Leadership is the lever that changes everything
Who We Are
At Leaders For Life, we believe leadership isn’t just about skills — it’s about awareness, courage, and impact.
We work with leaders who want to transform not only how they lead, but the culture they create.
Founded by Simone van der Kallen, she brings over 20 years of experience working with CEOs, executives, and leadership teams across industries — from professional services and healthcare, agriculture, construction and profit for purpose.
Simone has built, scaled, and sold a business, so she understands the real challenges leaders face. Her philosophy is straightforward: provide the support, challenge, and safe space she once needed herself — helping leaders shift from feeling overwhelmed and exhausted to leading with clarity, confidence, and impact.
She brings a unique mix of:
Commercial acumen (having grown and sold her own successful business)
Deep expertise in leadership, culture, and psychology
A reputation for honesty, courage, and getting to the heart of what really matters
Clients say Simone has a gift for “calling what others shy away from” while creating safe spaces for leaders and teams to grow.
Our Approach
Clarity. Courage. Connection.
These three words define how we work.
Clarity → Radical self-awareness through 360° feedback and tailored diagnostics.
Courage → Authentic conversations that leaders often avoid, but need for real change.
Connection → Coaching and development that embed change, creating lasting impact on culture, performance, and creating environments that people want to be part of.
We don’t do “tick-the-box” development. We deliver transformation.
Values
💬 Authenticity
Real over perfect
No jargon, no posturing — just real conversations that matter and build trust.🌿 Appreciation
Notice, honour, and value Appreciation is about truly seeing — what we have, who we’re with, and the moments that matter. We honour the people who make a difference, value every voice, and recognise the unique qualities in others.⭐ Excellence
Raise the bar
We hold ourselves to the highest standards, creating lasting impact and never settling for complacency.
Why Leaders Trust Us
Our point of difference: Insight always comes with development.
Because without support, culture and leadership diagnostics can be more harmful than helpful.
That’s why every program we deliver — from High Performing Minds to bespoke culture journeys — combines diagnostics, coaching, and ongoing support.
Impact we’re proud of:
25%
Engagement uplift in just 6 weeks
$300K
Revenue growth in the month following partners’ offsite with a professional services firm.
2022
“Best GP Practice in Australia” — after a leadership & culture transformation.
2018
Community Group of the Year (Newcastle Hunter region) — awarded to an NFP following a leadership and culture development program.
Qualifications
Bachelor Of Applied Social Science
Post Graduate Certificate Neuro-Linguistic Programming
Certificate IV Workplace Training & Assessment
Certifications
Leading Psychosocial Safety & Care
AIHR - Academy To Innovate HR
Strengths Profile
Predictive Index Certification - Talent Optimization Framework
Hogan Assessment
The Leadership Circle® Profile, Manager Edition, Leadership Culture Survey Accredited
GLWS® – Global Leadership Wellbeing Survey Accredited
The Enneagram in Business Coaching- Coaching with the Enneagram
The Enneagram in Business Coaching- Advanced Coaching
The Enneagram in Business - What Type of Leader Are You Train the Trainer
Thinking Environment® Facilitator Accredited
Thinking Environment® Foundation Accredited
Thinking Environment® Partnerships Accredited
Advanced Group Facilitation
ASIST Skills Training
SMART Recovery Facilitator
ACT Mindfulness Facilitator Dr Russ Harris