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Photo of Michael Rickwood Founder of Vortolo Coaching and Executive Presence Coach

Michael Rickwood

A former Ideas on Stage Alumni and entrepreneur, Michael Rickwood is a Paris-based communications advisor and trainer 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 collaborator.

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.

At the end of 2024, Michael founded Vortolo, his own boutique consultancy, which he has been building meticoulously 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.

Background and perspective

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. 

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. Currently developing AI skills and strategies. 

-Well-positioned to advise tech-forward, innovation-driven leaders and start-ups.

Boutique, personalized approach with Vortolo

-Selective, hands-on work with leaders facing moments of real exposure. 

Contact

To book a discovery call with Michael book a call on

this form  or alternatively call the number

(whatsapp is possible)

+33670225624

Logo of Vortolo Coaching
Capitol Building Washington DC. Leadership and History

 Get in touch 

+33 6 70 225624

For professional enquiries, please use the form below.

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