#023: Lynn Simon: battling insomnia, living in a multi-generational household, leading real estate sustainability at Google

This episode goes behind the scenes with Lynn Simon to hear how she has addressed nearly 20 years of battling insomnia; her recent transition to a multi-generational household; and her career path in the sustainable building industry, including her current role leading real estate sustainability globally for Google.

Lynn’s bio:
Lynn N. Simon, FAIA, LEED Fellow, is head of Sustainability for Real Estate and Workplace Services at Google. She leads a team that focuses on three primary areas: accelerating carbon free buildings, mobility & living; advancing circular systems; and cultivating healthy spaces and places. Lynn is responsible for leading the strategic vision across REWS sustainability initiatives and programs from establishing baseline standards across a global real estate portfolio to strategic thought leadership on targeted aspirational goals.

She is a recognized pioneer in the sustainable building industry as well as an entrepreneur and catalyst for change. Lynn has consulted on millions of square feet of sustainable projects ranging from multi-family, affordable housing to large scale commercial and institutional projects. She is an experienced and popular speaker on sustainability and leadership topics. Lynn has received several honors including the USGBC’s President's Award (2011); the Women in Sustainability Leadership Award from gb&d magazine (2017); and the SHERO Leadership Award from the USGBC Pacific Region (2020). Lynn is also a certified professional coach through New Ventures West.

Resources:
Cognitive therapy course
FitBit
New Ventures West coaching program

Lynn’s recommended books:
Daisy Jones and & The Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid- loosely patterned after Fleetwood Mac
Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by Stanley Gen. McChrystal
The Weight of Ink, by Rachel Kadish