About Olivia James

About Olivia James

Performance and Confidence Coach — Harley Street, London

I help high achievers overcome public speaking anxiety and professional confidence issues so they can lead, influence, and perform effectively.

What I Do

I work with senior leaders, lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and others to:

  • speak confidently in meetings and interviews;

  • deliver impressive presentations and pitches under pressure; and

  • accept and pursue new opportunities fearlessly and confidently.

Clients come to me when they’re experiencing stage fright, anticipatory anxiety, visceral panic around speaking, including physical and psychological symptoms, mind blanks, or a persistent sense of dread around visibility and performance.

How I Work

My approach is grounded in the science of the human nervous system. Drawing on polyvagal-informed methods and trauma-sensitive techniques, I help clients:

  • Upgrade their confidence and competence so speaking becomes safe

  • Reduce the impact of any negative experiences around speaking and visibility

  • Retrain the body’s threat response so confidence becomes embodied—not flimsy.

When your mind and body are on board, you can perform confidently without getting hijacked by unhelpful anxiety. You can accurately assess the threat in each speaking scenario and efficiently prepare to deliver what is required. Without expending unnecessary energy in worry, losing sleep or over-preparing. You can take speaking in your stride and even come to enjoy it.

Every programme is bespoke. We start with a thorough consultation, then create a treatment plan tailored to your history, goals, timelines, and role demands.

Sessions are offered in person at Harley Street and online worldwide.

Results

After treatment, clients have:

  • delivered successful keynotes and TEDx talks;

  • appeared on TV and high-stakes panels; and

  • taken on leadership opportunities they once avoided.

Feedback frequently mentions a “huge weight lifted,” clarity replacing panic, and memories of difficult events fading into the distance—freeing up focus and presence. And getting excellent feedback from audience members and colleagues. “I can't believe this is really me” and “I’ve got people telling me I’m a great speaker, they love hearing me talk. It’s bizarre!"

About Olivia

I'm a fully qualified and insured coach and complementary therapist licensed to practise at 10 Harley Street. Since the mid‑90s, I've specialised in performance, confidence, and trauma, integrating mind–body modalities and applied neuroscience to achieve rapid, lasting change.

I draw on advanced training in EFT, Systemic Coaching, IEMT, TRE, Provocative Energy Techniques, applied neuroscience, and the Resilience Toolkit.

I have trained internationally with the top experts in each modality.

My insights have appeared in publications including The Financial Times, WIRED, The Independent, The Telegraph, and Psychologies.

Qualifications and Accreditations

Certified EFT Practitioner (Emotional Freedom Techniques)

Systemic Coach (Coaching Constellations), certified by John Whittington

Advanced IEMT Practitioner (Integral Eye Movement Therapy)

Certified TRE Provider (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises), trained with Dr David Berceli

Certificate of Achievement: Advanced Learning in Applied Neuroscience (Neuroscience for Coaches: Changing Habits & Brain Health)

Advanced training in Provocative Energy Techniques (Steve Wells & Dr David Lake)

Resilience Toolkit training (Lumos Transforms, Los Angeles)

Licensed to practise at 10 Harley Street

Ongoing CPD and Supervision

I invest in regular Continued Professional Development 

I have regular supervision with a medically trained psychotherapist.

Work With Me

If you’re ready to speak with authority, present under pressure, and step into opportunity without fear, let’s talk. Confidentiality guaranteed.