examples, but also dem-onstrated a deep knowledge of business, people and organisational issues that people at management level related to and learnt from. There was an overwhelming sense of warmth and satisfaction after the events, much of it based on Naomi being a living example of what she preaches and putting it within reach of others.” Ken Boudy, Chairman, Acelero.

"Animated, dynamic, amusing...Naomi personifies RedBalloon's culture. As a guest speaker at a Hudson Human Resources celebration, Naomi's candid insights, self-deprecating hu-mour and unapologetic passion for her business kept the audience engaged, entertained and challenged to think differently. I highly recommend Naomi as an inspirational speaker." Tracy Noon, Chief Human Resources Officer, Hudsons

“Thanks, Naomi, for the fantastic presentation at our ‘Talent Xchange Conference’ last week. We have had a stack of unsolicited feedback from delegates saying things like: ‘Naomi was amazing, I am going to implement changes immediately’, and ‘That was great, we will definitely be rethinking our engagement strategy’. Thank you for making our conference such a big hit!” Bruce Morton, Business Development Director, Talent2

“Naomi, Thank you so much for passionately presenting to our senior women leaders. You were an absolute inspiration. Everyone's feedback was overwhelmingly positive.” Angela Mentis, Executive General Manager, National Australia Bank

“Naomi was a dynamic, energetic and passionate speaker. She presented powerful and clear messages that not only resonated because they were personal accounts, but also provided a refreshing and honest viewpoint. It was also incredibly exciting to see a female all rounder who has persevered and achieved such amazing success. Naomi was easy to work with, not demanding at all, and is definitely someone we would love to have join us again.” Amanda McDonald, Communications Executive, Randstad

Speaker Topics Include:

1. Creating A Customer Experience Culture

How do our customers experience the brand? What are your employees saying about your business when they interact with the customer? This session is about creating the ultimate customer experience so they willingly share their stories about your business to others.
Learning Outcomes
Knowing what you stand for – getting customers to talk about you
Ways to encourage customer WOW moments in an era of transparency
Why treating employees as customers will determine the customer experience

2. Employees Are The New Customer – The Importance Of Employer Branding

We have learned to be customer-focused by asking, "How do our customers experience the brand?" Now the important question is, "How do our employees experience the brand?" This session is about how to fulfil your employees' expectations so that they willingly shout about your employer brand. Employer Branding is all about how to fulfil your employees' expectations so they willingly shout about your business. A brand cannot be delivered with-out its people, who create and shape what it stands for and how it is perceived. This session focuses on how to create a focused and engaged workforce which exudes its 'love' and commitment to the organisation.
Learning outcomes
How to form a logical, emotional and brand connection with, employees
How to create a culture of recognition and fun in your workplace How to get your team talking about you as a great place to work
Why it is essential to be authentic and transparent with employees
The number one driver of employee engagement - no matter what the generation
How to use social media to extend your employer brand, interact and feed off external brand perception
Inspiring your team to be your greatest advocates.

3. RedBalloon: The Entrepreneurial Growth Story

From its humble beginnings in Naomi Simson’s front room in an inner suburb of Sydney to creating a much loved Australian brand, Naomi shares what she believes have been the drivers behind RedBalloon’s sustainable growth. Having appeared on the BRW Fast Lists six times, RedBalloon is fast changing gifting in Australia forever. Naomi shares the secrets, business concepts and elements to continually driving growth and innovation.
Learning outcomes - What are the three critical elements to building the foundations for a successful business
How ideas become reality and what it takes to ensure a plan is executed.
The key determinant of why one business may thrive – whilst another in the same field does not.