Beyond Words - Kieron Bryan

Kieron A. Bryan is a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and writer who transformed a 25-year prison sentence into a foundation for success.

During his time in prison, Kieron read over 250 non-fiction books across history, philosophy, economics, and science. He earned a first-class Business degree, organised motivational events, invited charities inside, delivered speeches, and created programmes to help others use their time constructively. He also learned forex trading, studied every book on blockchain available before 2021, and wrote a children’s book teaching chess — later becoming the first author in the world to sell its characters as NFTs.

Since his release, Kieron has completed a Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, spoken at universities, charities, and the House of Lords, and built a diverse portfolio of ventures. These include a consultancy business, a record label, an events company, and a nursery business, as well as inventing eco-technology through his Step Green project. He also founded the WhatBox Think Tank and continues to expand his business ecosystem, now employing a growing team.

Looking ahead, Kieron will begin his PhD next year, focusing on how AI and blockchain can be harnessed to tackle recidivism. His story is proof that rebellion is not about breaking systems but excelling within them, turning barriers into stepping stones for innovation and leadership.

delivered a workshop I first wrote during my 16-year sentence - Best Way to ride an Ostrich. It detailed the practical steps, transformative realisations, key concepts, and paradigm shifts that shaped my mentality, aided my evolution, and laid the foundation for my transition.

What once existed only as hope and strategy is now a reality I can share with others.

From surviving to thriving - this journey continues.

Thank you to everyone

You have an incredible story tell our listeners about your journey 

making education in prison more valuable than dead-end jobs with no future. About giving people inside real options. Real hope.

Change starts with the conversations that matter.

Reimagining Further

Education's Role in Justice

I've been privileged to contribute to a UCL Grand Challenge of Justice & Equality research project exploring how

Further Education (FE) colleges can play a transformative role in supporting people leaving prison and others in the justice system.

Through a series of co-creation workshops, we brought together organisations across education, criminal justice, and the third sector-

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850