Future world of work explored through latest TEDxDemontfortU event

De Montfort University’s student and graduate entrepreneurship team DMU Made (Careers Team) brought TEDx back to campus with a special conference encouraging one hundred attendees to rethink the future of work and creativity going “Beyond the 9 to 5”.

TEDx events are locally organised versions of the international TED series. They see a number of speakers deliver their own talk on a particular topic, which is filmed and shared for international audiences via YouTube.  The latest DMU TEDx event brought together speakers from across education, healthcare, business, law, architecture and the arts, highlighting the rapidly changing world and how we must rethink how we learn, work, create and connect. 

‍In addition to support provided by DMU Made, all of the speakers received dedicated coaching from Mark Prescod, Associate Professor in Business and Law and Ellen Beardsmore, Student Opportunities Coordinator in DSU. 

‍ This years TEDxDemontfortU talks

‍From Student Life & Library Services, Chris Wright Senior Lecturer and Co-Ordinator of the Drawing Centre started his conversation with a compelling argument for placing creativity alongside literacy and numeracy as a fundamental life skill. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in education, Chris challenged the perception of creativity as an optional extra. 

He highlighted research suggesting that opportunities for creative experimentation have become increasingly marginalised within mainstream education.  

‍How Creative Play and Experiential Learning Build Resilience | Chris Wright | TEDxDeMontfortU

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Mary O'Neill, Senior Lecture in Fine Art, invited audiences to consider how museums can become living spaces of creativity rather than repositories of the past. 

‍At the heart of her talk was a powerful message: museums preserve more than objects; they preserve knowledge. By reconnecting with traditional making practices, we can learn valuable lessons for the future. As Mary expressed, we should seek "to see the hand of the maker by touching history." 

Re-creative Practice: Bring the past to life and inform the future | Mary O'Neil | TEDxDeMontfortU

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DMU alumni Jane Hearst, Research and Policy Manager at the National Centre for Creative Health, explored the growing evidence linking creative activity with improved health and wellbeing. 

‍Her TEDx talk demonstrated how engagement with arts and creativity can support many of the UK's key health priorities identified by the NHS, including mental wellbeing, social connection and long-term health management. 

Jane encouraged attendees to think creatively about their own wellbeing and highlighted the wide range of local creative opportunities available within communities. Her message was clear: creativity is not simply enjoyable, it can be transformative for our health. 

Jane’s talk will be available to watch on YouTube, soon.

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Brett Koenig, Associate Head of Law, explored what will truly differentiate people in the future of work as artificial intelligence continues to reshape workplaces and education. 

Drawing on his experiences as both a lawyer and captain of England's dodgeball team, Brett argued that the skills that matter most are fundamentally human: adaptability, empathy, communication, resilience and trust. 

Following his talk, Brett said: “Honestly, it was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences I’ve had. Delivering a TED Talk is something I’ve always wanted to do, and the whole evening completely lived up to expectations. There was an amazing energy in the room and it was so fun to be part of. “ 

The Human Edge: Thriving in an Age of Artificial Intelligence | Brett Koenig | TEDxDeMontfortU

‍Nicola Bishop Academic Enhancement Lead in DMU Education Academy took audiences on a fascinating journey through the cultural history of office work. 

‍Referencing everything from Victorian literature to the iconic television series ‘The Office’, Nicola examined how negative perceptions of office environments have been constructed and reinforced over generations. As organisations continue to debate hybrid working and office returns, Nicola argued that our cultural and emotional understanding of office work plays a significant role in shaping expectations for the future workplace. 

‍How Popular Culture will Shape the Future of Office Work | Nicola Bishop | TEDxDeMontfortU

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Amal Abuzeinab architectural academic and workplace development specialist, shared thoughtful reflections on the experiences of women in professional environments. 

‍ Drawing on both lived experience and evidence-based research, Amal explored the factors that help women thrive in the workplace. Incorporating perspectives from positive psychology, human development and leadership studies, she highlighted practical ways organisations can create more inclusive, supportive and empowering environments. 

‍Her talk served as a reminder that workplace success is not solely about performance but also about creating conditions where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. 

How Women Flourish at Work | Amal Abuzeinab | TEDxDeMontfortU

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From Business and Law, Senior Enterprise lecturer Adele Tilley-Jones challenged one of society's most enduring assumptions: that successful careers follow a straight line. 

‍Drawing from her own journey from business leadership to higher education, Adele spoke candidly about the realities of modern working life, where adaptability, resilience and courage often matter more than rigid plans. 

‍She encouraged audiences to move beyond traditional notions of the "9-to-5" career and instead design professional lives aligned with their values, ambitions and desired impact. In an era of constant change, Adele argued, success comes not from fitting into predefined boxes but from having the confidence to create new possibilities. 

The Future Of Work: Reimagining the 9 to 5 | Adele Tilley-Jones | TEDxDeMontfortU

‍From DMU Made, Enterprise Project Manager Simon Baines said “It was an honour to curate and host this careers-themed TEDx conference. It’s the third time I’ve organised a TEDxDemontfortU conference and again, through this globally recognised platform our incredible speakers all brought to life the University’s mission to empower, inspire and educate through knowledge creation”. 

‍“The talks will be used for years to come in DMU Made and Careers Team lectures and workshops, and will be reached by thousands of others around the world. We can’t give enough praise to our coaches, speakers and all those who helped us deliver such an incredible event”. 

‍In light of the success of this year’s conference, DMU Made is planning to organise another TEDx on campus next year. Details of how you can apply to be a speaker will be announced in due course. 

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