Meet Cicely Simpson


The New Brand of Leadership
Cicely Simpson is an award-winning Leadership Strategist, renowned keynote Speaker, and best-selling Author empowering today’s leaders to lead with bold vision and impact. As the founder of the 21st Century Leadership Institute and creator of the transformative C.H.A.I.R. Leadership™ model, Cicely guides leaders to reshape the future—one decision, one strategy, one seat at the table at a time.
Cicely’s Unique Leadership Path
With over 25 years of experience, Cicely has influenced leadership at the highest levels— advising Fortune 150 and Fortune 500 executives, coaching elected officials, and working with five U.S. Presidents and their Administrations, foreign heads of state, and global CEOs. Her insights have shaped the leadership culture of iconic brands like Starbucks, Planet Fitness, Dunkin’, Home Depot, and many more.
Cicely’s work at the intersection of business and politics has earned numerous professional awards including being named to the Top 10 Power List for the restaurant industry.
Her experience at all levels of government and in the boardroom allows her to speak with authority about what it takes to get the leadership table and how to ensure you stay there.


Leading In This New Era
Cicely is the ForbesBooks best-selling author of Pull Up Your Chair: 5 Strategies to Change the Trajectory of Your Career, featured in Times Square, Apple News, Forbes, and top-ranked podcasts. As a trusted Forbes Contributor and global speaker, she continues to inspire leaders to rise with courage, clarity, and conviction.
Explore Cicely's Leadership Institute
If you want to accelerate your own or your organization's leadership progress, this is your next success step.
21st Century Leadership Institute offers a unique start-to-finish leadership system tailored for individuals, teams, and organizations (private and public sectors).
Get Cicely Simpson
on your stage
Bring the best in leadership presentations to your group, organization, or conference. Both in-person and virtual.
Join the long list of world-class companies and organizations who have engaged Cicely to present workshops and deliver keynote talks.