Dan Edwards

Dan Edwards – Former School Leader & Speaker on Leadership & Culture

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.

Throughout his journey of leading change, he has used the ethos and values of care and well-being for all to achieve and sustain a positive and creative educational culture within his work.

Dan’s journey began unconventionally—leaving school with just two GCSE passes and not much more. On leaving education, he worked a variety of jobs, from running a nightclub, cold calling remote farmers to sell them internet connectivity, time as a living statue, a relief care assistant to writing reviews of running shoes.

After some time, he attended night school to secure the qualifications he needed before entering teaching as a mature trainee. Starting as a drama teacher in the inner cities and then concluding his career as a headteacher of a large inner-city primary school in the heart of Leicester.

Dan has always been proud of his working class roots and continues to champion the power of creativity in learning and the impact of arts and culture on social mobility and community cohesion.

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.

A company built on two key pillars: filmmaking and education – intertwined to develop compelling stories for film and television audiences, inspire creativity to amplify diverse, unheard and underrepresented voices, and develop pathways to meaningful employment for those who need support.

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.

DAN EDWARDS SPEAKING TOPICS

Dan Edwards has developed a range of keynote lectures, presentations and workshops for audiences across education and leadership.

AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP

How do we inspire our staff? How do we engage to create a real sense of teamwork within our organisations? The answer: we learn to lead with humanity and offer lighthearted leadership

Key points of focus:

• Self-reflective leadership
• Developing effective relationships
• Creating an organisational culture of support
• Leading with love

THE 5Cs OF IMPROVEMENT – 

The only constant is change, but sometimes change can be difficult. The 5Cs of cultural improvement allow all organisations to reflect, shape their priorities and move forward together.

Key points of focus:

• Organisational reflection
• Models of implementation
• Task prioritisation.
• Pathways for change management

REPOSITIONING  DOUGHNUTS – 

Wellbeing is crumbling, Morale is low. A gathering storm is on the horizon, and education is a breaking point. We have to make things better. Let’s work together to make a change. It’s easier than we think.

Key points of focus:

• Renewed reflections on well-being and organisational culture
• Models of implementation and discussions on effective leadership
• Opportunities to consider strategic planning
• Reflections on staff mental health and retention

MENtal Health

Discover strategies to create an inclusive environment that supports emotional well-being, reduces stigma, and promotes open dialogue among male employees.

Key points of focus:

• Addressing the stigma surrounding male mental health.
• Implementing workplace policies that encourage psychological safety.
• Building peer support networks to foster connection and understanding.
• Practical tools for leaders to create a more empathetic workplace culture.

Harnessing Creativity.

Unlock the power of creativity in your workplace with thus keynote presentation on the importance of fostering innovation and fresh thinking. Creativity isn’t just for artists—it drives problem-solving, enhances productivity, and fuels company growth. Learn how to cultivate a culture that encourages new ideas, embraces diverse perspectives, and inspires your team to think outside the box

Key points of focus:

• The role of creativity in driving innovation and business success.
• How to create a culture that nurtures creative thinking.
• Practical techniques to inspire and motivate creative problem-solving.
• The impact of diversity and collaboration on creative output.
• Overcoming barriers to creativity in traditional work environments.

NEW FOR 2025 – Better People Better Teams

We all know that 2025 will be bring change and challenges to our workplace so what better way to start the year in taking the opportunity to reflect, refine and reimagine our approach to team work, people development and workplace culture.

This 3hr workshop seminar, for leaders across all sectors, encourages the ability to refresh our values, personal leadership skills and reflect on our approaches to leadership and strategic teamwork. We all know the best teams produce the best results so take time to reach out. The session can be delivered to teams of 5 to 500

Dan is also available to host stand-up events.