Meet Cicely Simpson

Cicely Simpson

You must learn to lead yourself before you can lead others. Self-leadership is critical. Every decision, every choice starts with you. The impact you desire in your career and life starts with you.

- Cicely Simpson

Cicely Simpson is a leadership expert, keynote speaker, ForbesBooks best-selling author of the book: Pull Up Your Chair: 5 Strategies to Change the Trajectory of Your Career, Forbes Contributor, Founder of 21st Century Leadership Institute, and Creator of C.H.A.I.R. Leadership, a unique leadership model for modern leaders. Cicely’s best-selling book has been featured in Times Square, Apple News,  Forbes, podcasts, and too many places to name! 

Cicely is changing the way people understand their roles in their own careers. In her twenty-five-plus year career, Cicely held leadership roles in every organization she has served.    Today, she endeavors to show everyone from CEOs to students how they can carve out a permanent space at the table, no matter what direction their career takes. Her background in politics and business brings real-world experience to audiences across the country. Beyond showing them what this new brand of leadership looks like, Cicely is pushing people past their comfort zones in order to inspire real change. Cicely shows individuals and organizations how to find their edge and keep it. 

Cicely’s Unique Leadership Path

Cicely is a seasoned public operative and veteran of the C-Suite.  She has worked with four U.S. Presidents, Foreign Leaders and CEOs in boardrooms across the country forging her unique leadership approach in prominent roles such as Legislative Director for two Tennessee Congressmen,  formerly as Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., formerly as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Restaurant Association, and Global Vice President, Starbucks Coffee Company.  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.

 

Leveraging her decades of experience in the public and private sectors, Cicely has launched multiple companies including Summit Public Affairs, LLC and Cicely Simpson & Co, Inc. 

Cicely is also the Founder of the 21st Century Leadership Institute, equipping individuals, teams, and organizations with the unique leadership skills required of modern leaders in today’s ever evolving workplace.  

Cicely began her career in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Criminal Division, where she honed her advocacy skills. Cicely received a Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University’s School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Lipscomb University in Nashville.  She serves on numerous boards and volunteers with a number of organizations.

What Others Have To Say

"Thank you so much for your time spent with us at Summit! During this time, you truly modeled for us time and time again how to embody every characteristic of exemplary leadership. Thank you for coaching us to be people of impact who understand that “okay is not okay.” You taught us that while “okay is comfortable, it’s not thrilling. It’s not passion. It’s not life-changing, fulfilling, and unforgettable.”
Allie WardLipscomb University Student
"I have worked with Cicely for nearly a decade and have come to recognize her as a seasoned policy expert. In my experience she has served as a sought-out speaker providing her expertise and insights into federal, state and local government affairs. She is particularly well versed in the area of food policy and has previously spoke at restaurant nutrition events at my request receiving high remarks from participants."
Maggie Sommers Gentile, MS, RD, LD Vice President of Food & Nutrition Policy | Food Directions LLC
"Cicely Simpson offers a unique and fresh approach to the major issues facing corporate and political America today. Her presentations combine a warmth for her audience with a personal charisma that captivates audiences with her honest and relatable stories of overcoming racial and gender barriers through principle centered decisions. Cicely's insights into servant leadership, building trust and forging open and honest communication resonate with aspiring professionals of every age--and show that things can be done right even in the highest levels of Washington politics and the board rooms of some of America's most successful corporations. Cicely will leave you longing for more and will empower individuals to reinvest in making things better right where they are!"
W. Scott SagerV.P Church Services, President's Office; Dept. of Bible & Ministry
"Cicely and I have worked together for years, and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her present on many occasions to a wide variety of audiences. Her extensive knowledge and leadership in the area of public affairs and policy at a variety of governmental levels made her a must-see speaker on every agenda. She has a natural style that is at the same time genuine, laid back, and professional; all while having command of the room. Cicely weaves storytelling with data and informed opinion on the topic at hand, using conversations and situations to bring points home and make them relatable. Her presentations engage the audience, elicit thoughtful questions, and leave you with pertinent takeaways. I highly recommend her as a speaker for your next engagement."
Jeff Miller
"Cicely stands out as one of the sharpest strategic thinkers I’ve encountered in Washington. Not only does she understand the nuances that go into political decision-making, she can clearly explain this interplay to audiences at all levels of sophistication. Whether guiding a Washington neophyte through their first day on Capitol Hill or coaching a C-suite executive in advance of a grilling by Congress, Cicely’s confidence, poise and expertise will yield a positive experience, and results. Benefitting from working for a moderate Member on Capitol Hill and with years of private sector experience, Cicely has no hidden political agenda so audiences can have faith in her candor. I wouldn’t hesitate for a minute to have her meet with or present to my clients."
Michael McHughPartner | Urban Swirski & Associates, LLC
"Cicely Simpson has an amazing ability to take deeply complicated policy and political issues and distill them into dynamic and digestible ideas that further the conversation. During her appearance at the Brookings Institution panel on wage growth, her confidence, command of the subject and keen sense of humor made the discussion both interesting and informative for the audience."
Tracy SchmalerManaging Director | Kivvit
"I have known Cicely Simpson for many years. I have had the opportunity to see her speak on several occasions, before various groups of professionals. Cicely is extremely knowledgeable, very engaging, and an outstanding presenter. She is always very well prepared, and presents her topics succinctly and in a straightforward manner. It is without hesitation that I recommend Cicely to be a speaker for your organization."
Jan SimeonsenEquity Partner | Carr Maloney P.C.
"Cicely Simpson was the keynote speaker for Lipscomb University's Leadership Summit - a weeklong experiential learning intensive for 120+ graduating juniors and seniors. College students can be an intimidating audience, especially our Summit group that included Bio Chemistry, Engineering, Business, Accounting and Social Work majors! As the favorite Summit speaker, Ms. Simpson delivered in spades. Her passionate and humble style quickly won over even the most skeptical academics. I highly recommend Ms. Simpson to any group that values authenticity and passion, delivered with humility, clarity, and relevancy."
Michael WinegeartExecutive Director | Washington Speakers Bureau
Previous
Next
Scroll to Top