Working with me is a creative collaboration to find, shape and animate the big impactful story that's the real reason you're standing up there saying words you want others to listen to. Think of it as a writers' room where we work together to create the one-person drama that's going to be your speaking moment. The unique, original story full of ideas, insight, humour, truth and meaning that only you can tell. The one that stops clocks and starts conversations. The one every person listening feels was meant for them alone.
This is not done in a quick Zoom and a few generic gags crowbarred in to make you look like you're not a Data-Dalek. It takes proper time, effort, daring and yes, investment to reap the real rewards in terms of speeches that get you noticed, listened to and asked to speak again and again.
Every collaboration I have is unique and entirely bespoke. Everything is done at your pace, built around what you need. No one-size-fits-all frameworks. No rigid processes. Just you and me, asking and answering the big questions with honesty, imagination and curious open minds.
That said, the work generally falls into three broad shapes.
The Short Story.
One speech. One moment. One room to win.
A single keynote, shareholder address, all-hands, pitch or conference speech - whatever the speaking occasion, we work fast to find, build and land the story that will carry it.
Depending on your deadline and what the work needs, this might be a single intensive session or a focused series of three to five. Whatever it takes in the time you have.
Story Counsel.
The longer, deeper collaboration. Beyond the single speech crisis.
For speakers, this might be a programme over time to turn your expertise into the big thought-leading story that makes you an international keynote speaker on any stage.
For leaders, these could be regular sessions to develop your thinking, sharpen your voice and make sure you're showing up with authority and humanity in every room you walk into. Not just the big set pieces.
In all cases, I'm your go-to story and speaking counsel. Helping you find, refine and develop your story and its impact with consistency and care.
The Company Story.
Sometimes the story that needs finding is individual AND corporate.
This might be a programme of story and speaking counsel for a senior leadership team. It might be help with the bigger narrative for an organisation going through a merger, re-organisation or major change. When the old story no longer fits and a new one needs to be found that works for everyone.
Through interviews, one-to-ones, small group and team sessions, I listen to your people's sense of themselves and the company, and work with you to build and renew it to be fighting fit for the challenges ahead.