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![A young and intelligent-looking woman giving a business presentation to an audience.]()
Communication skills for Gen Z
Impact and Influence Foundations
The difference it makes
“I’ve seen a massive improvement in just knowing how to present myself and since the training it’s definitely had an impact with my work.
“It was also really inspiring to see people who are maybe a bit quieter really blossom and become more confident and able to portray everything that we knew they had the ability to communicate.”
– Kristine Adetola, Intern at Global Pharmaceutical Company
Details & costs
- Sharpen your content live supported by our experts in corporate communication
- Tech-savvy analysis tools which cut through to Gen Z and drive better results, faster
- Data on your pace, pauses, clarity, sentence length, voice pitch and filler words
- Confidence building and anxiety reducing techniques, based on leading neuroscience theory
- Unique ‘before and after’ video coaching techniques to demonstrate instant progress
- Highly accessible and accommodating for diverse individual needs
- Can be delivered F2F (full day) or virtually (x2 half-days)
- Delivered ideally in groups of 6-12 for maximum impact
- £5.5-8k per course with economies of scale for larger cohort programmes
What we do
Alita Buttress
Director & Head of Media Training
Alita is a former BBC News editor and self-proclaimed ‘news junkie’ with 17 years’ experience across national broadcast, print and digital. She has since transitioned into Executive Leadership coaching, preparing CEOs and senior leaders for high-stakes conversations. As an experienced trainer, Alita specialises in supporting businesses with their most challenging internal and external communication moments. Alita brings her abundance of energy to The 100th Monkey team, super-charging any training session with her supportive feedback and fascinating anecdotes of lessons learned in busy newsrooms.
Question & Answer
Who are you?
A Midlands native who has lived in London for 20 years. I’m a mum and a former journalist and TV editor who is still a complete news junkie. In my spare time you’ll find me with my nose in a book or planning holidays
What's your role?
I’m a director on the Personal Effectiveness side of the business and lead our media training work which involves planning and delivering sessions for our clients
So what do you actually spend your day doing?
Some days I’ll be planning for upcoming training, reading in on client issues and having briefing calls to discuss future work or new business. Other days I’ll be delivering training either face-to-face or virtually. In between, I spend time planning with our brilliant team and supporting on projects across the business
Greatest strength?
I can survive on very little sleep and always have lots of energy!
Favourite part of the job?
Showing people their split screen ‘before and after’ videos during our media training or Personal Effectiveness courses. The progress people make in a short space of time using our toolkits is always so inspiring. It’s the best part of my day!
Favourite TedTalk?
Shonda Rimes, 'My year of saying yes to everything'
One of my biggest influences is…
The Maya Angelou poem, ‘Still I Rise'
Ann HUGHES
Director
Ann has worked for 20 years advising big pharma on their corporate and brand messaging as well as delivering global launch campaigns. Now she is using that expertise on a more personal level, coaching individuals and teams to be more effective in their communications. Delivering training that calls on her consulting background and combines with her interest in psychology and theatre, she’s never been more passionate about her work.
Question & Answer
Who are you?
An American ex-pat in Dorset, a twin mum, avid reader, yogi and occasional quiz master/stand-up comedian (at PTA events..)
What's your role?
I’m a Director on the Personal Effectiveness side of the business, which means I deliver training and help add training talent to our network. And since I love making connections and solving problems, I’m always meeting new people to see if our training is a good solution to some of the challenges they face.
So what do you actually spend your day doing?
Some days I’ll be entirely dedicated to training, other days I’ll be upskilling new trainers or meeting with potential clients to understand the skills gaps their trying to solve. Or I’ll be drafted into the Team Effectiveness side of things to help design and facilitate client meetings.
Greatest strength?
Helping people see the best in themselves.
Recent work highlight?
Watching one of our Personal Effectiveness delegates in action – standing up at a big meeting in front of 100+ people to present naturally and eloquently, and also asking articulate, challenging questions. Both feats that I know personally terrify her, or at least they did before our training!
One of my biggest influences is…
My mom. And Woody Allen movies.
Nick Clark Windo
Associate Trainer
Nick has been working at the intersection of the communications and creative industries for twenty years, running parallel careers as a communications coach and trainer, novelist and independent film producer.
As a coach and trainer, Nick has worked across multiple sectors helping graduates to Global CEOs communicate, influence and think more clearly.
Nick works with clarity, passion and humour to understand a client’s needs and deliver tailored training with simple, tangible and relevant tools.
Question & Answer
Who are you?
I’ve been working as a communications coach for nearly twenty years. I also write novels (The Feed was turned into an Amazon/Virgin Media TV series) and very occasionally produce independent films (Dead In A Week (or your money back) starred Tom Wilkinson, had music by Guy Garvey and was a surprise top ten hit in Italy!). That aside, ‘Who am I?’ feels like quite a big question, to be honest. Please ask me again in a couple of decades!
What do you spend your day doing?
I deliver Personal Effectiveness courses including our flagship Impact and Influence programmes.
Greatest strength?
Connecting ideas. Sometimes it’s conscious, more often it’s my brain doing things in the background; a kind of mental mulching. Thank you, brain.
Biggest weakness?
An entirely unspecific yet generally pervasive fear of failure. It gets in the way.
Coffee order?
A double espresso, please. Preferably before breakfast, and never after 3pm.
Two truths and a lie…
1. I was once nearly blown up with dynamite (accidentally) 2. I was in a music video for the band Elbow 3. I have touched Jay-Z
Favourite ice breaker?
I keep misreading this question as my favourite ice cream. Without a doubt it’s mint choc chip!
Recent work highlight?
I recently worked with a team facing multiple challenges out of their control, which were making them turn on each other. Everyone was scared. After a lot of hard work, risk-taking and some big, confident, vulnerability, they’re all now passionate advocates of each other - they’re strong.
Proudest moment of the last year?
Both my kids are at the stage where they’re developing into proper people: there are constant moments of pride and heartbreak.
Favourite TedTalk?
I mean…anything by Brené Brown?
The series/podcast/book/album I can’t put down is…
Nothing has succeeded Succession. I’m still in mourning.
Last gig I attended?
I have tickets to see Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds soon. It’s been a long time coming, with previous gigs I’ve had tickets for being cancelled or missed. So this one, if it actually happens, is due to be momentous.
One of my biggest influences is…
Reading, reading, reading.
Tash Harvey
Associate Trainer
Tash is a bilingual leadership coach and trainer with a passion for people and their development. She relishes helping individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
Tash has worked in Executive Leadership roles across aerospace, defence, automotive and professional services sectors including 20 years in Paris leading communications for French-based global companies.
Tash focuses on developing communication skills that enable her to connect with others, to influence and have greater impact.
She is an NLP and PCC certified coach who loves all things Greece, travelling and music.
Question & Answer
Who are you?
A Midlands girl at heart, I spent most of my adult life in France, returning to the UK only a few years ago. Mum to a teenager, partner to a very direct American, besties with the same group of brummies I grew up with, I’m a Francophile, book lover, walks-in-nature fanatic, and fur-baby devotee.
What do you spend your day doing?
I co-deliver Effectiveness courses including our flagship Impact and Influence programmes.
Greatest strength?
My greatest strength is my ability to ask the right questions and to really listen – with my ears, eyes and heart! It’s amazing how much you can ‘hear’ in what’s not being said. It helps me form a good understanding of what’s going on in any given situation or interaction in a relatively short time.
Coffee order?
Depends on the morning: double espresso or Nescafé, white with one sugar.
Favourite part of the job?
Seeing people walk away from a coaching or training session feeling confident about who they are and what they can achieve.
Tell us two truths and a lie about yourself…
1. I love cold water swimming and am particularly fond of a winter dip in Cornwall 2. I met & hosted Emmanuel Macron on an industrial site visit a year before he became President of France 3. I worked as a club promoter in Corfu in the 90’s and danced in the street every night for 3 months.
Favourite ice breaker?
Favourite karaoke song or dream job if you weren’t doing this one.
Recent work highlight?
Dancing in the bathroom of a restaurant (which had a disco ball and music!) in Breda after an incredible day’s training with the Monkeys!
Favourite TedTalk?
Amy Cuddy – Your body language may shape who you are.
The series/podcast/book/album I can’t put down is…
The Wolf Den trilogy by Elodie Harper. Focussed on the lives of women in Pompeii's lupanar (brothels). I studied ancient history at uni!
Fun fact
I’m a closet country music fan! With stories of love, loss, heartache and everyday life, for me country music taps into universal human experiences. And those stories, combined with the twang of a guitar, some amazing vocal styles and heartfelt lyrics mean I absolutely love it!
Leonie Hurrell
Associate Trainer
Leonie’s role as a coach and trainer seamlessly blends her enthusiasm and expertise in education, leadership, and cognitive science.
Leonie is a former headteacher with 15 years of senior leadership experience. She is an ILM-qualified coach and coach supervisor and works with leaders in diverse sectors, from education to IT and finance. Her innovative style, integrating insights from psychology, leadership theory, and cognitive science, equips leaders to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful change.
Leonie is passionate about people and works with individuals so they can feel empowered through supportive challenge, clarity, and humour.
Question & Answer
Who are you?
A mum of boys, former headteacher, cake-baker, caffeine addict and a lover of a long dog walk (all seasons!)
What do you spend your day doing?
I co-deliver Personal Effectiveness courses including our flagship Impact and Influence programmes.
Greatest strength?
Listening - I love to listen to people and find their stories.
Biggest weakness?
I cannot resist a jam doughnut -ever!!
Coffee order?
Flat White - simple and highly caffeinated!
Favourite part of the job?
Training and coaching people to develop - to see the greatness in them and understand how to be even better in their roles/delivery.
Recent work highlight?
Seeing new learning and insights in delegates and their delight and excitement at discovering this and want to put it into practice straight away.
Proudest moment of the last year?
Designing and building our new home.
Favourite TedTalk?
Every kid needs a champion by Rita Pierson.
The series/podcast/book/album I can’t put down is…
I love a great character and puzzles so Ludwig on the BBC is proving an addictive watch.
One of my biggest influences is…
Sir Ken Robinson, his passion for education was transformative to my thinking and leadership in schools.
Fun fact
I leave home every year to live for four weeks in a 10ft x 16ft hut on the beach with my family.
Nadia Sam-Daliri
Associate Trainer
Nadia is a former print journalist and civil servant with a decade of experience working at the very highest levels of Government. Nadia worked for three Prime Ministers between 2016 and 2021 and before working in Civil Service communications, was a print journalist for six years, including two years at The Sun.
Nadia is a passionate communications professional who blends her own experiences at the frontline of agenda-setting policies with the expert coaching methods of the 100th Monkey.
Question & Answer
Who are you?
I’m a half-Iranian former journalist-turned-civil-servant-turned-media/presentation-coach with a penchant for no-frills baking and a near obsession with news-website surfing.
What do you spend your day doing?
I deliver Media Training and Personal Effectiveness courses including our flagship Impact and Influence programmes. As an experienced trainer I draw on my extensive experience in public sector communications and news media to coach organisations during their most high-profile launches and challenges. I work with teams and individuals at all levels to help you present with poise and clarity, confidently approach media interviews, and develop core communication skills.
Greatest strength?
Flexibility. Not literally (although I’m told I’ve got quite open shoulders for a pretty amateur yogi). Instead, the increasing ability to accept as I get older that barely any plans fully go to plan.
Biggest weakness?
Indulgently moaning about things of no real importance to those I love the most. And never learning my lesson that a 12-minute walk to the train station cannot be completed in four-and-a-half-minutes.
Coffee order?
Cappucino, no chocolate.
Favourite part of the job?
Meeting interesting people from all walks of life and getting to learn a bit about them.
Tell us two truths and a lie about yourself…
1. I once simultaneously interviewed Boris Johnson and David Haye in a boxing ring. 2. I have close family living on five continents. 3. I was a junior Scrabble champion.
Recent work highlight?
Watching as a delegate on our Impact and Influence course progressed from a ball of nerves at the start of the day, to giving a presentation brimming with warmth and confidence at the end of it. She’s the perfect example of why what we do matters.
Proudest moment of the last year?
My three-year-old son spontaneously telling me I’m the best mummy in the whole world, without requesting any sugary treats or Spiderman-themed toys in the process.
The series/podcast/book/album I can’t put down is…
Dr Chatterjee’s Feel Better, Live More podcast. I’ve learnt more about gut health, swerving dementia and the importance of squatting than I ever knew possible.
Last gig I attended?
The National at Crystal Palace. I had the privilege of propping up Matt Berninger’s underarm as he crowd-surfed (I didn’t actually see him though, as I was trapped under said armpit) and loved every minute.
One of my biggest influences is…
I can’t name just one! Muhammad Ali and Maya Angelou, and their persuasive, stirring and mesmerising way with words. Early-90s Madonna who brought my sister and I endless joy as we mimicked the dance routines from our prized Immaculate Collection video. My Mum with her never-ending capacity for kindness, and my Dad with his wide intellect and mickey-taking stories that never fail to win a laugh, regardless of how immature they are.
Fun fact
I have an extra bone in my foot that I only found out about a couple of years ago!
Lucinda Bowden
Associate Trainer
Lucinda has a background in journalism and has produced and presented programmes for BBC, Sky News, ITN and Global. She has prepared clients for live broadcasts, podcasts, panel presentations and speaking engagements across a varied career as a broadcaster, executive producer, media trainer and presentation skills coach.
Lucinda is a nature lover, prolific traveller, feng shui consultant and an elite sportswoman who is happiest messing about in boats!
Question & Answer
What do you spend your day doing?
I co-deliver Personal Effectiveness courses including our flagship Impact and Influence programmes.
Greatest strength?
Resilience and attention to detail.
Favourite part of the job?
Empowering greater confidence and self-belief in others and helping people to shine their light. We are all designed to thrive and playing a small part in facilitating personal growth in others brings me so much joy and drives me to seek what I can do for someone else each day.
Favourite Podcasts
High Performance with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes and The MidPoint with Gabby Logan
Christine Grew
Associate Trainer
Christine is a scientist by training and has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 20 years specialising in drug discovery, global clinical research and regulatory affairs.
Christine is an experienced coach, trainer and facilitator and is a guest speaker in the UK, US and Middle East.
She is a certified NLP coach and practitioner.
Christine brings her high-energy, entertaining and motivational personality as well as a breadth of industry experience to The 100th Monkey.
Question & Answer
Who are you?
A Chinglish Brummie now living in the London suburbs juggling work, family, friends and fun. They say it takes a village to raise a child, so make that several villages and a vineyard for me to raise my three.
So, what do you actually spend your day doing?
I have, what I hear is termed, a ‘portfolio career’. I support the development of new medicines in a number of different capacities, with expertise in supporting pharma and biotech innovators navigate the regulatory environment. My main engagements are in regulatory affairs and business development in the life sciences sector, and I deliver technical and non-technical training. I also love supporting life science professionals with coaching and mentoring and of course, coaching and facilitating 100th Monkey delegates!
Greatest strength?
My strength. I’m really very strong and can lift heavy weights.
Two truths and a lie
1. The film ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ was based on my family 2. I often do the worm/caterpillar on the dance floor 3. I ran a marathon with 23 wine tasting stops
Favourite ice breaker
What would you sing in Karaoke?
Last gig I attended?
A friend & I ended up with tickets to see Nathaniel Rateliff. We’d never heard of him before we went and didn’t realise we should have worn a Stetson and a beard. I’ll do anything for a friend.
One of my biggest influences is…
The saying ‘Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today’…which is why I go to bed very late.
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What the data says
Popular frequently asked questions
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How do your trainers and facilitators approach diversity, equity and inclusion?
We strongly believe in creating and delivering courses and workshops that are inclusive and accessible. We have continually adapted our programmes to suit a diverse range of audiences, recognising that different people and different brains work in different ways. Through the pre-work we ask participants to complete, we are able to identify the specific needs and learning preferences of participants and adapt accordingly. We strive to create a safe space that helps participants step out of their comfort zone in an environment where they feel supported.
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How do you support participants who are nervous about public speaking?
We promote the psychological safety of participants from the moment the session starts, as public speaking can be a very daunting experience for many. Drawing on psychology models, we help participants to better understand their brain, the way they respond to pressure and how to better manage their ‘interference’.
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What prior experience is required to be successful in these courses?
No prior experience is required – we have trained everyone from interns to CEOs and leading public figures. The most important contributor to success is attitude and a good attitude is what we appreciate and value the most as trainers. It is important to remember that success in these courses will look different for everyone – not all participants will have the same transformations and that is completely fine.
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How does a face-to-face session compare to a virtual session?
We have received fantastic feedback for both formats and the quality and outcomes of both courses are the same. Offering both face to face and virtual sessions allows us to tailor the course to suit delegate preferences, which differ by team and organisation. It also helps us to equip participants to be confident communicators in our increasingly hybrid world.
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How do you make the learning stick beyond the session itself?
Feedback from delegates says that the unique data we provide them with – personalised pitch, pace and sentence analysis – is something that stays with them for months and years after the training. The worksheets and materials used during the session are also provided as an aide memoir, and trainers respond to any follow-up questions by email, or work with individuals 1:1 over a course of six months to keep refreshing the learning. Finally, we invite delegates to sign up to a twice a year email which brings the learning back to the top of their inbox and mind, offering fresh tips.