Interview with Simon Traynor

In this episode of Tonka Talks, Simon Traynor, a former CEO and current Non-Executive Director (NED) across four diverse boards, including Kookaburra Sport, Paddle Australia, and the portfolio of Quiksilver/Billabong brands, shares his journey of balancing passion and a demanding professional career. Simon, whose career goal was to work for Nike, reflects on the gratification of achieving that goal early on and the subsequent career evolution into his current portfolio of NED roles.

He recounts the turbulent experience of losing his role during a major restructuring, offering the sage advice that "Your role is made redundant, not you as the person." He also details the deliberate criteria he uses when choosing a board, focusing on cultural alignment, the chair, the P&L, and the product's connection to his head and heart.

The conversation delves into the value Simon brings to a boardroom, specifically highlighting the gap he fills as a NED in his 40s, offering more executive relevant experience than many older directors. With a former Chief Marketing Officer background, he stresses the critical factor for brand success is to intimately understand the consumer both rationally and emotionally.

Simon discusses the impact of his board service on the Movember Foundation, reflecting on the organisation's role in giving men permission to show vulnerability and discuss their health. Finally, he shares his philosophical approach to his professional life, driven by consistency and discipline, aiming for progress and prioritising a professional life that allows him the personal freedom to pursue his passions, especially surfing.