Explorer, writer, photographer
An author of 12 books and presenter of nine internationally broadcast documentaries, Levison is also Chancellor of University of Staffordshire. A former British Army officer who served in Afghanistan, he has walked the length of the Nile, the Himalayas, and Central America, and is a Fellow of both the Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Society.
Pilot, author, aviation consultant
Commander Nathan Gray was the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm’s Top Gun, with over 30 years’ experience as a fighter pilot and instructor, flying more than 140 combat missions. Raised in Stoke-on-Trent, he became a test pilot for the cutting-edge F35 fighter and earned the coveted Royal Marines green beret during his military career.
Co-founder, 1882 Ceramics
Emily is the fifth generation of the Johnson Brothers pottery family and now leads 1882 Ltd., a contemporary ceramics company blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. After a career in advertising and a return to design through a master’s in Architectural Interior Design, she now works with a team of skilled potters to create everything from everyday ceramics to bold works of art.
Entrepreneur and Port Vale FC Chair
Carol began her career as the first female computer operator in a major IT company, later co-founding a successful IT business employing 360 staff and turning over £25 million. Now Chair of Port Vale Football Club and a dedicated community champion, she is a trustee of both Port Vale Foundation and EFL in the Community, and was awarded an OBE in 2021 for her services to Stoke-on-Trent.
Chief Executive, Thrive at Five
Aida joined Thrive at Five following nearly a decade at The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, where she was Chief Advisor, leading early years and mental health programmes. A former lawyer, she is a Trustee of The London Marathon Foundation and an Invictus Endeavours Advisory Board member.
Deductionist
With more than 20 years of experience in human behaviour, including a decade consulting for elite security professionals, Ben brings a unique understanding of what truly works. A former bouncer and deductionist performer, he combines real-world insight with a deep knowledge of human nature.
Games Art Lecturer, University of Staffordshire
Dr Emma Fallows is a Games Art Lecturer at University of Staffordshire, a Women in Games Ambassador, and a recent PhD graduate in Games and Visual Effects. Her research focused on Virtual Reality and Haptics, creating an innovative interactive museum experience to enhance ceramic displays.
Entrepreneur and former professional footballer
A former Stoke City footballer and now owner of a performance improvement management consultancy, Mark draws on his own experiences to explore the psychological challenges athletes face when their careers end. His talk delves into the pressures of transition, identity loss, and the support needed to navigate life beyond professional sport.
Technical Specialist, University of Staffordshire
Daniel is a Technical Specialist for the Virtual Production Studio at University of Staffordshire, where he brings the future of filmmaking to life. Blending the artistry of traditional production with the power of real-time visual effects and immersive virtual environments, he introduces staff and students to one of the most transformative technologies in film and TV.
Our event is called TEDxUniversityofStaffordshire where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxUniversityofStaffordshire event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
Our theme for 2024 was “Back to the Future”. Our audience enjoyed talks from: journalist and communications director Genelle Aldred, charity founder Nikki Barrett, chef and restaurateur Cris Cohen, sculptor Andrew Edwards, Ethics and Games Professor Caroline Flick, Forensic and Environmental Science Professor Claire Gwinnett, boxer Nathan Heaney, clinical pharmacist Patryk Majewski, playwright and actor Deborah McAndrew and University of Staffordshire student Sharanya Ranganatha Urs.
All photographs attributed to Black Star Photography.
Our theme for 2023 was “Thinking through making”. Our audience enjoyed talks from: entrepreneur George Bettany, potter and TV presenter Keith Brymer Jones, Associate Professor and artist Anna Francis, animation student Sophie Jackman, Woolcool Managing Director Josie Morris MBE, social entrepreneur Darren Murinas, AI researcher and Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Raheel Nawaz, journalist and fiction writer Gemma Louise-Walsh, and Artistic Director Clare Wood.
All photographs attributed to Black Star Photography.