In a World with so much AI, Dan’s Talk brings us into the ‘Human Condition’.

This is Human.

This is Personal.

This is Real.

About.

Dan Cooke is a captivating speaker whose powerful presentations are grounded in a lifetime of real-world experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge from leading international rescue missions across 29 countries and responding to around ten thousand emergency incidents in the UK fire service. His unique background includes a wide range of unconventional projects, missions, and situations in high-risk, extreme environments around the globe.

Experience That Transforms

Dan’s career spans various demanding fields, including:

  • Rescue in High-risk, high-consequence environments His talks are not just theoretical; they are born from lived experiences and offer profound insights into the human condition.

  • Defence, surveillance, and television

  • Teaching and Executive Coaching

Innovator & Achiever

Beyond his speaking and consulting work, Dan is a co-founder of DARKSWAN, an innovative challenge-based learning company. He also serves as a consultant to the UK Sport special innovation teams. His personal dedication to pushing boundaries is evident in his (some might say unrealistic) goal of qualifying for the next Olympic Games in the Modern Pentathlon.

Three rescue workers, wearing hats and sunglasses, standing near a damaged building, with one holding a walkie-talkie.
A man with short brown hair and a beard, dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, standing outdoors in front of a blurred urban background.

Speaking.

Every Single Speaking Engagement that Dan delivers is specfically designed following a briefing call with the client.

Dan delves into topics such as:

• Resilience and Belonging: The power of the human spirit and our fundamental need to connect.

• Extraordinary Performance: How to maintain peak performance and the negative effects of failing to manage wellbeing.

• Moral Courage and Optimism: Lessons on building moral courage and the power of optimism in seemingly impossible situations.

• Leadership: Navigating challenges from immediate crises to long-term strategic situations.

Trusted by Elite Organisations

Collection of logos representing various UK organizations, sports teams, and institutions, including Premier League, Team Scotland, Sale Sharks, Ministry of Defence, Florence Nightingale Foundation, Hillary Institute, St James and St William, NHS Wales, GIG Cymru, Team England, Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland, England Rugby, Cymraig Wales, Unite, VC Gorilla, UK Sport, Crossrail, British Royal Navy, British Wheelchair Basketball, British Taekwondo, British Swimming, British Para Taekwondo, British Judo, and British Gymnastics.

Testimonials.

  • “Listening to Dan speak restores your faith in people. He brings insight, warmth, and humour in a way that uplifts. Dan is truly a rare voice of kindness and clarity. I’ve seen him speak to large groups, and smaller groups - he’s always warmly received. He has this remarkable ability to connect with people, even with a large audience, giving a true sense of hope, compassion, and possibility, often on subjects people might not usually engage with. On a personal level, I’ve had times of stress, loneliness, and even PTSD, and Dan has been a consistent source of support. Despite everything he has going on, he makes every interaction feel personal and meaningful. He always finds time for people, and being part of the community he’s helped build has genuinely slowed me down in the best way, helping me feel connected again.”

    SL

    Former RM Sniper and SO19 CTFAO Team Lead

  • "When Dan has your attention, his presence, clarity, and charisma have you captivated within moments. His wealth of real-life experience and knowledge in many fields bring true authenticity and make for an incredibly impactful experience. Dan's words have genuinely stayed with me through some testing times in my career. As someone working in film production, I've found myself tackling those challenges with more focus, empathy, and confidence - all inspired by what I've learned from watching Dan in action."

    Eleanor C

    TV Producer

  • "Dan is a captivating and compelling orator, breathing life and every shade of humanity into his every message. He has a rare ability to reach into your soul through his considered and articulate storytelling to share profound and thought-provoking insight from so many extraordinary lived experiences."

    Rebekah Y

    Helicopter Pilot & DR (Disaster Risk Reduction)

  • "I first met Dan during his opening presentation for new joiners at an international rescue organisation. Having been involved with similar organisations before, I thought I knew what to expect, how wrong I was. Within minutes, I knew Dan was someone I wanted to work with. His depth of experience in international disaster response is extraordinary, but what truly stood out was his powerful insight into team ethics, performance, and leadership. As a former firefighter, and a leader himself, Dan’s ability to communicate complex issues with genuine empathy and clarity is truly inspiring."

    Rick Ch

    CEO – Strong Ranger Resilience (SRR) CIC, Post Traumatic Growth Guide and Professional Speaker

  • "I highly recommend Dan as an after-dinner speaker for any event looking for an engaging, memorable, and impactful experience. With a remarkable background that spans from his career as an ex-firefighter, director of an international rescue charity and his current role as co-founder at Dark Swan, Dan brings a unique blend of experience, passion, and authenticity to the stage. His captivating storytelling, honed through years of high-pressure situations in the fire service, resonates deeply with audiences, drawing them into the heart of his experiences while providing valuable life lessons on leadership, teamwork, and resilience. What truly sets him apart, however, is his ability to inject humor into even the most serious of topics, making him both an entertaining and thought-provoking speaker. Whether discussing his personal journey from the Fire Station to the Circus Big Top, sharing insights from his charitable work with people in crisis, or offering leadership tips from his time coaching at Dark Swan, Dan is always able to keep an audience engaged, laughing, and learning. If you’re looking for a speaker who combines a wealth of real-world experience with wit, charm, and a compelling narrative, Dan is the perfect choice."

    Harvey SO

    Senior Intelligence Ops Officer

  • "Dan Cooke is an enigma. His softly spoken demeanour defies a giant of a man. When he speaks, you can’t help but listen. A fascinating peak into a life led on the limits and you get to hear first hand what he has been, seen and done. Dan Cooke is both intriguing and inspiring and if you have opportunity to hear him talk, take it."

    Si L

    Armed Police and close protection officer and charity adventurer

  • "Dan’s dynamic delivery and natural connection is the perfect facilitator for guided discovery and development. The unique blend of learning through challenge and positive reflection is something that creates an environment unlike any I have experienced. I would highly recommend Dan for his ability to deliver truly inspiring and life-changing talks and workshops."

    Dr Robert Hobbs

    All Wales Medical Genomics Service