Dan Edwards Speaker Focus

Dan Edwards worked in education for many years and has held leadership roles in both the secondary and primary sectors, most recently holding the role of Principal at a large inner city primary school until moving into Executive school leadership.

Having spent time as a writer and performer, Dan founded and became CEO of 52 Stone Film, a TV and film production company based in Leicester.

Dan speaks across the UK and internationally on cultural and creative leadership, people development and the impact of the arts, engaging a wide range of audiences and he took some time out to answer some questions for our Speaker Focus series

Hi Dan, I hope you are well. Your route into teaching was quite unconventional, what was it that first led you into teaching?

I think it was the inspiration of my teachers and the need to ensure that education needed to be engaging and fun. Having worked in a variety of other jobs, and getting into teaching quite late, it allowed me to reflect on the impact of my schooling and, for better or worse, how it had shaped me. I also loved my subject of Drama with a passion and wanted to share that with other

You were most recently (teaching wise) the headteacher of a large inner-city primary school in the heart of Leicester. What would you say was the most challenging aspect of your job?

Establishing the right culture of the school was essential in the change we made and making sure people could understand the ‘WHY?’  Was always tricky. From staff to pupils and, importantly, parents, the challenge was to ensure people could see the bigger picture at all times. 

I know you are passionate about the power of creativity in learning and the impact of the arts – how do the arts help with learning in your view?

It opens doors that others subjects can’t. It allows all children the opportunity to express their views, develop their ideas, character and personality without the rubric or framework of other subjects. Creativity thinking is, and will be,  a hugely important skill that we need to function in a rapidly changing world. It needs to be within everything we do. 

Two of the talks you do ‘Repositiong Doughnuts” and “MENtal Health” have a strong focus on wellbeing in the workplace. How important is it for organisations to create an atmosphere where there can be more open dialogue about mental health?

Massive. The world is a tough place right now and our workplaces are where we spend most of our times. If we can’t express and share our feelings, feel supported and have clear structures in place, we soon find ourselves in an unproductive and ineffective team.

I was very fortunate to watch you perform your stand up show in Camden last year (which was excellent). What made you take your step into stand up and are you likely to revisit is again soon?

Ha! Maybe but I try to bring that element of performance into my keynotes. The story is the important element in ensuring all delegates can get the message. I feel I’m lucky to be in a space where I can bring those skills to the forefront to support businesses and organisations on their journey.

You are now the founder of 52 Stone, a film and TV production company? Tell me a little about the company and what they do? 

Essentially we develop ideas and content for TV and Film. We are working on a really exciting slate of ideas at present and we can’t wait to start sharing this with others. Futhermore, we also have a not-for-profit element of the company that support disadvantaged young people and adults to access skills and training within this industry.

Lastly, I know you recently went to music festival, who is the best music act you have seen live?

I’m now back and, perhaps, a little tired. That’s such a hard question but based on the last week, it would have to be Green Day! – Epic

For more information on Dan please contact us on 020 8854 7247 or email enquiries@scampspeakers.co.uk or visit his webpage.