Justin O'Brien

Who I Am
I’m Justin O’Brien — an executive communication coach, trainer, and university lecturer with more than 25 years’ experience helping professionals communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively in high‑stakes situations.

My work blends practical techniques, simple structures, and research‑aligned methods to help people speak with clarity, manage nerves, handle pressure, and deliver messages that land.

My Background
Before coaching full‑time, I spent 18 years working across industry sectors including construction, technology, renewables, education, and government.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve coached individuals and delivered training programs focused on communication, presentation skills, influencing, leadership capability, and professional confidence.

Academic Work & Teaching
I hold a Master’s in Digital and Social Media, where my research explored how artificial intelligence can support the instructional design of online leadership programs. I later adapted this work into the AI‑Enabled Leadership model I use today.

I also teach as a sessional lecturer at Swinburne University, working with postgraduate students in the Master’s program to develop communication capability and leadership effectiveness.

How I Work
Clients come to me for a mix of practical tools and evidence‑aligned techniques they can use immediately. This includes:
• strategies for managing nerves and speaking under pressure
• clear, repeatable presentation and communication structures
• coaching to improve clarity, presence, and impact
• techniques for staying composed in challenging situations
• guidance on designing messages for senior, busy, or technical audiences

Some people want deeper development; others want simple tips, techniques, and structure. I work with both.

What I Believe
• Clear communication is a skill anyone can develop.
• People improve when they understand how communication works, not just what to say.
• Pressure affects performance — preparation and structure change everything.
• Great communicators aren’t fearless; they’re prepared.

Who I Work With
I support:
• emerging and senior leaders
• technical experts who need to communicate complexity clearly
• professionals preparing for high‑stakes presentations or reviews
• teams wanting to lift communication capability quickly
• people who want to feel more confident and effective when they speak

If you’d like support building your communication capability, you can explore coaching, workshops, or my diagnostic session to understand your strengths and development priorities.