Dr Dan Nicholls

Wildcard
DISC Type : sic

Chief Executive Officer at The White Horse Federation

Bristol, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Dr. Dan Nicholls is the CEO of The White Horse Federation, a multi-academy trust of 30 schools. An educationalist for over 20 years with a PhD from the University of Exeter, he has a significant track record of success and rapid promotions to executive roles, previously serving as Deputy CEO for the Cabot Learning Federation.

He is passionate about educational equity, frequently speaking on leadership and organizing networks to address the intersection of special educational needs and disadvantage. He focuses on building collaborative structures and shared curricula to drive improvement across school systems.

He has successfully led multiple schools to achieve Good Ofsted judgments from challenging starting points.

Personality Overview

ROI Driven

Friendly But Slow

Curious But Skeptical

They are often friendly and nice, but can sometimes suprise you with their piercing questions  They typically tend to be late adopters even when they seem friendly and excited about what you have to sell They are unlikely to ever become strong champions even when the conversations are going well; you should focus on cultivating other champions

Topics They Care About

Educational Leadership
Has a history of rapid promotions to executive roles, including CEO and Deputy CEO, focusing on setting direction and driving improvement across large school trusts.
Disadvantage & Inclusion
Organizes and leads the "SW Disadvantage Network," focusing on the intersectionality between Special Educational Needs (SEND) and social disadvantage in schools.
School Improvement
His career demonstrates a clear track record of raising standards and securing 'Good' Ofsted judgments for schools, often from difficult starting points.

Media Appearances

The White Horse Federation appoints education heavyweight as new CEO. Featured in The White Horse Federation

See Now

Work History

9-2024
Chief Executive Officer at The White Horse Federation
9-2018 - 8-2024
Deputy CEO at Cabot Learning Federation
2015 - 2018
Executive Principal at Cabot Learning Federation
2012 - 2015
Principal at Bristol Brunel Academy
2009 - 2012
Deputy Headteacher at Devizes School, Wiltshire

Education

9-1996 - 8-1999
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD from University of Exeter
2017 - 2018
CEO Execeutive Educators from Ambition Institute

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 26 Location : Bristol, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Executive Officer at The White Horse Federation
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Insights For Selling To Dr Dan

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘clear proof that’, ‘data shows’ etc.
  • Persuade objectively how your product will help them achieve their goals
  • Focus on immediate action-items rather than the larger goals

DONT's

  • Avoid phrases like ‘trust me’, ‘you will just love it’ etc.
  • Do not sound overly eager, modulate your energy levels especially if you are generally enthusiastic
  • Don’t overhype the product/pitch, keep it measured

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Dr Dan is

  • Clear proof of product value matters to them, followed by others' testimonials and rapport.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Dr Dan

  • They are likely to give you a clear answer without taking you around in circles. However, if you share a good relationship, they might not be so forthcoming.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Dr Dan move?

  • They like to perform full analysis and can take time to make any decision.
  • Can Dr Dan take some risk or not?

  • They weigh all decisions systematically and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Dr Dan

Personality Compatibility


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