Keynote Speaker

Previously a science teacher and Head of Chemistry in North London, Ed entered the world of storytelling and filmmaking in 2018. In 2020 he launched Empathy Week, a festival of film, storytelling and events for schools that develops the skill of empathy in students aged 5-18. In 5 years the festival has reached over 1 million students across 50+ countries and 6 continents with a mission to build the #EmpathyGeneration.

Through research with Cambridge University, Ed’s team and others have shown that empathy is a teachable skill. In May 2024, Ed launched Empathy Studios - an education and creative studio which now continues to develop their award-winning and research backed ‘Empathy Programme’ which has engaged 175,000 students in 4 years. This year's films focus on 5 incredible Mexicans from Mexico City and a range of topics including diabetes, disability sport, culture, music, the arts, passion, resilience and more.

Empathy is the number one human skill that we can be developing right now. It is the most essential human skill, sitting at the foundation of other vital skills such as leadership, creativity, innovation, resilience, communication and teamwork. Crucially, it’s also a catalyst - a trojan horse for wellbeing, positive mental health and unstoppable relationships. We must develop this skill of empathy so that we can lead and navigate change better.