Simon Young

About Me
I am a storyteller, a strategist, and a bridge-builder between cultures and ideas. From the rise of email marketing to the disruptive waves of artificial intelligence, my journey has been about finding the human connection in every innovation. Whether leading a business, mentoring a leader, or crafting a story, my purpose is clear: to honour the best of the past while shaping a better future.

As a co-founder of PEP, I work alongside my wife, Salā Marie Young, to empower Pasifika communities through governance, leadership, and entrepreneurship. At the same time, I’m building OneAncestor.co, a platform that brings family stories to life through technology and storytelling.

What I Bring to the Table
* Human-Centred Leadership: I create strategies that honour people’s values while driving business results.
* Masterful Storytelling: Whether in words, video, or data, I craft narratives that move people to action.
* Cultural Intelligence: My lived experience across cultures shapes everything I do, from leading diverse teams to building meaningful relationships.
* Big-Picture Thinking: I excel at seeing connections others miss and turning ideas into action.

My Story
I’ve spent over two decades at the intersection of technology and storytelling. As a journalist for NZ Business Herald, Idealog, and NZ Marketing Magazine, I chronicled the emergence of transformative tools like social media and email marketing. Later, as a co-founder of Social Media Club Auckland, I helped create one of New Zealand’s largest regular technology events, shaping conversations that mattered.

Today, my focus is on building businesses that align with my values. At PEP, I collaborate with Pasifika leaders to drive change. Through OneAncestor.co, I combine technology and family history to spark meaningful connections.

Why Story Matters
I believe stories are more than entertainment—they’re how we remember what’s important. They’re the most natural container for data, filled with the emotion that makes information stick. It’s why I’ve dedicated my career to storytelling: from crafting campaigns for clients like Starship Hospital to producing documentaries that explore our shared humanity. My book, Reboot Yourself (2023), is just one way I’ve shared this passion with others.

Let’s Connect
I’m always looking to collaborate with people who want to build something bigger than themselves—whether through innovation, culture, or storytelling. If that sounds like you, let’s connect.