Author, speaker, social entrepreneur, family man, cyclist and charity founder, Simon Guillebaud had a very clear call to Burundi in 1999, when it was regarded as the most dangerous country on earth. Having unexpectedly survived 7 years of genocide and civil war, he set up GLO with the vision to transform Burundi and beyond through holistic mission, working with gifted local leaders of integrity.

Now married with three children, he and his wife Lizzie have both been awarded an MBE for their services to Burundi.

Simon is author of the bestselling Choose Life – 365 readings for radical disciples, voted ‘Devotional of the Year 2015’. He is also the author of More than Conquerors, Sacrifice and Dangerously Alive.

Since 2021, Simon has hosted the Inspired… with Simon Guillebaud podcast. Upbeat and uplifting, ‘Inspired…’ introduces us to a stunning variety of people from all walks of life. It celebrates perseverance, overcoming, and costly faith. It regularly hits No. 1 in the UK Christian podcast charts, which is a reflection of how people love hearing genuinely good news which inspires them in their own faith journey.

He places a very high value on his family life and in his books is keen to acknowledge his partnership with his wife, Lizzie, in the way they aspire to live out their Christian lives together.

Simon’s work through GLO continues to have a huge impact on the country, now helping well over 100,000 of the very neediest people every year in strategic and sustainable ways.

Simon is sought-after as a speaker in Burundi, the UK and internationally. You can invite Simon to speak at your church or event. 

The Guillebaud family were given the honour of Burundian citizenship and his work with GLO locally in Bujumbura is recognised across a range of key pillars of society – business, agriculture, education, spirituality and health. In particular, he pioneered the leading hotel in Bujumbura, the Kings Conference Centre, a Christian social enterprise which is now funding the work of Scripture Union in Burundi and modelling effective godly business practices for the nation.