Theme: De-Coded

In 2024, TEDx Doncaster returns with an exhilarating theme, "Decoded." This theme is a call to explore the hidden meanings, unravel the complexities, and unlock the secrets that shape our world. From deciphering the mysteries of technology to understanding the enigma of human behaviour, "Decoded" invites us to uncover the profound truths that often lie beneath the surface. It's about breaking down barriers, revealing the underlying patterns, and shedding light on the obscured aspects of our existence. Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery, where knowledge becomes the key to understanding our rapidly changing world.

In the spirit of celebrating the talents within Doncaster, the event will feature live entertainment from some of the region's most gifted performers. From captivating musical acts to thought-provoking art installations, Doncastrian artists will take centre stage, providing a local flavour to this global event.

TEDx Doncaster 2024 promises to be a day of intellectual stimulation, inspiration, and entertainment, all set against the backdrop of the "Decoded" theme. Mark your calendar for July 21st, 2024, at the CAST Theatre in Doncaster, and be prepared to unlock the secrets of our ever-evolving world.

CAST Theatre
Sir Nigel Gresley Square
Waterdale
Doncaster, Doncaster, DN1 3BU
United Kingdom

Adam Shilton

Technologist

Adam is a technologist, speaker and entrepreneur who helps high-performing individuals create more time for their passions, using technology as the ultimate form of leverage. He has a following over over 25,000 people, has been recognised as LinkedIn Top Voice & AI Influencer, and has spent 10 years working with tech. Adam advocates for tech as a force for good in solving the world’s biggest challenges, one tech-empowered individual at a time.

Darcy Rose

Singer Singwriter

Darcy Rose is a 15-year-old singer/songwriter who creates music from the soul. Darcy is heavily inspired by musicians like Melanie Martinez, Billie Eilish and Jazmin Bean. Darcy writes about sensitive topics that aren’t very commonly talked upon which helps people connect more deeply with her writing. Darcy has performed at places like Tramlines Festival, T-Fest and various other venues around the UK. She started songwriting at 9 years old and decided to begin her career at 11.

Dr Simon Duffy

Social Activist

Dr Simon Duffy is a philosopher and social activist, based in Sheffield. He has written several books, most recently Everyday Citizenship, with Wendy Perez, a friend and colleague with learning disabilities. Simon believes that everybody matters and that we need to create a world of citizenship to tackle the big problems of today. He is Director of the Citizen Network Research, President of Citizen Network Coop and Chair of Citizen’s Basic Income Trust. In 2008 he was awarded the RSA’s Prince Albert Medal for inventing personal budgets in social care. He has worked closely with Doncaster’s People-Focused Group since its beginning and is involved in a wide range of projects to reform democracy, the economy and public services.

Emma McSkelly

Founder and CEO

Hailing from the vibrant city of Doncaster, Emma McSkelly stands as a testament to the transformative power of local entrepreneurship and global impact. As the co-founder and CEO of NCM, Emma's journey is not just one of business success, but also of reshaping the very landscape of commerce with a keen focus on sustainability and social responsibility. From its modest beginnings in 2012, with just two employees, one laptop, and a shared mobile phone, NCM has burgeoned into a pioneering force in the industry. Emma's relentless pursuit of innovation, coupled with her unwavering commitment to ethical practices, has propelled NCM to remarkable heights.

Estelle Pearce

Digital Artist / Digital Fashion Designer / Educator

As a trailblazing digital artist, Estelle epitomizes innovation and sustainability in the ever-evolving realm of art and design. With a master's degree and over 15 years of industry experience, Estelle's journey reflects a profound commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining artistic expression. When the pandemic disrupted traditional artistic practices, Estelle seized the opportunity to pivot towards digital art, a decision that not only sustained her workflow but also ignited a passion for sustainable solutions. Embracing 3D tools and digital developments, she found newfound creative freedom, unfettered by concerns of excess waste. Estelle's visionary work has graced diverse platforms, from static installations to virtual environments and prestigious publications. Estelle's contributions to Digital Fashion Week in New York and London have captivated audiences, showcasing collections and animations that seamlessly blend artistry with technological prowess.

Freddie Jackson

Digital Marketeer

Freddie Jackson, a seasoned digital marketer with over 6 years of experience, delves into the intricacies of interpersonal interactions in the digital realm to promote mental well-being. Drawing from his expertise in consumer psychology and a passion for sustainability, Freddie explores the nexus between environmental consciousness, technology, and mental health, offering invaluable insights for navigating the digital landscape with mindfulness and purpose. Armed with a degree from the University of Derby and honed skills in consumer psychology, Freddie Jackson brings a unique perspective to the stage. Through his TEDx talk, Freddie aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions that prioritize both personal well-being and our planet's sustainability, catalysing global change.

Gemma Peebles

Founder and Principal Harrison College

Gemma Peebles is the founder, CEO and top rhino of Harrison College. Throughout her career in education, she has worked with young people to achieve their dreams and aspirations. She has always focused on the right person, the right course and the right place. The motto of Harrison College is ‘Your Future, Your Choice’. Gemma and her team encourage all young people to take ownership of their future and make choices that will start them on their journey. Gemma is also working with the business community both as a patron and non-executive board member of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce to encourage employers to tap into hidden talent, those currently not in work that are neurodiverse. Gemma also sits on the SYSAB and Education Advisory Board for Skills Street.

Heather Elkington

Leadership Consultant

Between the ages of 21-26, Heather's career journey saw her go from Assistant Manager in Harrods to scaling a company to £2m+ revenue, exiting for 8 figures and then moving into a Director role at a FTSE100 Corporate with 11,000 employees managing five different teams. Heather has now left the corporate world to teach new managers across the globe the unique frameworks and systems she used to have all these huge career and business successes in her 20s. Heather is a public speaker, online educator and sought-after trainer in leadership and people excellence.

Kid Blue

Singer Songwriter

Kid Blue is a hip-hop artist from Sheffield and is also a part of a collective in Doncaster called GSD Kid Blue likes to highlight an authentic vibe in her music that states even if you have come from a place of difficulty and challenge there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Lewis Milla

Singer Songwriter

Milla, an artist who is rising out of his hometown Doncaster who infuses a selection of RNB funk and pop in his most often high-energy sound. Working alongside Doncaster’s very own collective GSD he’s making a sure name for himself by performing live on BBC Introducing, having his latest track played on future hits radio and many other radio stations alike! Milla has a more than life energy when it comes to performing his influences Prince, Michael Jackson and James Brown all have a major part to play in that. Overall Milla’s goal is to be his own definition of what an artist means to him one who respects and works tirelessly on perfecting his craft to become the best artist one can be.

Steve Quayle

Executive Coach

With nearly four decades of experience in direct sales and over twenty years of collaborating with the world's leading personal development and mindset experts, Steve's mission is to help teams reach their highest levels of peak performance and unlock their true potential. As a dynamic sales trainer and communication expert, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to the table. His training methods are not just enlightening; they're highly effective, yielding tangible results for teams across various industries. Steve's approach is hands-on and experiential. He doesn't just talk the talk; he walks the walk. Whether it's demonstrating sales techniques in real-time or providing personalized coaching, Steve's expertise shines through, empowering teams to sell more and be more.

Warren Fearn

Associate Professor - York St John University

Warren began his career as a ‘Virtual Set Designer’ developing 3D virtual environments for television – this included working on the first children’s interactive television programme, BamZooki. Over time, he transferred into the BBC 3DFX department concentrating on 3D motion graphics and art direction while achieving several PROMAX awards and being nominated for an Emmy Award. After several years, he set up his own 3D creative company (WAK Studios) working on commercials and visualisations for companies such as WWF, SKY, FELLOWES, NHS and many more. During this period, he established WAK Educate working alongside education to teach both primary and secondary schools new forms of 3D technologies and served as a Member of the Secondary School Education Panel for Autodesk producing online STEAM curriculum for schools in the USA and UK. Warren now lectures at York St John University and is the programme leader for all postgraduate design courses.