Meet the McGuire Method TEAM
Our team has worked with:
Our work with AWS Pitch What’s Possible:
CEO & FOUNDER: Allison McGuire
Allison is the creator of the McGuire Method and CEO of McGuire Enterprises.
She’s worked as a communications professional — from actress to politico to entrepreneur — for over two decades.
Allison translated her acting skills into business, founding four companies, appearing in various media outlets, presenting to a wide variety of audiences, and winning every pitch competition she’s entered.
With those learnings, she created the McGuire Method, translating performance techniques into real life. She and her coaches teach the Method to innovators worldwide, including top executives, ambitious go-getters, and hustling startup founders.
Formerly, Allison was a tech entrepreneur and politico, working in national security and human rights advocacy for both the US House of Representatives and UK Parliament. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts and Political Science from top acting conservatory program, Boston University.
Allison has delivered keynote speeches, guest lectured, and presented across the world, including at China's Global Business Innovation Summit, SXSW, Plug & Play, BMW iVentures, NYU, UCLA, USC, Columbia University, Goldman Sachs, AWS, Vistage, and Pharrell's From One Hand to Another.
TOP COMMUNICATION TIP: Working with a McGuire Method coach that will challenge you to get out of your comfort zone will ensure you communicate powerfully and with confidence.
Learn more about booking Allison for your next keynote speech here.
CAST: LEAD COACH
COACH MAURA : The silliness of Lucille Ball meets the courage of a Jean-Claude Van Damme movie…minus the martial arts.
Los Angeles, CA
Maura’s superpower as a coach is transforming anxiety into action. She helps you get out of your head and start making actionable progress towards your goals. Whether it’s pitching, negotiating, or learning how to enter a room powerfully, Maura loves helping McGuire Method clients step into their authentic selves. As a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, she brings over a decade of acting experience to her unique coaching style. In addition to her work in front of the camera, Maura is a professional photographer and, during shoots, ensures you look your best. Fun fact: she never waits in line — figuratively and literally!
TOP TIP:
During stressful situations, listen with your lips parted to remind yourself to keep breathing.
CAST: ENSEMBLE COACHES
COACH ARETHA : The patience of a hunter meets the warmth of the autumn sun.
Denver, CO
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Aretha learned to defy societal expectations and walk her own path. Her passion in helping others to show up as their most authentic selves drove her to join the McGuire Method. As a professional aerialist, dancer, and fitness coach, Aretha taps into the power of mind-body connection. She believes that everyone is a performer on their own stage, and everyone is worthy to take up space. With her master degree in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Denver, Aretha will provide you with a mental agility toolbox of skills to unlock your ownership of the stage!
TOP TIP:
Understand what state your mind and body need to be in before any presentation and practice getting into that state. Build a pre-performance routine to get yourself into the ZONE!
COACH CLAUDIA: The calm of savasana meets the caffeine-fueled enthusiasm of a last-minute marketing brainstorm.
New York, NY
Claudia is a Certified Professional Coach with over a decade of experience in corporate marketing and communications, where she has managed dynamic teams and mastered the art of impactful storytelling. As a Communications Coach with the McGuire Method, Claudia draws on her extensive background — including certifications in Yoga and Meditation — to help individuals unlock their authentic voice, cultivate presence, and communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
TOP TIP:
Nerves are just energy looking for direction. You can channel them through a deep breath, which fuels your presence, not your panic.
COACH DELA: The persistence of Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride meets the comfort of a chicken pot pie.
New York, NY
Stemming from her background as both a teaching artist and film/theater actor, Dela believes in the immense power of effective storytelling and its ability to shape the minds and hearts of your audience. Whether her clients are getting ready to pitch or negotiate, Dela is passionate about helping you execute with precision and confidence. She received her Master’s Degree from NYU’s Graduate Acting Program and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from UC Berkeley in Communication.
TOP TIP:
Do not fear the pause. A pause is an opportunity to be deliberate and triggers your audience to lean in and pay close attention to what’s next.
COACH ERIN: The warmth of your morning coffee meets the insight of an enthusiastic anthropologist.
New York, NY
Erin spent her formative years in Tokyo, Japan and then, at 13, moved to Indiana. The result? She fled the cornfields to move back to The City — New York City, to be exact — and never looked back. She got her master’s degree from NYU’s Graduate Acting Program and has since made a living acting on Broadway, Film, and TV. You may watch her work on HBO MAX’s Julia or the Showtime series Fellow Travelers. Erin is also an award-winning creator of the clowning series Slapstruck and part of the two-person show Soul Potato — which has delighted audiences in live performance over the past five years.
TOP TIP: Rehearse! Even if you think you don’t need it, rehearse! Even if you already know it, rehearse! Rehearsal is how you come across effortlessly, confidently, and flexibly. Winging it relies on chance; rehearsal prepares you for anything
COACH KIM: The wit and authenticity of Aubrey Plaza from Parks & Rec meets the insightfulness and approachability of Barbara Walters.
New York, NY
Kim is a firm believer in the transformative power of storytelling. With more than two decades of expertise in the field, she's eager to bestow performance wizardry on those looking for real change. She’s taught across the US to a range from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned veterans. Born and bred in the heart of the Lone Star State, Kim's got that go-big-or-go-home attitude. Her fiery passion? Unleashing the inner phoenix within everyone, so they soar with newfound worth and inner fortitude. As a proud alum of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Kim brings an arsenal of know-how from her experience in film, television, and comedy. You might recognize her from various television shows, including The Other Two, New Amsterdam, and Orange Is the New Black.
TOP TIP:
When nerves creep up before a presentation, remember that whoever is on the other side is there because they WANT to be there. They WANT it to be you, are rooting for you, and are on your side.
COACH LIZ: The unwavering determination of Mabel Mora (Only Murders in the Building) meets the adaptability of a seasoned traveler.
Oceanside, CA
Liz grew up in Virginia, where she took every chance to be on stage—theater, chorus, and leadership camp (yes, there is such a thing). Her early career in film set the stage for an unexpected and exciting journey, shaped by the adaptability and resourcefulness she’s honed as a military spouse. Along the way, she’s navigated entertainment, nonprofits, live events, and entrepreneurship. Driven by deep curiosity about how people connect and communicate, Liz earned her MS in Organizational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University, where her thesis focused on identifying KPIs for effective leadership communication. Her mission? To connect the dots—between people, ideas, and opportunities—so others can succeed in any room, on any stage. Analytical, strategic, and quick to laugh, Liz empowers her clients to unlock clarity, command a room, and create lasting influence.
TOP TIP:
Feeling nervous? Engage your audience with a thoughtful question. It creates connection, buys you a moment to breathe, and helps you reset.
COACH MARY: : The warmth of Robin Roberts meets the wit and charisma of Katherine Hepburn.
Carlsbad, CA
Mary is a communications coach, journalist, and former broadcaster with a passion for powerful storytelling. With years of experience in investigative reporting, medical reporting, narrative storytelling, and on-air presentation, Mary has interviewed everyone from world leaders and celebrities to everyday heroes, always seeking the heart of the story. A seasoned media professional, Mary has worked across television, radio, and digital platforms, helping people craft compelling messages and deliver them with confidence. As a coach, Mary specializes in helping clients refine their presence, master clarity under pressure, and connect authentically with any audience.
TOP TIP:
'Fortune favors the prepared,' and in communication that means anticipating your audience's needs. Before any important conversation or presentation, ask yourself: "What are the three most important things my audience needs to know, feel, or do after this interaction?" Answering this will help you structure your message concisely and effectively, ensuring your communication hits the mark.
COACH TIJUANA: The curiosity of Neil deGrasse Tyson meets the warm embrace of Oprah Winfrey.
Los Angeles, CA
Tijuana is a coach, actor, director, and writer based in Los Angeles. She graduated from the Yale School of Drama with an MFA in Acting and has appeared in over 100 episodes of television. You may recognize her from Showtime’s Billions, Hulu’s Tiny Beautiful Things, and Netflix’s Marvel Universe shows. As a director, Tijuana was selected to be a part of the Ryan Murphy Productions Half Directing Initiative in 2022; she’s also a member of the Alliance of Women Directors, Women In Film, and the Television Academy. Her work has been shown at multiple Oscar qualifying festivals. Tijuana was also a teaching artist at the Pace University School of Performing Arts, helping them launch the Acting for Film, TV, Voice-overs, and Commercials BFA and a content and performance coach for TedXSeattle speakers, proudly taking them to viral heights.
TOP TIP:
If you’re having trouble memorizing a speech or a pitch, get moving! Practice while going for a walk, a run, or dance around the room. Getting the words into your body will make memorizing a lot easier.
CREW: BACKSTAGE
ANDREW DELANGE is our Design Wizard.
Andrew has worked with Allison McGuire, CEO of McGuire Enterprises, for nearly a decade, including illustrating the Persona cards used in the McGuire Method. His design genius has guided each brand they’ve built together. Andrew specializes in visual storytelling and illustration. Whether it’s animation, pitch decks, websites, or branding, he has a passion for taking ideas and maturing them into engaging and imaginative stories. He’s worked on top projects across many industries, from television to virtual reality, UI/UX, web-design, and pitch deck design. He’s illustrated for Rick and Morty, Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, Trover Saves the Universe, and currently illustrates for Fox animation and Netflix. He co-founded the Walc app and led all branding and design. His pitch decks win competitions as he has a knack for turning complex concepts into elegant messages that drive the point home. He’ll build you a deck that’ll blow your audience away.
CATIE MORRIS is our Resident Magician, turning to-dos into ta-das.
Catie first joined the McGuire Method as a trained coach in Season 3, but it quickly became clear her talents extended to other parts of the business. With a background working for SaaS startups, investment firms, theater production, and even real estate, she brings a unique blend of structure, creativity, and entrepreneurial know-how to the team. Now serving as Allison’s right hand, Catie leads operations, project management, hiring, and growth strategy—essentially anything that ensures the business runs smoothly and scales smartly. She's also the go-to support system for our coaching team and the behind-the-scenes force that turns vision into execution. Known as the team’s Swiss Army knife, Catie thrives in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of startup life. Whether she’s refining a process, launching a new initiative, or juggling five things with ease, she brings order to chaos—with just the right dose of humor.
CRISTINA VETENCOURT is our Marketing force.
Don’t fall for Cristina’s sweet demeanor — she’s a force to be reckoned with! As a Florida State alumna in both Marketing and Advertising, Cristina loves understanding the dynamics of a company and how to solve those creatively. Her experience at nonprofits like Susan G. Komen, startups like Crave It, agencies like The Current Agency, B2B companies like Georgia Pacific Gypsum, and B2C companies like Adidas, has allowed her to apply her skillset in changing environments. That eventually lead her to the McGuire Method, where she’s been working in both Marketing and Operations for almost 3 years!
MILLY CHRISTMANN is our HR Lead.
Milly’s no-nonsense attitude keeps the McGuire Method’s running on point. With a focus on building the team’s infrastructure, Milly takes a high-energy, positivity-based business approach that focuses on strategy, people, and process. Milly earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Biochemistry then went back to school mid-career to earn her MBA from Northern Illinois University. A veteran of Fortune 100 companies as well as the startup world, her career has been split between running sales, operations, and human resources functions. Her broad background across not only industries but also functional areas gives her the experience and mental agility to help others advance their own goals – she’s found her sweet spot in collaborating with other passionate leaders to drive winning cultures.
Allison McGuire’s Keynote Speaking Topics
Acting Out Success: Navigating Business Plot Twists
Learn how to build a sustainable startup without traditional reliance on funding. This session unveils strategies to overcome subconscious biases, liberating founders from the arduous slog of constant fundraising.
Allison dissects common missteps and showcase a transformative roadmap that reframes success on your terms, building a startup that defies the conventional pitfalls and stands the test of time.
Most potent for: founders tired of fundraising
Casting Deals: The Theatrics of Negotiation
Elevate your negotiation skills. As a seasoned expert in communication and performance, Allison provides an in-depth exploration of the power of narrative to navigate and excel in any negotiation scenario, from closing a deal to compromising with your spouse!
Discover how harnessing McGuire Method storytelling techniques drive influence and persuasion. This speech provides practical tools to craft persuasive stories, enhance communication strategies, and ultimately empower you to negotiate successfully in any situation.
Most potent for: anyone who likes a deal
Spotlight on Potency: Illuminating Your Power
This dynamic session blends personal empowerment with the expressive art of theatre. As a seasoned performer on a mission to build confidence in all, Allison showcases how using acting principles transform self-discovery and confidence.
Drawing parallels between the stage and everyday life, this keynote equips attendees with tools to embody authenticity, harness inner strength, and confidently navigate life's challenges.
Most potent for: everyone
Scripting the Unscripted: The Artistry of Uncomfortable Conversations
Embark on a journey of profound change and personal growth, conquering the fear of confrontation. This speech serves as a pathway to navigate uncomfortable conversations and transform them into constructive dialogues.
Gain practical McGuire Method strategies to navigate challenging conversations, turning fear into a catalyst for positive change. Join us for an empowering experience that will equip you with the tools to assertively address conflicts, fostering a culture of open communication and paving the way for personal and professional growth.
Most potent for: managers, founders
Confidence on Cue: A Leadership Playbook
Step into the realm of effective leadership. Through riveting anecdotes and practical insights, Allison unveils the critical connection between confidence and successful leadership.
Glean valuable strategies to overcome self-doubt, embrace challenges, and foster an unshakable sense of assurance within themselves and their teams. This transformative talk promises to equip leaders at all levels with the tools to navigate complexities and inspire with authenticity, leaving an indelible mark on their leadership journey.
Most potent for: ambitious leaders and/or middle to senior management
Curtain Call Catastrophes: An Entrepreneurial Odyssey
Explore the power of reframing failure into resilience. In this vulnerable speech, Allison shares her personal struggles of building businesses.
You’ll walk away with invaluable insights on how to navigate challenges with a positive mindset and turn setbacks into stepping stones for success. This talk shows you how embracing adversity, redefining your relationship with failure, and emerging with newfound resilience, allows you to overcome any obstacle on your path to personal and professional triumph.
Most potent for: anyone building a business or fascinated by the wild world of entrepreneurship