Optimism Press

We have one mission: to publish the ideas that inspire us and give us the tools we need to build a more optimistic world.

What is Optimism Press?

Optimism Press is Simon’s publishing imprint with Penguin Random house. 

We look to the business world, the nonprofit world, the military, politics, education, the clergy, and elsewhere to find authors who can both inspire us and offer us direction on how to build a world in which people feel inspired, safe, and fulfilled in their professional and personal lives.

Simon created the Optimism Press with his longtime publisher, Penguin Random House. The optimists and authors come from all walks of life with all kinds of ideas. The one thing they all have in common is that their ideas can help us advance the greater good — to build a world in which people feel inspired, safe and fulfilled.

Optimism Press authors challenge our perspectives of how the world works, and offer new tools to help us on our own journey so that together we can build a brighter future. 

The Books

“How to Make a Plant Love You”

Summer Rayne Oakes

Everyone deserves to feel the inner peace that comes from taking care of greenery. Beyond the obvious benefits—beauty and cleaner air—there's a strong psychological benefit to nurturing plants.

“Trust First”

Bruce Deel

Of course, trust alone can't overcome a broken system that perpetuates inequality. Presenting an unvarnished window into the lives of ex-cons, drug addicts, human trafficking survivors, and displaced souls who have come through City of Refuge, Trust First examines the context in which Bruce's Atlanta neighborhood went downhill.

“The Power of Giving Away Power”

Matthew Barzun

If you let go of hierarchy, chaos will reign...or so many leaders believe. But when leaders find the courage to distribute power—rather than hoard it—creativity multiplies, trust deepens, inclusivity expands, and a new kind of order emerges.

“Partnering”

Jean Oelwang

Some of the most successful people in the world all have a secret power—the ability to partner. In Partnering, Oelwang illuminates the core thread that weaves through sixty extraordinary partnerships and collaborations.

“Everybody Matters”

Bob Chapman

Chapman and coauthor Raj Sisodia show how any organization can reject the traumatic consequences of rolling layoffs, dehumanizing rules, and hypercompetitive cultures. Once you stop treating people like functions or costs, disengaged workers begin to share their gifts and talents toward a shared future.

“Unreasonable Hospitality”

Will Guidara

Essential lessons in hospitality for every business, from the former co-owner of legendary restaurant Eleven Madison Park.

“The Courage of Compassion”

Robin Steinberg

A gritty tale about confronting injustice and challenging ourselves to rediscover our shared humanity, The Courage of Compassion is an invitation to join Steinberg as she explores what it will take to move beyond our current justice paradigm. The criminal justice system reflects a history and power structure, but it also mirrors how we come into society and show up for one another.

Certified WHY Coach Program Framework

Learn the exact process Simon Sinek uses to help people discover their WHY and guide them to inspire others.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:

  • Explain The Golden Circle and its components — WHY, HOWs, and WHATs
  • Guide someone through a WHY Discovery process that leads to a resonant WHY statement and actionable HOWs
  • Help people use their Golden Circle to make better decisions and create positive change in their careers and lives

You’ll also develop essential human skills you can use every day:

  • Building trust
  • Listening to understand
  • Asking better questions
  • Handling emotional conversations with care

How You’ll Learn

The program includes four structured units combining independent learning, live training, and practice:

Day 1 – The Foundation

  • Get to know The Golden Circle 
  • Find out what it means to bring a Golden Circle to life
  • Learn what a WHY Discovery is, how it works, and what the benefits are

Day 2 – The Human Skills

  • Hone the human skills to guide someone through a WHY Discovery:
    • Creating psychological safety
    • Asking effective questions
    • Engaging in active listening

Day 3 – The Process in Practice

  • Learn notetaking strategies that will help you facilitate a WHY Discovery session
  • Develop the analytic and collaborative skills you need to help someone identify and articulate their WHY and HOWs

Day 4 – The Golden Circle in Action

  • Apply everything you’ve learned to facilitate a full WHY Discovery
  • Learn how to wrap up a session
  • Prepare for your next steps to becoming a Certified WHY Coach

Program Details

Format: 4 live classes + independent learning + group practice

Duration: ~ 8-10  hours per unit (including independent learning and live classes) plus ~5 hours to complete the final exam

Certification Requirements:

  • Complete independent work
  • Attend and participate in all live sessions 
  • Pass a final exam and performance assessment

Your Support Team

  • Regular updates and reminders
  • Opportunities to ask questions
  • Personalized feedback from master trainers
  • Ongoing support through your final evaluation

Program and Participation Terms and Conditions

Our mission is to create a supportive learning environment where we grow together to help others. By joining, you agree to show up in service to one another.

Professional Expectations

  • Attend and participate in ALL live classes in their entirety.
  • Complete ALL assigned online coursework.
  • Must be fluent in English.
  • Show up to live classes, community spaces, and group work with respect, kindness, and gratitude.
  • Support your fellow participants with a service mindset.
  • Keep all personal stories shared during the WHY Discovery process confidential.
  • Approach the WHY Discovery journey with empathy, integrity, and care for those you serve.

Participant Cancellation and Transfer Policy

  • Cancel up to 10 days before your cohort start date: Full refund.
  • Cancel less than 10 days before: We’re unable to offer a refund at this stage.
  • Transfer up to 7 days before: You may transfer your spot to another participant for a $200 (USD) fee.

Recording and Photography

  • Participants may not record or screenshot sessions.
  • The Company will record sessions and make them available internally for 30 days.
  • By joining, you understand you may appear on screen and agree that recordings and photos may be used by the Company for program or marketing purposes.

If you prefer not to be included, please contact the team before the first session at [email protected].

Unleash Your Infinite Mindset

Quantity: 1 quantity = 1 team of up to 20 participants

Teams 20+

Contact Sales

For teams of 20+ contact us

Teams of up to 20

Purchase: $999

Unleash Your Infinite Mindset

Bundle & Save: $1,198 SAVE $800

Buy Unleash Your Infinite Mindset and The Art of Building Fiercely Loyal Customers together for only $1,198.

The Art of Creating Fiercely Loyal Customers

Quantity: 1 quantity = 1 team of up to 20 participants

Teams 20+

Contact Sales

For teams of 20+ contact us

Teams of up to 20

Purchase: $999

The Art of Creating Fiercely Loyal Customers

Bundle & Save: $1,198 SAVE $800

Buy Unleash Your Infinite Mindset and The Art of Building Fiercely Loyal Customers together for only $1,198.

Curiosity is essential
                for progress.
SimonSignature

We fully agree, so we like to reward curiosity.
Use code GETCURIOUS for 20% off your next purchase.

A spark is something quite small and, by itself, not very powerful. But a spark has the ability to ignite. An idea is like a spark; alone it is just a set of words, but it too can ignite. A great idea can inspire others to dream bigger. Let us all work together to ignite something greater than ourselves.

Let us all be a Spark of Optimism.