#126 Dominic Colenso The Actor, The Algorithm, and The Awkward Presentation
Mon Jan 05 2026
In this episode of and. Double D, Dave and Debbie speak with actor-turned-communication-expert Dominic Colenso, exploring the journey from starring in Thunderbirds to becoming a renowned coach, speaker, and author of Cut Through.
We discuss the power of performance skills beyond the stage, the neuroscience of communication, and how to reduce complexity to land messages with real impact.
Dominic shares insights into human laziness, the distractions of AI, the danger of rushing, and how stopping, listening, and creating space is vital for effective communication. Expect vulnerability, storytelling, and moments of real clarity on what it means to lead and speak with purpose today.
Mic 🎤 drops
“The more time I spend looking out the window, the more able I am to articulate ideas and use them in a more impactful way.” (22:03)
“We often think we have to tell people everything we know to show how brilliant we are. In reality, that’s just rubbish.” (19:36)
“I didn’t tell anyone I was cast in Thunderbirds because I didn’t believe it was true.” (05:32)
“When I was at drama school, we thought breathwork helped us project our voices. What we didn’t realise is we were regulating our nervous system.” (16:00)
“I’m both delighted and petrified by AI.” (25:12)
“She googled ‘sustainable Christmas poem’ and Google wrote one for her. Before she’d even thought, her creativity was benchmarked.” (26:34)
“What’s the point of writing a book when ChatGPT can spit out 60,000 words on communication?” (30:09)
“Leadership development should feel like a rehearsal room you pause, you rewind, you try again.” (14:13)
“I was a very introverted performer. I’d blush going on stage. But there was something about being in front of a group that lit me up.” (03:10)
More
In this episode of and. Double D, Dave and Debbie speak with actor-turned-communication-expert Dominic Colenso, exploring the journey from starring in Thunderbirds to becoming a renowned coach, speaker, and author of Cut Through. We discuss the power of performance skills beyond the stage, the neuroscience of communication, and how to reduce complexity to land messages with real impact. Dominic shares insights into human laziness, the distractions of AI, the danger of rushing, and how stopping, listening, and creating space is vital for effective communication. Expect vulnerability, storytelling, and moments of real clarity on what it means to lead and speak with purpose today. Mic 🎤 drops “The more time I spend looking out the window, the more able I am to articulate ideas and use them in a more impactful way.” (22:03) “We often think we have to tell people everything we know to show how brilliant we are. In reality, that’s just rubbish.” (19:36) “I didn’t tell anyone I was cast in Thunderbirds because I didn’t believe it was true.” (05:32) “When I was at drama school, we thought breathwork helped us project our voices. What we didn’t realise is we were regulating our nervous system.” (16:00) “I’m both delighted and petrified by AI.” (25:12) “She googled ‘sustainable Christmas poem’ and Google wrote one for her. Before she’d even thought, her creativity was benchmarked.” (26:34) “What’s the point of writing a book when ChatGPT can spit out 60,000 words on communication?” (30:09) “Leadership development should feel like a rehearsal room you pause, you rewind, you try again.” (14:13) “I was a very introverted performer. I’d blush going on stage. But there was something about being in front of a group that lit me up.” (03:10)