Carl Barton Speaker | Technology & Enterprise & Creative & Lifestyle & Careers & Assemblies and Celebrations Events & Music & Teacher CPD & Media

Carl Barton

Need to get through to the 3% of kids who never listen? Give them the kid that never listened!

Carl has one of the most interesting and unique stories in education, despite only starting the education journey at 25! Over 500 University graduates later Carl has seen lots of careers created. His workshops are gaining a huge reputation all over the UK.

Following a troubled time in his early teens, he almost made it to daytime Radio 1 before creating a “Plan B” business that left him with a short period of homelessness, serious emotional trauma and financial loss (almost 100k). He started a record label with a friend (and £10 from signing on) and within 4 years turned that into 4 albums, stadium shows, international radio play and he used the success to pay off all his debt within 18 months to free himself in order to go to University.

He later used the same skills to pay off all his student debt within 2 years of graduating. Setting up a community DJ school and taking back to the stage again to fund the next part of the journey. His business and production partner Damian passed away suddenly on tour in 2004, and Carl made the decision to hand all future royalties over to his family. And to walk away from chasing fame...

Soon after he was recruited from a sales role within a major record label to become a Lecturer at Staffordshire University, teaching students how to survive on the rollercoaster of the music industry. Realising that many students were struggling with the pressures of studying, he qualified as a counsellor and joined the Universities trauma support team.

15 years later he realised he was being asked for his personal story and lessons learned, by more and more people. So he decided to leave the University and to create a set of shows to attempt to solve issues faced by young adults all over the UK. As a part of the research for the show, he worked on the front line for 6 months, working for a mental health charity, gaining Safeguarding and Mental Health First Aid status along the way.

He has also continued his work within the Radio industry helping create studios for another mental health charity. Alongside this he has spent the last decade as a go-to for various Motorsport teams, working with drivers to extract the best from themselves and their cars. This research was the basis of his MSc in Advanced Technology. Away from the stage, he is still obsessed with dance music and old VW’s.

Testimonials from Teachers

"Carl has provided several workshops to our students ranging from An Introduction to DJing to The Music Buisiness. They have all been fantastic! The students have learnt a huge amount from the workshops given the significant and high profile career Carl had in the industry. I would definitely recommend him and continue to work with him in the future."

– Anna Hughes, Lecturer in Music and Music Technology, City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College

"Carl delivered an inspirational talk about preparing for university life for approximately 80 Year 10 summer school participants from across the Midlands. He was enthusiastic, humorous, energetic and offered a brilliant perspective of how to become a success despite numerous set backs. The Year 10 students found Carl engaging and inspiring. It was especially great that Carl took the time to speak to small groups and individual students after he delivered his session offering personal advice and encouragement tailored to each individual. It was a pleasure to have Carl deliver such a unique and impactful talk!"

– Danielle Roe PhD Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology Student, University of Birmingham

"A very enthusiastic approach to looking out of the box and considering yourself for greater things. What Carl discussed, we were able to take back and use with regard to Work Placement searches and also application and study skills for ensuring success. He gave some great examples of how to prepare for assignments and also gave realistic points about that sometimes, for a short period, social media and friends need to take a back seat to ensure success. He talked about HE, University and work. We discussed the session afterwards and they all agreed that it was a positive event to go too."

– Helen Wood, Wider Learning Manager, wnc.ac.uk

"What an amazing guy! Has so much knowledge and his presentation skills are on point. Got all of my learners sitting on the edge of their seats. Love this guy. :)"

– Cleo B, Training Manager, City of Wolverhampton Council