Hello
My name is Simon and I am the founder of Speakeasy Club.
Hello! My name is Simon, and I am the Founder of Speakeasy Club. Speakeasy Club was born out of friends sharing a bottle of wine and telling a story about where that wine came from. We opened up to each other, learning more about how to tackle daily challenges together, and developing our authentic selves, while having fun in the process!
In the spirit of Speakeasy’s origins, here’s a bit about me. Born and bred in Penarth, just outside Cardiff in South Wales. I’m married to Louisa and have a two-and-a-half-year-old son called Reggie. For my sins I’m an avid Sheffield Wednesday fan (29 years and counting!) and can regularly be found with a book, a glass of red wine from South Australia in hand, or at the home of rugby, the Old Penarthians RFC. I recently completed the WSET Level 2 award in wine and looking to start the Level 3 later in 2022. If anyone has already done it and has any tips drop me an email.
In May 2021 I was diagnosed with depression and severe anxiety. In a weird way, although horribly tough at times, it’s been the best thing to ever happen to me. I was able to stop, reassess my habits and reprioritise things in my life. After working for National Governing Bodies in Sport for 12 years, it was time to step out of my comfort zone and develop something that I am passionate about. Welcome to Speakeasy Club!
The goal for me with Speakeasy Club is to create a culture where learning and being inquisitive is cool. It’s the norm.
In 20 years’ time when I’m in the rugby club sharing a drink with Reggie, I want him and his friends to say, “Dad, what do you MEAN it was normal for people not to say anything when they had something going on in their head that they didn’t understand?! Obviously talking and asking questions is the best way to solve a problem.’’
I have combined my mission of encouraging people to talk more openly to improve our mental health with my sheer love of all good things in life – from sport and reading, to wine tastings, speaker talks and autobiographies. All this experience will be put into creating the best events possible for you and your teams, while also giving back to local communities and providing opportunities to those who might not have them otherwise.
I’m looking forward to meeting you and sharing things we’ve learnt and want to learn.
Take care and speak easy.
A Message from Lydia
I am delighted to announce that I am joining the Speakeasy team. This is an exciting step for me, both professionally and personally. I want to thank Simon for inspiring me to see my skills’ value and inviting me on this journey. Looking ahead at a jam-packed 2023, it will be a busy one! Since becoming a mum, it’s hit home to me how important it is to make the world a better place for ourselves and our children. To break down barriers, provide opportunities for growth and development, and encourage them to be inquisitive. And for me, that’s what Speakeasy represents – an opportunity to build a better, more progressive world.
“Impossible is just a word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore their power to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” – Quote from Muhammad Ali
