Episode 28: Chris Grimes

by | Feb 15, 2022 | Coaching outdoors, Highlights

“The ‘Clearing’ is an oxygenated space where anything is possible. It is linked to the improvisation mindset ‘’yes and…” I use this as a space to coach in”

Comedy meets coaching with trained actor, teacher and comedy improvisation performer, Chris Grimes who blends these three performance disciplines to inform his engaging, innovative and powerful approach to Personal Impact coaching.

From Uganda, Bristol and Gifford’s Circus we discover the threads of Chris’ backstory which have converged to form his coaching work in ‘The Clearing’. This is a space and place to think, free from clutter and full of inspiration.

Self-described ‘Sherpa with a flip chart’ Chris also collaborates with Dave Stewart for transformational journeys in the Scottish Highlands where the power of co-coaching, storytelling, a “yes and…” mindset and a healthy dollop of laughter collide.

Listen to the podcast

Watch the podcast

Our guest

“My all time comic hero is Stan Laurel. He was the first comedian, comic actor and ‘vaudevillian’ that really made me laugh. I was 7 years old and living in Uganda at the time – and I’ve been grateful to Stan Laurel for the positive influence that he brings ever since.

As an inspiration, compass and as a general ‘style guide’ to my approach as a Facilitator & Coach, Stan Laurel reminds me to keep it funny and engaging – to keep it clear and accessible – and above all else – to keep it kind, underpinned by generosity, humility and warmth”.

As a trained actor, teacher and comedy improvisation performer, Chris draws on all 3 performance disciplines to inform his engaging, innovative and powerful approach to Personal Impact coaching.

He is a graduate both of the Central School of Speech & Drama and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

His passion is using the art of Storytelling to help leaders project themselves with a strong sense of energy, clarity and authenticity.

He specialises in Presence & Personal Impact: How to become the best that you possibly can be as a communicator.

He has worked in the Corporate arena – across all levels of seniority, with individuals, teams and with large audiences – for the last 21 years.

Alongside his coaching & facilitation work, Chris is also Artistic Director of the highly acclaimed Comedy Improvisation Company, INSTANT WIT.

He frequently runs Comedy Improvisation Masterclasses to explore the underlying technique and enjoyment of Comedy Improvisation, along with its powerful “yes and…” mindset to decision making & creativity.