


Become a Guiding Star
with the Communication
Tools of a Leader
The challenge for today’s leaders isn’t a lack of ideas, it’s being heard above the noise.
At Vortolo, we coach executives, entrepreneurs, and teams to cut through distraction and deliver messages with an authentic voice.
Lead with purpose, aspire beyond.

Michael Rickwood
A former Ideas on Stage Alumni and entrepreneur, Michael Rickwood is a Paris-based coach with global experience and a passion for innovation, strategy, stage craft and storytelling. Helping leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and presence.
Michael's international experience, cultural richness, creativity and deep insight on modern business and its uncertain landscape make him a unique coach.
His Story
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.
Michael's Unique Experience
International, multi-sector experience
-15+ years coaching executives across luxury, finance, tech, pharma, and public sectors.
-Worked with clients like the World Bank (Washington D.C.), Chanel, Colombus Consulting and Paris-based tech start-ups such as the founders of Back Market, PrestaShop and Qwant.
-Michael has strong geopolitical knowledge and insights into challenges facing all industries.
Performing arts & stage expertise
-Former professional actor with deep understanding of stage presence, storytelling, and audience engagement.
-Ability to translate theatrical techniques into executive communication skills.
Bilingual & multicultural
-Fluent English & French.
-Comfortable coaching in both languages, appealing to multinational organizations in Paris.
A.I. Web3 / blockchain experience
-2 years consulting experience in blockchain/web3, understanding decentralized ecosystems, tokenomics, and crypto business strategy. Currently developing AI skills and strategies.
-Well-positioned to advise tech-forward, innovation-driven leaders and start-ups.
Boutique, personalized approach with Vortolo
-Offers a highly tailored, hands-on coaching approach versus generic corporate training programs.
-Combines “hard” business skills with “power” soft skills: presence, influence, trust, storytelling.
Contact
We're always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect!
+33670225624