Meet Katie – One of our incredible CSMs who make sure our clients are set up for the best experience possible with us.
This week, we sat down with her to talk through her role at London Speech Workshop, what fuels her love for impactful communication, and her top advice for people looking to transform their communication…
1. What led you to work in communication training?
I come from a background in the performing arts, primarily acting and dance, so I’ve always been deeply connected to the power of expression. I’ve seen first-hand how transformative communication can be. Whether it’s a shy child or a nervous young adult, the moment they’re given permission to express themselves in a performance space, something magical happens. They find their voice, their confidence grows, and they begin to connect with others in a whole new way. It’s a beautiful process to witness.
That experience made me realise that if creative expression alone can have that kind of impact, imagine what could happen with focused, formal communication training. Especially for people who feel uncomfortable speaking in front of others or find it hard to connect.
Alongside that, I’m also a qualified wellbeing and mindset coach, so I’ve always been drawn to roles that involve helping others grow into the best version of themselves. When I discovered London Speech Workshop, it felt like everything I loved came together. Communication, wellbeing, personal development, and deep, human connection. It just felt like the perfect fit.
2. Tell us more about your role at London Speech Workshop.
My role is to help people figure out what’s best for them when it comes to communication coaching. At the heart of it is the discovery call, where I speak with potential clients to understand their needs, what they feel they’re struggling with, and what they want to achieve through coaching.
From there, I think carefully about which of our incredible coaches would be the best match for them. I consider each coach’s skill set, expertise, and experience, and then connect the client with the person who will support them best.
I also guide them through what the courses involve, the kinds of results we help people achieve, and how we go about it. Ultimately, I’m there to help them feel confident and clear about the next step, and to make sure they feel excited about working with the right coach for them.
3. How does the London Speech Workshop approach feel different to other professional environments?
From a client’s perspective, I’d say it’s a completely bespoke, tailor-made service. We’re not offering generic solutions to communication challenges. Instead, we take the time to really listen to each individual and understand what they need.
Even if two people come to us saying they want help with presentations, what that looks like will be completely different for each of them. That’s because we’re all unique. We each bring our own lived experiences, challenges, and goals.
What we offer is truly personalised support. It’s a one-to-one service that allows us to focus directly on the specific issues a client is facing and the outcomes they’re aiming for. There’s no filler, no irrelevant content – just targeted coaching that meets them exactly where they are.
It also means our coaches can build a strong relationship with each client. They get to know them, understand their needs deeply, and design a course that delivers the transformational change that person is looking for.
4. What is your favourite London Speech Workshop memory so far?
There are so many moments, it’s hard to choose just one. Since I’m not based in London, I don’t get into the office very often, so those in-person experiences really stand out.
One that meant a lot to me was our 15-year celebration. It was the first time I met everyone face to face. Even though I already felt like I knew the team well as we’d spoken often online – it was incredibly special to be in the same room together.
There was such a powerful sense of connection. Being surrounded by like-minded people who genuinely care, who are all working towards the same mission of helping others, was something I’ll never forget.
And more than just that one event, I’d say what stays with me is the feeling I get whenever I’m in a room, virtual or otherwise, with this team. You can instantly sense that this is a very special company made up of extraordinary individuals. I’ve always said that. It only takes about ten minutes in a room with the LSW team to understand just how unique this place really is.
That’s probably my favourite thing about working here. Not just one memory, but the ongoing experience of being part of something truly meaningful.
5. Why is great communication important to you?
I think it’s because I’ve seen first-hand how transformational great communication can be. I’ve done a lot of coaching, including NLP practice, which is a form of therapy, as well as life coaching. One of the key principles in NLP is learning to see the world from someone else’s perspective. It teaches you to observe others deeply and with empathy.
Because of that training, I often find myself in situations where I’m simply watching people interact. Sometimes there’s conflict or tension, and to me, it’s so clear that it all stems from miscommunication. I’ll think, if only the communication had been a little clearer or more thoughtful, it never would have escalated. You see it everywhere.
And then, coming from a performance background, I’ve also experienced the empowerment that comes from being able to stand up and speak confidently as yourself. Whether it’s a meeting, a speech, a presentation – knowing you can express your message with clarity, without fear or anxiety, is such a powerful feeling. Even more so when you have the tools and techniques to support you if needed.
Too often, people hold themselves back because they don’t have confidence in their communication. And for me, I want everyone to have the chance to grow, to step into their potential, and to thrive in whatever way is right for them. Communication plays a massive role in that. I think it’s absolutely vital.
6. Tell us about a time that really inspired how you communicate today.
I’m not sure if this story is relevant, but I actually shared it when I first met the LSW team, and it’s always stayed with me.
It was about recognising people’s individual strengths, passions, and the importance of reaching someone in a way that truly resonates with them. When you can do that, the outcome can be completely different.
Years ago, when I was teaching Performing Arts at a high school in Manchester, I worked with a student who was around 15. He was in a very disengaged place. School didn’t seem to work for him. I suspect he had additional learning needs that hadn’t been picked up or assessed properly, and he’d developed a reputation as the ‘naughty one.’ Most teachers struggled with him, and when they saw his name on the register, there would be groans.
But I always got on with him, because we spoke on a human level. I could see that he was funny, caring, and bright in his own way. Academia wasn’t his strength, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have value.
He came to one of my dance lessons, and I knew straight away that he wasn’t going to get up and perform a dance routine. It wasn’t his thing, but he still showed up, stayed in the room, and did the written work. One day, toward the end of term, he asked if he could go outside and help a woman who was gardening near the Performing Arts space. I probably shouldn’t have said yes, but I could see how his eyes lit up at the idea.
So I let him go. He spent the entire lesson outside, helping her. At the end, he walked back in with the biggest smile I’d ever seen on him. The teaching assistant came straight over and said, ‘That boy is one of the nicest, most caring, friendliest students I’ve come across in this school. He’s worked so hard today. He’s done himself proud.’
It was the first time anyone other than me had said something positive about him. I called his mum to tell her, and she cried. It was the first positive phone call she’d ever received about her son.
That moment was a turning point for both of us. All it took was recognising what truly interested him, what brought him to life, and allowing him to engage in a way that made sense to him.
That experience taught me to always look for the spark in people – the thing that makes them light up – and to encourage them to follow that. I carry that belief with me in everything I do.
7. What do you love doing outside of London Speech Workshop?
When I’m not doing this, I’m actually an actor. I’m going on tour this year, and we’ll be performing in Covent Garden over the summer.
I do a lot of Shakespeare and classical theatre, and since the pandemic, it’s been mostly stage work rather than TV. Acting has always been a real passion of mine.
Alongside that, I also choreograph musicals. I don’t dance professionally anymore, but when the opportunity arises, I love to step into the role of choreographer. At the moment, I’m working on Beauty and the Beast, which is about to open soon. After that, I’ve got a bit of a break before jumping into Spamalot and a few other exciting projects.
So that’s what I get up to when I’m not at LSW – keeping the creativity flowing in a slightly different way!
8. And finally, what advice would you give to anyone looking to start communication coaching?
Three words: Just – Do – It!
You don’t know what you’re missing until you take that leap of faith. The transformation you’ll experience through communication coaching goes far beyond the area you might initially come to us for. It’s not just about improving one specific skill, it’s about reshaping the way you communicate as a whole.
It can transform your relationships, both personal and professional. It can change how you feel about yourself, your abilities, your aspirations, and even your career path.
When you build that confidence, when you feel empowered to speak clearly, connect meaningfully, and get your message across effectively, the world truly opens up. You begin to engage with people differently. You start getting results.
But it all starts with that first step. You might not know what you don’t know right now, and that’s exactly why it’s worth taking that leap.
Want to ask Katie about your communication journey?
If you’ve been thinking about starting your own communication journey, why not book in a 15 minute Discovery Call with her to learn more about how we can help?
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