Mike Edwards

When war broke out in Iraq, Mike Edwards was called up to serve as an orthopaedic and trauma surgeon in Basra. A Royal Marine Reserve Officer, Mike talks with great compassion and remarkable humour about being on the front-line during the biggest tank battle since World War II. Everyone had to stay motivated and focused and somehow, despite the circumstances, they had to maintain some kind of work-life balance. Mike talks about leadership and team-work and his key message is ‘never underestimate people’. Mike uses excellent photographs during his talks: he is entertaining and yet still deals with topical and moving issues with sensitivity.

Mike’s talk appeals to a wide audience: people are intrigued to know what it is like to be a medic on the front line and to hear his perspective on working to save lives even when explosives were landing just metres away. Mike knows that it is people that make the difference whether you are a small entrepreneur, an established large organisation or a team of medics facing three and a half thousand admissions in just a matter of weeks. He understands that effective leadership requires that you stand in the other person’s shoes for a moment and try to understand their perspective before acting.

He shares an extraordinary story about a situation that most of us, thankfully, will never have to face and he emphasises a message which everyone can relate to: ordinary people are capable of the most incredible acts of compassion, commitment and courage.