Writer, Advisor and Speaker

Writer, Advisor and Speaker
Dan Ilett

Welcome to my site. Here you'll find news and information about my writing, advisory and media work.

There's a contact form at the bottom that goes straight to me.

Writing & Journalism

For many years, I wrote about tech, business and sustainability for the Financial Times. I've also written for the Economist Group, The Daily Telegraph, The New York Times and a lot of magazines.

I founded Greenbang (50,000 readers, quoted by UN and European Commission) and was investor and founding editor of Coindesk (1 million readers in six months).

Today I write The Executive Summary - a newsletter that goes to more than 1,000 CEOs on what boards really think. It's insightful, cheeky and has a lot of great feedback from readers. We run events, research, partnerships and C-level introductions.

The Executive Summary: What the Board Really Thinks
The CEO’s Newsletter with Opinion, Analysis, Events and Research from Dan Ilett. Challenge Yourself. Challenge Your Team.

Advisory & Coaching

I took journalism into the corporate world, not as PR but for the investigative, data search for truth on performance combined with communication, presentation and sales excellence for leaders.

I've advised:

  • IBM's top 300 partners on deal communication and sales excellence
  • Microsoft on messaging and media control
  • Cognizant on go-to-market, positioning and playbooks
  • Google, Cisco, Equinix, Fiserv and UK Government departments on narratives and performance

Today I work with CEOs to build the story they want to tell - and take it to market with their teams. Outcomes for my work include:

  • Deal wins of $500m for Fortune technology consultancies
  • Higher win rates for flatlining companies
  • Faster board decisions
  • Happier customers, more confident teams
  • Bigger market share of voice

I do this through a boutique advisory I founded called Tollejo, which works with FTSE and Fortune organisations on B2B growth challenges - customer alignment, sales, marketing and board dynamics. We are brilliant at:

  • Research: Finding answers to difficult questions on how to beat competitors.
  • Creative solutions: Showing companies new ways of looking at themselves
  • Performance audits: Holding up the mirror on customer, message, sales, UX, marketing and board dynamics
Tollejo: Strategic Marketing, Sales & Growth Advisory
We deliver growth - connecting boardrooms to customers, strategies to outcomes, and brands to experiences. Get in touch to start your journey

Speaking

Moses Itauma at The Executive Summary: Live

I regularly host formal dinners and events.

In 2025, I interviewed heavyweight boxing prospect Moses Itauma for The Executive Summary: Live in front of City C-level executives and we are due to do more of these.

CONTACT

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Please get in touch via the contact form