How Dr. Alexander McWilliam Built Improv for Business from the Stage to the Boardroom

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Olivia Sammons, Dr. Alexander McWilliam, Founder and Managing Director of Improv for Business, shares how he transitioned from a trained actor into a specialist in communication, presentation skills, and public speaking anxiety. Drawing on his background in performance and his PhD research focused on public speaking anxiety and performing under pressure, Alex explains how he identified a clear gap in the corporate world—brilliant professionals who lack the confidence and communication tools to present effectively. What began as casual coaching between acting gigs evolved into a highly specialized consultancy blending performance psychology with improvisation to help leaders and teams communicate with clarity and impact.Alex dives into how Improv for Business works with both executives and teams through tailored assessments, customized training programs, and practical improv-based techniques that unlock confidence and authenticity. He discusses the power of focusing on a clear niche rather than spreading too thin, the importance of visibility in a crowded market, and why scaling is ultimately a numbers game rooted in persistence and adaptability. The episode closes with powerful advice for founders: compare yourself only to who you were yesterday—not to anyone else’s highlight reel—and build from there.