about Us

Why Fortify Communications?

Your staff are your front line.  Their communication impacts every facet of your operational success, from corporate image to sales, employee morale to innovation.  With over 20-years operational experience with the Queensland Police Service; 12-years experience as a Police Hostage Negotiator; 10-years experience as a Counter-Terrorism Hostage Negotiator for the Australian Government; and 15-years as a Barrister-at-Law, Patrick Van Grinsven founded Fortify Communications in 2008 in response to requests to share his captivating experiences. 

Through the light-hearted wit of hindsight, he pinpoints his pivotal communications tactics and most importantly demonstrates how these skills can be adapted to his audience's unique circumstances.  Upon completion, your staff will return to their front line with a tailored communications toolkit, empowered to achieve their goals and ultimately your success!

Fortify Communications is a bespoke communications skills consultancy and training provider that develops and delivers various workshops and presentations that are contextualised to the specific needs of any organisation, be that government or private sector.

Why the reference to the game of chess?

The game of chess is one of strategy, persistence, masterful positioning and one where its players become better with practise and learning from their opponents, regardless of victory or defeat.  There is a reason why this widespread and simple to grasp board game has become an ageless and enduring pastime for many, throughout history and around the world. By observing and learning the techniques used to win purposefully at chess; you can learn a great deal on how you can win, purposefully, at life.

Once taught, implemented and practiced, effective communications skills and strategies can greatly enhance a person's ability to not only achieve their personal goals in their private lives, but to also further their professional careers in the workplace and to achieve the operational success for any business. 

Fortify Communications teaches enhanced techniques and tactics for strategic communications positioning that maximises your ability to achieve your goal, and in that way is not dissimilar to the great game of chess.