It’s been a pleasure and a privilege working closely with Neil Simon over the past six years. What started as a chance introduction in 2011 via a strategy consultation he did for a startup business I was involved in led to me contracting Neil to help with strategy development for my own startup company, and that led to a long-term business relationship that developed into a good friendship along the way.
Neil has a unique combination of high-level vision and attention to detail that led me to develop clear business and leadership strategies with a detailed action plan that helped me look at opportunities and plans closely enough to ensure success. As an example, in a strategy meeting in 2013 Neil came up with a creative, out-of-the-box idea that clearly supported my long-term objectives and led to the creation of the annual Rising Phoenix Awards – which are now in their fifth year – and then he worked very closely with me to do the work of creating, launching, and growing the program each year.
Later as I was starting up a nonprofit for the first time, Neil worked closely with me on strategy and plans to carefully choose a board of directors and management team, put them in the most effective roles possible, and develop them as needed. Choosing the right people was one critical element of creating the culture I wanted in my new organization, and from there Neil helped my team define and document critical business processes that help shape our actions and decisions to this day. Our operational effectiveness and efficiency were influenced by Neil in a huge way, and as a result we have a solid team of people that communicate effectively and handle change very well.
As a newbie to the nonprofit world it was immensely helpful to have someone with Neil’s experience and perspectives to help guide me and to bounce ideas off of. His guidance and support has been instrumental to the success of my organization, I’ve enjoyed working with him immensely, and I’m personally honored that he’s also joined us as a member of our Board of Directors.
Cal Loo
Executive Director
The Intentional Living Collective