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Dan Edwards is an award-nominated performer and writer known for creating dynamic works for both stage and screen. He is also a former teacher and school leader and current expert on schools and education.
He worked in education for many years and 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.
As a performer, his debut solo show, The Sound of Muzak, made a splash at the 2024 Leicester Comedy Festival, playing to sold-out crowds and earning a nomination for The Audience Choice Award. Following its success, the show toured at national fringe festivals and venues throughout the summer of 2024.
In addition to his work in theatre, Dan has developed a range of keynote lectures, presentations and workshops for audiences across education and leadership. He also hosts the podcast Dan Edwards Has Questions and writes and narrates a monthly storytelling podcast, A Quiet Night’s Sleep.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book award-nominated performer, writer, and former education leader Dan Edwards for your next event.
Dan Edwards comes from a small town in the UK, where his love for acting began at an early age. Growing up, he was heavily involved in local theatre, where he first discovered his passion for storytelling and performing. This early exposure to drama set the foundation for what would become a promising career in acting.
After honing his skills in school plays and community theatre, Edwards decided to pursue acting professionally. He enrolled in one of the UK’s prestigious drama schools, where he received formal training in acting techniques, voice work, and stagecraft.
He worked in education for many years and has held leadership roles in both the secondary and primary sectors. Most recently, he was Principal at a large inner-city primary school before moving into Executive school leadership.

Dan has developed a range of keynote talks, presentations and workshops for audiences across education and leadership. These include:
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 wellbeing 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
The important issue of men’s mental health is explored in this presentation by Dan Edwards. 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
In this keynote presentation, Dan Edwards helps people learn the power of creativity in their workplace. He shares 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.
EXPLORING THE ARTS
In this talk, Dan Edwards explores the transformative power of drama in education and childhood development. In a post covid world, Drama encourages self-expression, enhances communication skills, and fosters empathy in young minds. Discover how this creative discipline not only enriches
learning but also builds confidence, resilience, and social skills that last a lifetime.
Key points of focus:
– The role of drama in enhancing emotional and social development.
– How drama boosts creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities.
– Building confidence and communication skills through performance and play.
– The importance of drama in fostering empathy and understanding of others.
– Integrating drama into the curriculum to support holistic learning.
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.
In this 3hr workshop seminar, Dan Edwards addresses 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.
Dan Edwards presented at our national SSAT Primary Conference in 2021 and shared his insight into effective leadership during challenging circumstances, using a case study of how he kept his school community connected during the coronavirus pandemic. He is a confident and engaging speaker, using practical and relatable examples to illustrate key learning points.Laura Burton – Senior Education Lead (Primary) SSAT
Having met Dan in a range of professional circumstances I was impressed by his knowledge and expertise in all areas of educational leadership. He was able to facilitate an impressive and engaging session for middle leaders from across all phases who were looking to move into senior leadership. Dan has a deep understanding of both the mechanics and human side of leadership – Jay Davenport – The Meraki Spark