Education leader set to make TEDx speech

An education executive is set to highlight the need for stronger links between schools and industry.

Dr Nichole Munro, chief executive of Atomix Educational Trust, which oversees Stockton Sixth Form College and Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough, will deliver an after-dinner speech at TEDxTeesside’s VIP dinner on October 15. 

Drawing on her international career in education, Dr Munro will stress the importance of collaboration between employers and educators to better prepare young people for the workplace.

She said: “We are very pleased to be associated with TEDx, which has always been about ideas that move people...ideas that challenge how we think about what’s possible.

“That’s exactly what we’re doing at Atomix: challenging traditional boundaries in education.”

Dr Munro is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and believes that collaboration between local industry and education providers can help young people, irrespective of their backgrounds, build fulfilling, long-term careers.

She added: “It always surprises people when I tell them young children start to have life-limiting beliefs about what they can achieve in their future lives by the age of seven.

“In my speech, I will be advocating for educational providers to work with employers in a much more meaningful and cohesive way, to help raise aspirations amongst young people and show them there is no limit to what they can achieve.”

The Atomix Educational Trust is the main sponsor of the dinner event, held the evening before the main TEDxTeesside talks on October 16 at Digital Life, Teesside University. 

The two-day event celebrates ideas, innovation and connection in the North East, featuring eight speakers from across the UK and beyond. 

Presenters include Holly Ellis, Tamu Thomas, Joel Bailey and Dr Mansoor Soomro, covering topics from genetics and AI solutions to climate resilience and redefining success. 

Attendees will also experience live musical and spoken word performances, adding a dynamic and immersive element to the event.

Support from sponsors including the Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Building Society, Square One Law and media partner Bdaily has helped bring the globally recognised TED platform to Teesside. 

With TED Talks attracting 1.5 million views daily, the event reflects a strong global appetite for ideas that challenge, educate and inspire.

Michaela Reaney, the organiser of TEDxTeesside, added: “The energy around this year’s event is something else. 

“From genetics that’ll change how you think about every NHS interaction to AI solutions for online abuse – these speakers are tackling the stuff that actually matters. 

“I love that we’ve got Holly breaking down science barriers alongside local innovators like Mansoor, Kim, Ned and Tabby. 

“It’s going to be one of those days where you walk out with your head spinning from all the brilliant ideas you’ve just heard.”

Michaela added: “Now, TEDxTeesside is bringing that energy directly to the North East, where we’re building a local community around this global brand.

“The timing couldn’t be more perfect. 

“As Tees Valley positions itself as a powerhouse for innovation with Digital Life, the Investment Zone, Net Zero and being the fastest growing tech hub outside of London, TEDxTeesside provides the global platform our region’s ideas deserve.

“TEDxTeesside is open to everyone in our community. 

“We believe that to tackle the world’s biggest challenges we need everyone in the room.”

Tickets for the main TEDxTeesside event on October 16 are still available and can be bought here.

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