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How do you connect with your team?

Do you give them the facts and hope for the best?

In an age where clarity and certainty are harder to come by, clear communication has never been more crucial for success. One of the ways that many businesses have sought to get their message across to both clients and colleagues is through storytelling.  But while it has the power to inspire and shape the way teams interact, I believe that using the narrative approach alone misses out on another compelling approach to communication: Rhetoric, the Art of Persuasion. As Jay Heinrichs says in his excellent book 'Thank you for arguing',  "Rhetoric doesn't just persuade, it brings out the better angels of our nature."

 

My approach integrates both storytelling and rhetoric to guarantee the message isn’t just powerful - it’s actionable. Rhetoric forms the backbone of my talks because it allows me to explain, with precision, the reasons behind the principles we're discussing. It gives teams and leaders a clear, logical framework for understanding why embracing transparency, constructive dissent, or collaborative intelligence matters.

 

Having said that, it's the storytelling that bring the ideas to life. Weaving story into the message gives it emotional weight, showing teams the human side of organizational challenges and the transformative impact these principles can have in practice. My talks focus on avoiding business-speak and cutting out industry buzzwords to get to the heart of what drives true collaboration within large groups of people. 

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Keynotes and Talks

Each talk runs for approximately one hour and delivers an engaging, interactive experience. While they are designed to stand on their own, I also offer follow-up workshops for organisations that want to dive deeper into the concepts covered. They usually run for a half-day, but can be adapted to fit your needs.

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1. The 10th Man: Challenging Assumptions to Foster Innovation

  • The 10th Man principle encourages individuals and teams to challenge consensus thinking, actively seek out blind spots, and question assumptions that could hinder progress. By exploring the origins of this concept and applying it to modern decision-making and problem-solving, this talk will enable you to foster a culture of innovation and resilience.

  • Workshop Option: Dive deeper into practical applications of the 10th Man mindset. This workshop will provide hands-on exercises to help teams adopt critical thinking strategies, enhance creativity, and sharpen their problem-solving abilities.​

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2. The Pathfinder: Clarity in a Complex World

  • In a world deluged with information, the ability to find clarity is a rare and useful one. This keynote centres on how clarity can simplify complex situations, improve decision-making, and optimise your performance in both personal and professional contexts. Discover how to see what's really going on and lead with precision and focus.

  • Workshop Option: Explore tools and frameworks that facilitate clear thinking. The workshop will guide participants through exercises that help identify the root cause of problems, organize thoughts effectively, and make decisions with greater confidence.

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3. The Sentinel: The Power of Presence

  • The Sentinel embodies vigilance and presence. This talk will focus on how being fully engaged in the present moment can improve leadership, decision-making, and collaboration. Learn techniques to enhance your presence and maintain focus in high-pressure environments.

  • Workshop Option: This workshop builds on the principles of mindfulness and active engagement. Participants will practice methods to cultivate greater awareness, improve concentration, and build the mental resilience necessary for staying present during critical moments.​

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4. The Sage: Cultivating Resilience Through Belief

  • Belief is at the core of resilience. This talk explores how a strong belief system—whether personal, organizational, or cultural—can fortify individuals and teams against adversity. Learn how to cultivate a resilient mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for growth.

  • Workshop Option: Delve into resilience-building exercises. This workshop will guide participants in developing belief systems that strengthen resolve, foster a positive outlook in the face of setbacks, and build a culture of long-term resilience.

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5. The Architect: Balancing Engagement and Objectivity

  • Engagement without objectivity can lead to emotional decision-making, while detachment can result in disconnection. The Architect finds the balance. This talk explores how to remain deeply engaged while preserving the ability to stay objective and make clear decisions.

  • Workshop Option: The workshop will provide practical tools for maintaining emotional balance and objectivity. Participants will engage in exercises that sharpen their ability to stay focused on facts and logic, even while remaining empathetically engaged in their work.

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6. The Alchemist: Mastering Change in Unpredictable Times

  • Change is inevitable, and those who can adapt thrive. The Alchemist transforms challenges into opportunities. This talk will explore strategies for navigating unpredictable environments, managing resistance, and leading teams through periods of upheaval.

  • Workshop Option: Participants will learn to apply change-management strategies in real-world scenarios. The workshop will focus on developing agility, turning adversity into opportunity, and building a resilient mindset capable of embracing and leading through change.

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7. The Visionary: Creating a Compelling Future

  • A powerful vision is the foundation of success, both personally and organizationally. This talk centres on how to develop a clear, inspiring vision for the future that not only motivates but drives action. Learn how to align your goals and values with a compelling vision that others will follow.

  • Workshop Option: In this workshop, participants will engage in vision-crafting exercises to define their future goals and articulate a path forward. The session will focus on aligning personal values and organizational objectives to create a shared vision that inspires and sustains action.

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8. The Sacred Fool: Harnessing Creative Problem-Solving

  • The Sacred Fool breaks conventional thinking and brings forth innovation through playfulness, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. This talk explores how humour, flexibility, and risk-taking can drive solutions to complex problems that seem unsolvable.

  • Workshop Option: In this workshop, participants will engage in exercises that stretch their creativity and foster out-of-the-box thinking. From brainstorming to rapid prototyping, this session will equip teams with the tools to approach challenges with fresh perspectives and inventive solutions.

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9. The Warrior: Building Trust Through Discipline and Integrity

  • The Warrior embodies strength of character, resilience, and unwavering integrity. This talk explores how discipline, personal strength, and adherence to core values are essential for navigating challenges and achieving long-term success. The focus is on building inner and outer strength through consistency and moral courage.

  • Workshop Option: Participants will delve into strategies to build resilience through discipline and integrity. The workshop will provide actionable techniques to help individuals and teams strengthen their commitment to core values and maintain performance under pressure.

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