I recently had the opportunity to sit down with CanvasRebel to discuss my journey as a corporate anthropologist, my passion for business transformation, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. This conversation gave me a chance to reflect on what has shaped my career, the services I provide, and why my work is centered on helping businesses and leaders see with fresh eyes.
Throughout my career, I’ve had one guiding principle: businesses don’t just need better strategies—they need better ways of seeing. The world is shifting faster than ever, and companies that cling to old models often struggle to adapt. My job is to help leaders step outside their usual ways of thinking, embrace change, and uncover new opportunities for growth.
How Anthropology Shaped My Business Approach
Many people ask me how anthropology and business go together. The answer is simple: businesses are built by people, run by people, and shaped by cultures. If you don’t understand the human and cultural aspects of your organization, you’re missing the foundation that drives success.
As an anthropologist, I’ve spent my career studying and researching how cultures are created and used for social and business purposes. Whether it’s the culture of an organization or the broader market dynamics that influence consumer behavior, my work is about understanding the deep-rooted patterns that shape decision-making.
This perspective has allowed me to help companies:
✅ See beyond their assumptions – Many businesses get stuck in patterns, assuming the way things have always been done is the only way forward. I help them challenge these assumptions.
✅ Find new markets and customers – By applying Blue Ocean Strategy, I guide organizations in identifying untapped opportunities and expanding their customer base.
✅ Transform their corporate culture – If a company’s culture isn’t aligned with its goals, growth becomes a challenge. I work with leadership teams to create cultures that foster innovation, collaboration, and long-term success.
✅ Embrace change with confidence – Change is hard, but it’s necessary. My work helps leaders and teams navigate change by providing them with the tools and mindset to adapt.
Blue Ocean Strategy: A New Way to Compete
One of the core methodologies I use in my work is Blue Ocean Strategy, a business approach that helps companies move beyond competition by creating uncontested market space. Instead of competing in crowded “red oceans” where businesses fight for the same customers, Blue Ocean Strategy encourages organizations to explore new, innovative ways to create value.
In my experience, many middle-market companies are unsure how to differentiate themselves or where to grow next.That’s where I come in—to help them see where they can break away from the competition and carve out new opportunities.
In my conversation with CanvasRebel, I shared examples of companies I’ve worked with that transformed their business models by shifting their focus. Whether it was a healthcare organization finding new ways to serve patientsor a manufacturing company discovering an entirely new customer base, the key was always the same: seeing differently.
Empowering Women in Business & Leadership
Another area that I’m deeply passionate about is empowering women in business. Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that women face in leadership, entrepreneurship, and corporate environments. While progress has been made, there’s still work to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities to lead, innovate, and succeed.
That’s why I co-authored Women Mean Business with Edie Fraser—to share the stories of incredible women who have broken barriers, built successful companies, and paved the way for future generations. My work with companies also focuses on helping them build inclusive cultures where women can thrive.
In my discussion with CanvasRebel, I touched on the importance of mentorship, leadership development, and the role that businesses must play in creating environments where women can succeed. I believe that when companies embrace diversity—of thought, experience, and background—they become stronger, more innovative, and more resilient.
What Sets My Work Apart
There are many consultants, business strategists, and leadership coaches out there. But what sets my approach apart is my deep commitment to understanding the human side of business.
Rather than just focusing on numbers, I focus on:
🔹 How people interact within an organization
🔹 How customers think and behave in changing markets
🔹 How leaders can adapt and grow in a rapidly evolving world
My work isn’t just about giving advice—it’s about guiding businesses and leaders through real transformation.And that starts with seeing differently.
What’s Next?
As I continue my work in business transformation, culture change, and leadership development, I’m always looking for new ways to help companies unlock their potential. Whether through coaching, consulting, speaking engagements, or writing, my mission remains the same: helping organizations and leaders thrive in uncertain times.
If you’re a business leader looking to rethink your strategy, transform your culture, or find new growth opportunities, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s start a conversation about how a fresh perspective can unlock new possibilities for your business.
And if you haven’t already, check out my CanvasRebel interview here: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-andrea-simon
I’d love to hear your thoughts—how has a fresh perspective helped you in your career or business? Let’s discuss!
#Leadership #CorporateAnthropology #WomenMeanBusiness #BlueOceanStrategy #CultureChange #BusinessGrowth
From Observation to Innovation,
CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author
Simonassociates.net
Info@simonassociates.net
@simonandi
LinkedIn
