Speaker fees:
Topics:
Simon Woodroffe OBE is a British entrepreneur and founder of the globally recognised YO! brand, best known for YO! Sushi and YOTEL.
Through the YO! Company, Simon continues to conceive, launch and develop innovative hospitality and lifestyle ventures around the world.
Leaving school at just 16, Simon spent over 30 years in the entertainment industry, designing and staging concerts for legendary artists including Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, George Michael and The Moody Blues. He later moved into television, spearheading international broadcast deals for major global events such as the Nelson Mandela and Prince’s Trust concerts.
Following a difficult personal period, Simon returned to his childhood ambition of becoming a millionaire and in 1997 created YO! Sushi, opening the first restaurant on Poland Street in Soho. The concept revolutionised casual dining in the UK, popularising conveyor-belt sushi and growing into a global brand operating in around 60 countries. In 2023, YO! Sushi was sold to Zensho Holdings for £494 million.
Simon was an original Dragon on BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den, where he became known for his straight-talking, instinctive approach to business. His achievements have been recognised with numerous awards, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, London Entrepreneur of the Year, and an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to hospitality.
An engaging and refreshingly honest speaker, Simon avoids business jargon and speaks openly about success, failure, resilience and creativity. His story resonates with audiences across corporates, entrepreneurs and start-ups alike, leaving them inspired to think differently, take risks and turn ideas into reality.
Simon explores how businesses can spot opportunities, adapt quickly and stay relevant in fast-moving markets. Drawing on the global growth of the YO! brand, he shares practical insights on innovation, risk-taking and thinking differently to succeed in uncertain times.
In this candid and entertaining talk, Simon tells the story behind the creation and global success of YO!. From early setbacks to bold ideas, he shares the lessons learned along the way and shows how instinct, creativity and perseverance can turn a simple idea into an international brand.
Success does not happen by accident. Simon focuses on mindset, preparation and attitude, explaining how individuals and organisations can put themselves in the best position to succeed. This keynote is about building confidence, embracing opportunity and being ready to act when the moment comes.
Simon challenges the idea that entrepreneurship is only for business founders. He shows how entrepreneurial thinking, including curiosity, problem-solving and initiative, can be applied in any role, empowering people at all levels to take ownership, innovate and make things happen.
This talk is about unlocking creativity and expanding the way we think. Simon encourages audiences to break habits, question assumptions and stay open to new ideas, sharing practical ways to keep learning, stay curious and develop a more agile mindset.
Bold ideas stand out. Simon explains why being outrageous, daring to be different and take risks, is often the key to innovation and growth. Packed with real-world examples, this keynote inspires audiences to be braver, more imaginative and willing to challenge the norm.
If I said that your appearance and presentation went down well, I reckon that would be a tragic understatement; rather we all thought that you really were magnificent!
Our day was designed to inspire our people to believe that anything is possible. Your timely address certainly hit the mark.
