Dale Sidebottom

Director, The School of Play & The Better Us Project

Dale began his career as a teacher and coach before becoming an internationally recognised keynote speaker, facilitator, and play consultant. His work has taken him to more than 25 countries, where he helps schools, organisations, and leaders rediscover the power of play to strengthen mental health, connection, and leadership. Dale is the author of All Work No Play, The Playful Astronauts, Wolf Logic Leadership and 365 Days of Play, a TEDx speaker, and co-host of the Energetic Radio podcast. His passion lies in creating spaces where adults reconnect with the joy, courage, and authenticity of childhood, and carry those qualities into leadership and everyday life.

Upcoming Presentations

Wolf Logic: Play-Powered Leadership for Connected Staffrooms and Thriving School Cultures

Whether you're a principal, deputy, head of department or emerging leader, this workshop will inspire you to lead with more connection, courage and joy, and give you the tools to take your whole school with you.

The Play Advantage: Creating Classrooms Where Learning Comes Alive

Designed for educators across every year level and subject area, this highly interactive workshop provides practical strategies you can implement immediately, regardless of your experience or teaching context.

Keynote: The Human Advantage: Building Belonging, Wellbeing and Connection Through Play

World-renowned speaker and wellbeing expert Dale Sidebottom, founder of The School of Play, invites you to an energising 45-minute keynote designed for every person in the room, educators, leaders and innovators alike. In an age of AI and accelerating technology, the skills that matter most are profoundly human: connection, creativity, resilience and joy.

Past Presentations

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