Personal communication coach
About me
I’ve spent most of my working life standing in front of people.
First as an actor. Today as a communication coach.
The common thread is the same:
That moment when something moves from simply being said – to actually being heard.
Many people in Denmark know me as Mads Pihl from Anna Pihl.
But for me, the stage has always been more than roles and lines.
It’s where I learned what happens when a person dares to step forward – with something that truly matters.
I’ve carried that experience into my work today.
I work with leaders, specialists, and teams who have something important to say – but don’t always feel it comes across.
Not because they lack knowledge.
But because the delivery, the presence, and the courage to stand in it are not fully there yet.
That’s where I come in.
Below, you’ll find a selection of my background and experience.
Teaching & Coaching
(1988 – Present)
I work with personal communication training in a business context – both through focused keynote talks and longer-term programmes in companies and organisations.
My work includes talks and masterclasses in business networks as well as tailored programmes and one-to-one coaching. Often in situations where something is at stake: important presentations, leadership responsibilities, change processes, client meetings or internal situations that require clarity and presence.
All programmes are adapted to the specific context and the people involved. Some need structure and practical tools. Others need calm, confidence and impact. Most need both.
(Selected collaborations and references can be found on the references page.)
Acting career
Theater
Odense Teater & Nørrebro Teater | August 2020 – Present Highlights:
“Every brilliant thing” – A solo performance at Nørrebro Teater and Odense Teater (2020 & 2022), earning a Reumert nomination in 2021.
“The European Slaughterhouse” – A five-hour Shakespeare marathon at Odense Teater (2022), directed by Tue Biering.
“An Enemy of the People” – Performed at Nørrebro Teater and Odense Teater (2022), directed by Victor Tjerneld.
Theater Mungo Park Kolding | August 2012 – June 2020 Highlights:
“De Stuerene” – A performance about the Danish People’s Party entering politics.
“The Motorist” – A solo performance inspired by how people transform when behind the wheel.
“The Smile Is the Shortest Distance” – A nonverbal performance inspired by Victor Borge’s universe.
“Anne-Marie Married Carl Nielsen” – A performance about the renowned artist couple Carl Nielsen and Anne Marie Brodersen.
Freelance actor | August 1999 – August 2012
Performed at The Royal Danish Theatre, Betty Nansen Theatre, Teater Grob, Folketeatret, and Østre Gasværk.
Highlights:
“Hjem Kære Hjem”, Teater
“Hjem Kære Hjem” – Teater Grob (2007). Named the most important theater production of the 2000s by Politiken. Received the Bikuben Foundation and Reumert Jury Prize.
“A Dream Play” – Betty Nansen Theatre (2008). Winner of the Bikuben Foundation and Reumert Jury Prize for Performance of the Year.
“Hamlet” – Opening production at the Royal Danish Theatre’s new Playhouse (2008).
Film highlights
2016 – Anti (Simon’s Father), directed by Morten Boesdal Halvorsen.
2016 – Antboy 3 (Simon’s Father), directed by Ask Hasselbalch.
2014 – The Cartel, directed by Charlotte Sachs Bostrup (Nordisk Film).
2013 – Antboy (Simon’s Father), directed by Ask Hasselbalch (Nimbus Film).
2008 – Völvens Forbandelse (Father), directed by Mogens Hagedorn (Cosmo Film).
2007 – Fighter (Student Counselor), directed by Natasha Arthy (Nimbus Film).
2007 – Island of Lost Souls (Oliver’s Stepfather), directed by Nikolaj Arcel (Zentropa Film).
2006 – A Soap (Kristian), directed by Pernille Fischer Christensen (Nimbus Film).
2005 – Friends (Lars), directed by Charlotte Sachs Bostrup (Fridtjof Film).
2004 – Kongekabale (Martin Hald), directed by Nikolaj Arcel (Nimbus Film).
2004 – The Gregersen Family (Jacob), directed by Charlotte Sachs Bostrup (Ragner Grasten Film).
2002 – The Climbing Girl (Journalist Hans), directed by Fabian Wullenweber (Nimbus Film).
TV highlights
2023 – Anker (Jens Otto Kragh, TV2).
2022 – Dopamin (Peter, Discovery).
2020 – Sommerdahl (John Frandsen, TV2).
2020 – Efterforskningen (Lennart Stauner, TV2).
2016 – Deception (Mr. Christensen’s Lawyer, DR).
2009 – Big Dreams (Thomas, lead role), directed by Adam Neutzsky-Wulff & Kari Vidø.
2007 – Familien Gregersen (4 episodes, Jacob, TV2).
2007-08 – Anna Pihl (Seasons 1-3, 30 episodes, Mads, TV2).
2005 – Klovn (Episode 1, Frank’s Neighbor, TV2 ZULU).
2003 – Jesus & Josefine (Christmas Calendar, Roman Soldier, TV2).
2003 – Nikolaj og Julie (Episode 11, Thomas, DR).
2000 – Rejseholdet (Episode 1, Jonas Friis, DR1).
Commercials highlights
MitID Campaign
Kellogg’s “All Bran”
Carlsberg – “A Couple of Carlsberg on the Table”
Arla – “Buko Fresh Cheese”
Frihedsbrevet