Matt Symes is a transformation strategist and AI-first architect with the mindset of a marathon runner: steady, disciplined, and fiercely focused on the end goal. Yet, he’s also the first to remind others that not everything has to be played on hard mode.

As CEO and founding partner of Symplicity Designs, he has guided 500+ private and public sector organisations to unlock more than $1 billion in profitable growth, earning the firm a place among the global top 10% of B Corps for its triple bottom line impact.

As a serial company builder, Matt has started, acquired, and scaled a diversified portfolio—from a specialty coffee roastery to professional services—giving him the credibility and lessons learned, that most consultants can only reference.

He distills those lessons in the keynotes he delivers, the transformations he leads, and Levership™; a 12 month cohort program that equips business owners with the tools and knowledge to scale their businesses in a way that best serves their desired lifestyle. Named Business Leader of the Year (Halifax Chamber, 2021) and one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs multiple times (2022-2025), Matt keynotes conferences, leads workshops, and hosts executive retreats that turn strategy into execution the very next Monday.

Offstage, you’ll find him enjoying his own espresso, logging miles as he tackles 7 marathons on 7 continents, and planning adventures with his partner Emily and their two young daughters.

Matt’s a business builder, curious human, and proud girl dad—deeply committed to showing up with purpose (and not just talking about it).