Simon Morris, former Chief Creative Officer of Amazon and Emmy-nominated marketing legend, has shaped some of the most memorable moments in modern media.
From the iconic Alexa Super Bowl ad to the 2020 Amazon X-Mas campaign, Simon Morris knows what it takes to turn creative ideas into commercial success. Inducted into the UK Marketing Hall of Fame, he has also worked closely with industry titans such as Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and Rupert Murdoch.
During this interview, Morris reflects on a career that spans turning around Sega’s marketing, pioneering UK television shows, and co-founding LoveFilm, the precursor to Amazon Prime Video. He discusses the business of creativity, explaining that the most successful work sits at the intersection of artistic vision and commercial impact. “Many creatives aren’t able to push ideas over the line into commercial outcomes… the best work is at the intersection of commercial, category, and brand. That’s where ideas become brilliant and effective.”
Central to his approach are mental models and frameworks used to guide decision-making, whether in marketing, business, or life. He notes, “If you keep moving forward, sooner or later, doors will open – sometimes the doors you never expected.”
Morris’s time at Virgin, Sky, and Amazon has given him a front-row view of some of the world’s most successful leaders and organisations. Working alongside Branson, Murdoch, Bezos, and Mike Lynch, he learned key lessons, including: “Jeff was extraordinary. My time with him was like a finishing school. He kept pushing me to think bigger, move faster, and act decisively.”
Beyond creativity and business, Morris is a champion of mental health, sharing his own struggles and lessons. “Ironically, following another mental model gave me a reprieve.” Today, he invests in ventures like Jaaq, which aims to improve mental health for millions.
From disruptive startups to global corporations, Simon Morris exemplifies how creativity and execution can transform industries. Success is not just about talent. As he puts it, “If you give something good away, you keep it yourself.”
Video Timeline
- 0:00 – Who is Simon Morris?
- 0:36 – Early Career
- 2:15 – Moving Into TV, Sky, Amazon
- 6:04 – Lessons from Industry Leaders
- 7:59 – Creativity Meets Business
- 9:10 – Mental Models for Success
- 14:35 – Repeatable Creative Formulas
- 16:06 – AI and Adapting Mental Models
- 18:05 – Mental Health
- 20:02 – Advice for Entrepreneurs and Closing Thoughts
Interested in booking Simon Morris as a keynote speaker or boardroom advisor?
