Cilian is a Director of Stillwater Communications and is one of Ireland’s leading communications and messaging development consultants. He is known for his authenticity, passion and understanding of storytelling and communication, and works with leaders across all sectors in Ireland and internationally. His experience in media, politics, business and the NGO sector has given Cilian a deep understanding of how society works and he uses this understanding to give relevant and timely strategic advice.

Cilian grew up in Connemara in the west of Ireland where he developed a love for storytelling. After travelling extensively as a fisherman and sailor he began a successful career in television. His experiences as producer of the Late Late Show in RTÉ and Head of Programmes in TG4 gave him an insight into communication, connection and engagement with a wide range of audiences. This led him to a further exploration of narrative, mythology and belief systems which he uses widely in his work today.

Cilian has successfully adapted the story model to a business model and now helps companies, teams and individuals to discover, develop and deliver their story effectively. Working with narrative inquiry he guides organisations to find the true story that drives them and helps them articulate it to their various audiences. He works as a strategic advisor, coach and consultant to some of the world’s biggest organisations and has worked with domestic and multinational companies in Ireland, UK, US, Middle East and Asia. He also works with state and semi-state bodies such as the Department of An Taoiseach, ESB, Dublin Bus and RTÉ in the areas of media training, corporate messaging, and communications strategies.

Cilian also has extensive experience coaching start-ups and established businesses that are pitching for investment or growth opportunities. He is a regular contributor to technology incubators and start-up bootcamps in San Francisco, London and Dublin, helping teams to hone their stories and deliver compelling pitches.

Cilian is a regular speaker at seminars and conferences in Ireland and abroad and in 2016 was the Creator & Producer of RTÉ’s award-winning Centenaryshow.

“Know your story or die”

Cilian recently spoke to Evelyn O’Rourke on RTÉ Radio 1’s Business Showabout the importance of Storytelling for Business.