5 Questions With Dan Schawbel Episode 16: Simon Sinek
An interview with Simon Sinek, author of Start With Why, about what’s changed for him since he started, the skills that are important in the machine age, who he would give voice to, how he remains optimistic and his best career advice.
Welcome to the sixteenth episode of 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel. As your host, my goal is to curate the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions.
This episodes guest:
Simon Sinek is the author of Start With Why, The Infinite Game and other bestsellers. Born in Wimbledon, London, Sinek grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, London, and Hong Kong before settling in the United States. He graduating from Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest in 1991, studied law at London’s City University, and then graduated Brandeis University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in cultural anthropology. Simon began his career at two well-known New York ad agencies: Euro RSCG and Ogilvy. Simon went on to speak at a TEDx Puget Sound in South Dakota back in 2009. The video went on to generate over 40 million views, subtitled in 47 languages, and is the third most watched TED Talk ever. With the success of the TEDx Talk, he went on to write the million-copy bestseller Start With Why, and then followed up with other bestsellers including Leaders Eat Last, Together Is Better and Find Your Why. His upcoming book is called The Infinite Game. This is my fourth interview with Simon since 2010 and I always enjoy his thoughts on all aspects of leadership, the workplace and culture.
Video interview from New York City:
The 5 questions questions I ask in this episode:
- This is our 4th conversation since your first book, Start with Why, came out. What’s most changed in how you view the world and what’s remained the same?
- What skills do you think will become more important in the coming age of machines?
- Who would you give voice to that has impacted your life?
- How do you remain optimistic despite the negativity around you?
- What is your best piece of career advice?
Follow Simon’s journey: