- Expert speaker on leadership, workplace culture, and well-being
- Founder of 'Leading in The Now' leadership initiative
- Author of "Repositioning Donuts: The Five Steps to School Improvement"
Dan Edwards is a speaker, writer, comedian, and former school leader with extensive experience in education and leadership. Having held senior roles in both primary and secondary schools, he most recently served as Principal of a large inner-city primary before transitioning into executive leadership. Throughout his career, he has championed organisational culture, staff well-being, and innovative leadership strategies, advocating for consultation and collaboration at every level.
Drawing on his leadership experience, Dan has written extensively on school improvement, leadership, and workplace culture. His book, Repositioning Donuts: The Five Steps to School Improvement, explores key principles for driving meaningful change within organisations. As a regular columnist, he shares insights on leadership and organisational development, offering practical guidance for professionals across industries. He also founded Leading in The Now, working with businesses and institutions to refine leadership approaches and cultivate resilient, people-centred workplaces.
In addition to his work in leadership and education, Dan has carved out a successful career in comedy and performance. His debut solo show, The Sound of Muzak, premiered at the Leicester Comedy Festival in 2024 to sold-out audiences and critical acclaim. Combining sharp wit with engaging storytelling, he is known for his confident stage presence and ability to connect with audiences.
Dan regularly speaks at national and international events, addressing topics such as leadership, organisational culture, well-being, and creativity. His ability to blend humour with insightful commentary makes him a compelling and engaging speaker for a range of audiences.
Dan's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
Dan Edwards explores authentic leadership by addressing how to inspire staff and foster genuine teamwork within organisations. He emphasises leading with humanity and a light-hearted approach. Key points include self-reflective leadership, developing effective relationships, and creating a supportive organisational culture. Attendees will learn how to lead with love and cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and engaged.
Dan Edwards presents "The 5 C's of Improvement," highlighting that while change is inevitable, it can often be challenging. His approach offers organisations a framework for cultural improvement, enabling them to reflect, prioritise tasks, and implement effective change management strategies. Attendees will learn how to shape their priorities and move forward collectively, gaining insights into organisational reflection, models of implementation, and pathways for managing change.
Dan Edwards addresses the urgent need for change in education, highlighting crumbling well-being and low morale. He emphasises the importance of renewed reflections on well-being and organisational culture, effective leadership models, and strategic planning. Edwards also focuses on staff mental health and retention. Attendees will learn how to collaboratively implement these strategies to improve the educational environment, demonstrating that change is more achievable than it seems.
Dan Edwards presents "MENtal Health," focusing on strategies to foster an inclusive environment that supports emotional well-being and encourages open dialogue among male employees. He addresses the stigma surrounding male mental health and discusses implementing workplace policies that promote psychological safety. By building peer support networks, he aims to foster connection and understanding. Attendees will learn practical tools for leaders to cultivate a more empathetic workplace culture.
Dan Edwards delves into the vital role of creativity in the workplace. He explains how creativity fuels problem-solving, boosts productivity, and drives company growth. Attendees will discover how to foster a culture that nurtures new ideas, embraces diverse perspectives, and inspires teams to think innovatively. They will learn practical techniques to motivate creative problem-solving and overcome barriers in traditional work environments.
Why we recommend booking Dan
Discover Dan Edwards, a dynamic actor, writer, and comedian with a rich background in education leadership. His insights into organizational culture and creativity empower teams to address today's challenges. Book Dan now to transform your business approach.
["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.","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."]
["Laura Burton","Jay Davenport"]
["Senior Education Lead (Primary), SSAT","The Meraki Spark"]
