A former schoolmaster and sportsman, John Simonett has a First Class honours degree from Bristol University, majoring in Psychology. He played Rugby Union for Gloucester and was a member of the team that won the John Player Cup against the Leicester Tigers at Twickenham in 1978. He also represented Gloucestershire and was a regular member of the Scottish Squad in the late seventies.

In 1985 he left teaching to become a professional speaker and presenter, and is now firmly established as one of the most original and entertaining speakers on the "circuit".

He has appeared at many conferences and other corporate events, both in the U.K. and abroad. His clients include major multinational corporations, many of whom have used his services on a number of occasions. He has also appeared on television, both on BBC and ITV. He is a member of the CIPD, a Fellow of the Professional Speakers Association, and a Gold Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle.