John Simmons, often cited as the inventor of tone of voice, joined us in the studio for a fascinating Little Bird talk on the power of words.
After a successful career as a director at Interbrand, John amassed a wealth of experience working internationally with some of the world’s most renowned companies. From luxury brands to tech giants, he helped shape and elevate brand identities on a global scale. However, after years of focusing on brand strategy and market positioning, John decided to return to his first love: writing.
Since then, John has channelled his insights and expertise into encouraging businesses to embrace creative, authentic writing. Through his acclaimed books, Brands and Branding and We, Me, Them & It, he advocates for a distinctive, human-centred approach to brand communication, one that prioritises personality and relevance over jargon and formula. John’s unique perspective has influenced countless companies, as he shows leaders and writers alike the value of storytelling as a powerful tool to forge connections and foster loyalty.
As well as being an accomplished author, John also leads workshops on the importance of brand tone of voice and the art of authentic storytelling. During our recent Little Bird talk, we had the privilege of experiencing firsthand what makes his sessions so memorable and transformative. With engaging exercises and real-world insights, he guided us through the fundamentals of crafting clear, impactful narratives, reminding us of the beauty that emerges when we strip away unnecessary complexity. Like us, John champions simplicity, recognising that often the most compelling stories are those told with honesty and clarity.
Beyond his work with brands, John is an accomplished poet and novelist, finding endless inspiration in storytelling in all its forms. Whether in business or in his personal work, he believes in the profound impact of well-chosen words, and his enthusiasm for writing is truly contagious. His ability to blend simplicity with depth leaves a lasting impression, inspiring everyone he works with to communicate with greater authenticity and purpose.