Michael Rickwood began his career as a professional actor after graduating from Drama Centre London in 2001. A decade on stage honed not only his performance skills but also a deep understanding of presence, storytelling, and audience connection — skills he later brought into the world of business communication.

 

In 2013, he joined renowned consulting firm Ideas on Stage, where he spent over a decade working across four continents as a coach, trainer, and facilitator. From tech start-ups in Paris to development leaders at the World Bank in Washington D.C., Michael has helped hundreds of professionals craft compelling messages, lead with authenticity, and communicate under pressure. His experience spans a wide range of sectors, including energy, luxury, aviation, finance, consulting, and the public sector.

 

In 2024, Michael founded Vortolo, his own boutique consultancy, to offer a more personal and flexible approach to leadership communication. Alongside his coaching and facilitation work, he maintains a strong interest in emerging technologies. He recently earned a diploma from Alyra School of AI and Blockchain, and is exploring how these innovations will shape the future of storytelling, influence, and trust in business.

 

Michael is based in Paris and works fluently in both English and French.