Darren Johnson Speaker | Primary & Sports & PHSCE & Lifestyle & New Speakers & Assemblies and Celebrations Events & Well-being & Teacher CPD & Exams & Disability & Anti-Bullying & Mental Health & Parents & Body Image & Adventure & Conference & Happiness

Darren Johnson

What are you shooting for?

Darren has been fortunate in life to have reached the highest level of basketball in the world outside of the NBA in both the Professional and Collegiate game. This journey led him to become the only British Basketball Coach to have been part of both a Euroleague and an NCAA D1 coaching staff. Yet, Darren's story began on a much different note, one that required him to navigate through a maze of adversity and life's formidable hurdles. It was through this journey that Darren uncovered the power of creating oneself, a theme central to his life's narrative and the essence of his talks.

From a young age, Darren was faced with challenges that seemed inaccessible. Instead of being defeated, he chose to forge a path of resilience, developing routines and habits that not only allowed him to overcome these obstacles but also to instil a sense of mental toughness. This toughness became his beacon, guiding him through dark days and leading him towards happiness and fulfilment.

"Creating you" is not just a concept; it's a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Darren's experiences have taught him that greatness lies within each of us, waiting to be unlocked. His talks delve into the importance of self-belief, the power of positive habits, and the courage to step out of one's comfort zone. Darren shares how setting clear goals and consistently working towards them can transform dreams into reality.

Today, Darren is passionate about passing on these lessons to the next generation. He believes in empowering individuals to embark on their journey of "creating you," encouraging them to build strong foundations for personal growth. Through his talks, Darren aims to inspire others to overcome life's challenges, find their unique greatness, and forge a path filled with purpose and joy.

By embracing the concept of "creating you," we can all learn to navigate life's challenges with grace, build resilience, and ultimately discover the best version of ourselves. Darren's journey and insights offer a blueprint for personal success, highlighting that with determination, discipline, and self-belief, anything is possible.

Testimonials from Teachers

“Darren's message left a lasting impact on both students and myself. Darren's words not only resonated with my tutor group but also allowed me to seamlessly connect them with our subsequent mental health lesson. We need more speakers like Darren who can inspire students to take control of their stories and initiate a positive ripple effect of change among our youth.”

– Mrs Brundle, Head of French, Ormiston Sudbury Academy

“Mr Johnson’s assembly left a profound impact on me. He shared his personal challenges and the transformative journey he undertook, emphasizing the importance of mindset, routine, and perseverance. This experience changed how I viewed him, transcending his role as a teacher. His openness and willingness to share his life story inspired respect. The assembly has started a shift in my perspective, leading me to consider my actions and care more about my well-being. I've adopted a more positive outlook, focusing on self-improvement and the belief that positive change is achievable for all.”

– Freddie Evans, Year 11, Ormiston Sudbury Academy

"Darren's recent assembly was a truly thought-provoking experience for both our students and staff. He managed to share his experiences and messages in a way that was both relatable and engaging, making it easy for our students to understand and connect with. The feedback from our students has been overwhelmingly positive, consistently highlighting how informative and inspiring they found Darren's presentation. It was clear that his words struck a chord, igniting a spark of ambition for personal growth and positive change within our young audience."

– Emma Price, Vice Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Ormiston Sudbury Academy.