Jenny Simanowitz

Jenny Simanowitz was born in South Africa and studied at the University of Cape Town and Trinity College Cambridge.

She has worked in Europe as an international Communications Trainer and performer for over 25 years, running communication courses, performing and moderating for international corporations and higher education colleges.

From her workshops, in which she uses many theatrical elements, she developed her “communications cabaret”.

Jenny is well known for her motivating style and for the humour, warmth and directness that she brings to all her work.

In 2008 she published a training manual "100 Außergewöhnliche Stimmungsmacher" (100 unusual "Energizers“), Ökotopia Verlag.

Her second book "Performance Coaching" (Beltz Verlag) was published in 2016.

Her latest Communication Cabaret “Wild Granny Jenny” which deals with death, aging and sex in later years, led to her being chosen as the closing keynote speaker for TEDX Vienna 2022 at the Volkstheater in Vienna. She was also featured in the ORF2 production of “Sex im Alter” in July 2023.

She has just completed her book “Adventure before Dementia” due for publication in 2024 and is working on a new show “Dirty Old Women” which she will perform together with Kathy Tanner (English lovers).

Jenny is a founder member of the Centre for Applied Positive Psychology at Warwick University, England.

She is also an active member of "Omas Gegen Rechts" (Granny’s against the Right) and the director of the Vienna political theatre group "Omas-on-Stage".

Some comments from participants

Moderation and communication at Sandoz meeting

"It was really great having you as moderator and entertainer at our event. The feedback we have received so far says the same: Thanks for  the outstanding job you did."

"Hi Jenny,

I just wanted to say that the workshop from the past two days was
absolutley fabulous. I have never been to a workshop where I've had so
much fun or learned so much about myself. In the past when I've done
similar courses with role playing etc, I get so nervous and anxious. I was
on Friday when we first started, but by the time we recorded the skits
today I felt myself loosen up and actually begin to enjoy role playing.
Usually I'm so scared about what others think or that I'll make an idiot
of myself (I remember you touched on this in class :) ) I want to thank
you for creating such a relaxed, open atmosphere and I hope you know how
truly wonderful you and your workshop are.

From my experiences in Vienna, this was definitely the best class I've taken."

"Dear Jenny,
 
It was a distinct pleasure and more to have met you and hosted you here. You made a massive impression on my staff, a very heartfelt reaction on their part.  They found you to be inspiring and very practical.  Given that they are almost all very grounded and serious minded individuals, it is high praise, indeed, that you made such an impression.  To put it simply, they do not suffer fools.  They love people that have achieved and that can help them to achieve.  You fulfilled all of their expectations. We would love to have you back.
 
I am in Vienna as often as I can possibly justify it, so I would love to meet up. Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later!
 
All my very best,
 
James"