Rick Simon has succeeded in professional, business, and personal life in spite of living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) since the fall of 1992. Through careers as an information technology professional and in an independent financial services business, Rick’s positive focus and goal orientation continue to help him succeed and achieve, all while managing his health, keeping his independence and enjoying a happily married life. He entertains and inspires individuals and groups to reach their full potentials in spite of whatever barriers might be in their lives.
Rick was diagnosed with MS about 30 years ago. At the time he was an apprentice carpenter working on scaffolding 40 feet in the air. His initial symptoms were dizziness and double vision. He was advised to reduce the stress in his life and find work that didn’t involve much physical activity. Sometimes he took that advice and sometimes he didn’t. He went back to university and got a degree in computing science. During his 20 year IT career, he worked as a programmer, systems analyst, DBA, technical architect, and enterprise architect, including 11 years as a consultant. And 4.5 years flying weekly to work for clients in various cities in the US and Canada.
Eventually the rigors of flying became too much for Rick and he took a job with the Alberta Government. His plan was to slow down and work toward a pension, but it wasn’t long till he as deeply involved in architecting the computer systems for the Department of Education. A few years later he changed careers and spent 6 years attempting to build a network marketing business helping people become properly protected (life insurance), debt free, and financially independent (mutual funds). Now he shares his life experiences through professional public speaking and life breakthrough coaching.