Coaching
that activates
real change

We help people show up with confidence, speak with purpose, and lead authentically—through coaching that goes beyond the conventional.

Three professionals engaged in a serious discussion in a modern office with large windows.

Think with clarity
Speak with confidence
Lead with presence

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the ability to communicate with clarity, confidence, and authority is essential. Whether you’re presenting to the board, leading organisational change, or managing high-stakes negotiations, your ability to inspire and influence determines your success.

For over 25 years, I’ve helped senior leaders from global organisations—including Airbus, HSBC, JP Morgan, EBRD, the House of Commons, and the NHS—develop the executive presence and communication skills needed to lead with impact.

Man giving a presentation on stage with blue illuminated vertical bars in the background.

The challenges
you face

  • Struggling to gain buy-in for your ideas or proposals?

  • Looking to strengthen your executive presence and gravitas?

  • Want to sharpen your public speaking and leadership communication?

  • Navigating high-stakes conversations or pressure-filled meetings?

I equip you to meet these challenges with practical tools, hands-on rehearsal, and tailored coaching—blending strategic insight with theatre-based techniques to create lasting impact.

Paul Gilmore, founder of Activation Business Theatre, wearing a navy blazer and light blue dress shirt, smiling and standing against a plain light grey background.
A blurred, gradient image with warm colors including red, orange, and yellow.
Blurred gradient of warm colors, including shades of orange, red, and yellow.

My approach

In an ever-changing competitive world, the demands on business leaders are greater than ever. Getting buy-in to business transformation is fundamental to success.

By improving your leadership presence and becoming a more confident and charismatic communicator you’ll be able to inspire others to engage and buy-in to your vision and ideas.

With my experience as a theatre practitioner and business coach, I’ll help you develop the skills to build trust, strengthen working relationships and positively influence others. You will learn to communicate with warmth, strength and purpose.

A woman in business attire standing and speaking in a glass-enclosed meeting room with four seated colleagues attentively listening.

How you can succeed

Grounded in leading research and proven frameworks, my coaching helps you develop the clarity, authenticity, and presence that define exceptional communicators and leaders. I centre my coaching around three core pillars:

  • Authentic delivery
    Strengthen your voice, body language, and storytelling to authentically connect with your audience.

  • Empathy and connection
    Build trust, engage others with warmth and credibility, and inspire action.

  • Logical messaging
    Shape clear, compelling content that lands with impact.

A group of adults participating in a meeting, with one man speaking and others listening, in a well-lit room with large windows.

What you’ll gain
from my coaching

  • Proven techniques
    to communicate, lead, and connect with greater impact.

  • Confidence and clarity
    for keynotes, meetings, panels, and virtual presentations.

  • Tools to navigate
    difficult conversations, negotiations, and high-pressure moments.

  • Deeper self-awareness
    and practical strategies to strengthen your presence and influence.

Whether you're leading from the front or preparing for your next big step, my coaching helps you communicate with clarity, confidence, and connection.

  • My tailored one-to-one coaching is ideal for:

    • Senior leaders and executives
      who need to engage, inspire, and lead with impact

    • Emerging talent
      preparing to step into leadership roles with confidence

    • Subject matter experts
      looking to simplify and communicate complex ideas clearly

    • Professionals
      who want to elevate their skills in presenting, negotiating, and influencing.

    • Executive Presence & Leadership Communication

    • Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

    • Negotiation & Influence

    • Assertiveness & Conflict Management

    • Effective Stakeholder Engagement

  • Quote Mark Icon

    “Paul is a great coach who helped me reach the next level for impactful communication. Paul has a deep empathy which enables him to provide a customised support. I highly recommend him!”

    Senior Sales Executive, Airbus

  • Quote Mark Icon

    “I have learnt a lot from our sessions and have started using your teachings with visible results. Thanks again.”

    Director, European Patent Office

  • Quote Mark Icon

    “Great experience with a great coach adapting to my personality and needs. Always listening, always patient and with great mood and energy while being honest. I believe Paul has shared with me all the keys to make it happen and it is now up to me to implement it.”

    Senior Vice President, Airbus

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Book a no obligation consultation today

Are you ready to enhance your leadership communication and influence skills? Our tailored 1-1 coaching transforms leaders into powerful communicators, equipping you with the skills to drive change, strengthen relationships, and make a lasting impact.

Let’s build a coaching programme around you—or your team—that actually changes the way you communicate and lead.

  • In-person: 3 to 3.5-hour deep-dive sessions

  • Online: 1 to 2-hour focused coaching sessions

  • Flexible scheduling: Over multiple weeks, tailored to your needs