Designing experiences that shape people.
As more of life is outsourced, our experience narrows and agency drifts.
After two decades building festivals, places, and supporting the people behind them, one thing is clear: people change through lived experience, not ideas.
My focus is creating the conditions for experiences to thrive. Experiences that widen attention and build real capability. Where people become more present, more capable, and more alive as they build.
Creator
20+ years creating real-world experiences.
International festivals, retreats, adventures, and one experiential island resort.
Mentor
5+ years supporting other experience creators 1:1. Helping them build capacity, gain coherence, and grow their businesses.
Mission
As more of life is outsourced, real-world experiences matter more than ever. My focus is bringing more of them into existence.
Join Blume - the home for experience creators.
For those building what can’t be digitised.
Blume brings together founders of retreats, festivals, travel brands, and cultural experiences who carry real responsibility for what their work shapes in others.
We combine strategic thinking, capacity building, and shared experience so you can grow with clarity and support.
Come and see what it’s about. Build a brand that moves people. And get time, energy, and meaning back.
About Me
For more than twenty years, I’ve been building brands that bring people together. Festivals on beaches, hotels on islands, retreats in the mountains, and work shaped by culture, experience, and connection.
I’ve seen ideas take off, plateau, fall apart, and find their next form. That experience taught me how to read a team, a system, a story, and the spaces in between, especially as ambition grows and complexity increases.
Today, I’m focused on bringing more experiences that move people into existence. Working alongside founders to build culturally influential brands that people can actually feel.
Get The Experience Creator’s Field Guide
A practical guide for founders building experiences that actually change people.
Drawn from two decades of real-world work across festivals, hospitality, and leadership environments.
Includes tools, frameworks, and patterns I wish I’d had earlier.
Client Success
Dan’s coaching helped me restore clarity, balance, and confidence as a founder. His blend of deep personal work and strategic insight transformed how I lead, make decisions, and build Nautica. Game-changing support.
Lucy Greenhill - Co-founder, Nautica Collective
Dan has been instrumental in shaping my business, Resurface. He created an excellent business plan, investor deck, and revamped our branding and marketing strategy. His insights and feedback are invaluable. Dan is professional, intelligent, and reliable, always exceeding expectations. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to take their business to the next level.
Josh Dickson - Founder, Resurface
I've always admired Dan personally and professionally, so I jumped at the chance to work with him as my coach. During a crucial stage of my development, Dan's guidance and insights helped me achieve my goals and clarify my values. His mindful approach and continued support have been invaluable. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to grow personally and professionally.
Jordan Hallpike - VP Music, Easol
Dan has been instrumental in helping me establish an incredibly insightful and detailed model and strategy for my hotel concept - he’s a calm, considered and influential mind. Looking forward to working together more.
Tash Peskin - Founder, Boring
I was skeptical about getting a business coach, but my apprehensions vanished after my first session with Dan Blackledge. His holistic approach focuses on you first, covering family, health, and more, not just business. Dan reignited my fire and helped me move forward. If you run a business and feel stuck, reach out to him—he’s top class!
Dan Fisk - Founder, Music Maestro