Simon Cohen, 33, launched his communications agency, global tolerance, back in 2003, with the intention of generating positive media coverage for principled organizations. With former clients like: The Gallup Organization, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as well as other charities, NGO’s, and non-profits, Cohen’s strategies are meant to involve the audience creating change. We got a chance to speak with Cohen.
Elan: Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background?
Simon Cohen: Sure. My first job after university (I studied Theology at the University of Nottingham) was at a top 10 media agency in London. My job was to plan and buy national advertising campaigns for all kinds of commercial goods: from kitchens and bathrooms to car tires. After about a year I left to join Northcliffe Newspapers, one of the largest publishers in the UK. I quickly climbed the corporate ladder, becoming the youngest senior in the company’s history, at the age of 22. I was Senior Business Development Manager, responsible for a team with £40m advertising sales targets. I was earning good money, had the fast car and expense account – but I wasn’t happy. After two and a half years at Northcliffe, I set up global tolerance.
Elan: You founded global tolerance. Tell us about it.
SC: Well of course global tolerance is a vision, as well as the international communications agency that only works with people committed to positive social change.
global tolerance is working towards leaving a legacy of inspiration, love and respect for those who follow us. Our vision of global tolerance is captured in a world that celebrates diversity; a world in which society’s role models are those working towards a better world; a world that champions the rights of people to hold different beliefs; a world in which we communicate with conscience; a world in which humanizing solutions to social problems are spread through our mainstream communications channels; a world in which respect, dialogue and understanding flourish; a world of global tolerance.
We have been privileged to manage the media and PR for the likes of HH Dalai Lama, HRH The Prince of Wales, Gandhi’s grandson, The Gallup Organization, as well as grassroots organizations, tech-for-good firms and inspiring individuals around the world. Our clients and partners come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have a common denominator of global tolerance, and a belief in the power of communications with conscience to change the world. We’ve got a snazzy interactive brochure on our website, for anyone who wants to learn more.
Elan: You have many well-known religious leaders, activists, organizations, etc. as your clients. How do you craft messages for clients that have a social message?
SC: My old teacher used to say to me ‘Simon, you have two ears and one mouth – use them in that order.’ When it comes to crafting messages, the first thing we do is listen. Really listen. We work with extraordinary people and organizations – our job is not to spin or dress things up, but to convey their own messages with integrity and purpose. This can only be done through a symbiotic working relationship, collaborating closely as professional partners, rather than some kind of sycophantic client-agency relationship. We believe in what we do, and we believe in our partners. When we bring our listening hearts and subjective ideas to the forefront, we are able to help craft messages that really live up to the beauty of the messengers. This approach is consistent, whether we are working with HH Dalai Lama or a 14 year-old environmentalist called Felix (who is amazing, by the way).
Elan: What has been your greatest challenge?
SC: I have just celebrated my first wedding anniversary, and it is a tribute to my wife’s commitment and love for me that we have been able to get to this stage in our lives. global tolerance is more than a job to me, it is an extension of my heart. I deeply care about the issues we are working on, and leaving a legacy of love and inspiration. But with this has come significant sacrifices in my personal life and relationships. The greatest challenge has been to strike a balance between my professional passion and commitment to service, and serving my wife, family and friends at the same time. This is an ongoing challenge, but one that is necessary. After all, if the vision of global tolerance does not embrace family, healthy, wellbeing, and well-rounded global citizens, it’s not much of a vision after all!
Elan: What advice would you give to someone who would like to become a social activist?
SC: In my experience, I became a social activist because I wanted to align my personal values with my professional actions, and make my mark on this world. Values aren’t worth the paper they are written on if they stop while you are at work. I have experienced, at Northcliffe, the negative consequences of putting on a professional mask, and muting the whisper of conscience. I wanted to be me, 100% me. I have always cared about people, and about social issues. In this sense, I guess I have always been a social activist – in my heart. I just needed to take the next step and align my heart and mind with my hands and feet. I am talking from my experience and actions because this is all I have to offer. Even as a consultant, I try to stay clear from giving advice. I firmly believe we all have the answers within us. My responsibility, as a leader and global citizen, is to engage in dialogue, listen, and help reveal the beauty and inspiration that is already there.
Follow Simon on:
Email: simon@globaltolerance.com
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