We are Katherine Grice and Christie Jennings.

We met at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. After TV & theatre careers, we moved into the world of coaching.

We want to help you become more clear, confident and courageous.

Say hello

We know that women need more support to navigate male dominated environments and the inequality that persists in many workplaces.

That’s why we founded Topbird.

Between us, we’ve got 30 years of experience and plenty of tricks up our sleeves. We use drama training techniques and our combined experience to enhance communication in organisations.

  • Katherine spent 15 years as a working actress performing with the the Royal Shakespeare Company, English National Theatre, New Vic Theatre and the Royal Court, and starring in TV shows such as The Bill, Casualty, Building The Titanic and Call Red. 

    After having two children, in 2005 Katherine retrained as a facilitator and coach with Impact Factory. She specialises in Presentation and Leadership. Some of the businesses she's worked with include Google, Barclays, Ocado, CVC Capital Partners, ING Bank, EDF Energy and Eurofighter.

    In 2021, Christie and Katherine founded Topbird with a vision to provide bespoke coaching and training services that can empower professionals and support a diverse and equitable workforce. 

    Katherine has two rescue cats, Thelma and Louise.

  • After her drama school training Christie worked in TV and theatre for 10 years before making the transition to leadership development. 

    She is a founding associate of Practive where she has worked extensively as a coach and facilitator. 

    A large part of the work has been within the NHS and the senior Civil Service. She also writes, designs and delivers various leadership programmes. She has a specific interest in women’s leadership eg. creating a programme called Find Your Voice, that runs in creative spaces such as the Baltic Art gallery in Newcastle and the Soho Theatre. 

    Alongside her public sector experience, Christie has worked with clients such as PwC, Allen & Overy, White & Case, Shaftesbury Capital, JWT, and Merck Pharma.

    She lives with her son and her naughty dog called Jumble in East London.

Our Journey

  • We met in early 90s Bristol →

    Pictured at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 1991 (we’ve known each other a long time!)

  • We brought our theatre skills to the boardroom →

    After careers in TV and theatre, we both transitioned into coaching and facilitation…

  • We sketched out an idea in lockdown →

    During a lockdown catch up, an iPhone sketch was drawn…

  • Topbird was born!

    Four years and countless workshops later... (and still no arguments!)

Work with us

Drop us a message to find out how we can support you or your organisation.