For the past seven years, Dan was a lecturer at Charles Sturt University in the School of Communication and Creative Industries and worked as the discipline leader of the innovative Theatre/Media program. Dan has a background as an international acrobat, physical theatre performer, director and educator. He developed his foundations at the Olympic Training Centre as a Canadian national gymnast and coach. From 2006-2010 he was the Artistic Director and CEO of the South Australian Circus Centre, home of Cirkidz. 

He now shares his passion and innovative pedagogies as a speaker and consultant for universities, companies and communities. His mission is simple: To dare himself, and those he works with, to think differently as we strive towards growth in business, education, art and life.

The best leaders aren’t those who seek stability—they are those who balance. In an era where life and work shift faster than ever, we often hear we need to “find balance.” But balance isn’t something we achieve—it’s something we engage with. Shifts in industries, communities, and personal lives are constant—our ability to adapt determines our success.

This talk introduces a transformative shift: what if, instead of fearing change, we trained ourselves to engage with shifts like an acrobat—adjusting in real time? Why Adaptability is the Real Key to Resilience – Challenging conventional ideas of stability. Dan’s ability to ignite engagement, challenge perspectives, and create lasting impact sets him apart. Dan doesn’t just talk about adaptability, leadership, and resilience—he embodies them, making complex ideas tangible and memorable through his signature blend of acrobatics, humor, and storytelling.

Bryan Jeffrey is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, and since 1995 has been employed in a range of senior clinical positions in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Adult Mental Health in Scotland, and latterly in Melbourne, Australia.

Throughout his career, Bryan saw gaps in mental health literacy, in people who were hungry for knowledge, and decided to focus the attention of MOAT: Mental Health Services on meeting these needs.

Ranging from delivering keynote addresses at national conferences, to providing workshops for small groups of staff and carers – Bryan’s passion is in mental health training.

Join Bryan Jeffrey as he shares a very simple framework to clarify the links between stress, escalation, explosive behaviour, and de-escalation. This framework has been informed by Bruce Perry’s trauma-related research and learnings, and can be implemented with great effect in any teaching space, any home, or even in your staff room.

• What effect does stress have on staff and students' ability to remain cognitive and focused?
• What are some of the skills that we can learn and teach, to stay calm in a crisis?
• How should we communicate with people who are escalating?
• Can we really help people to de-escalate when they have lost control?
• Why does multi-sensory de-escalation work?
• How does a person's trauma history affect their ability to regulate?

These questions and more will be explored, with an opportunity for delegates to ask questions following the presentation.