#AskedMen: This man eats fire for a living - find out why
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AskedMen: Dan Bolton

From fire-breathing to working on Olympic ceremonies, we get a peek at what it’s like to work in events and talent management.

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Name: Dan Bolton

What is your day job?
That’s actually a tough one as I consider it more of a lifestyle than a day job. I manage a number of exclusive performance artists within the region, negotiating their bookings and working intensively with them in developing their brand and strategy for the future, On a client side we work with leading brands such as The Act Dubai and their incredible roster of international talent in assisting live event production partners by creating bespoke and original entertainment content for their events. It can be anything from a pop up dining experience to a full on choreographed stage show or opening ceremony.

How did you first become involved with events and talent management?
I literally fell into it when i was 16. I started attending dance and performance workshops, and the choreographer and owner of the agency asked me to help her with her business and I started as the errand boy, fetching and carrying before becoming their sales and business development manager by the time I left the UK in 2008. In this time she also packed me off to circus school... where I became a performer in my own right and would often be seen fire breathing or stilt walking at events throughout the UK and abroad. It kept the parents happy having a "proper" job whilst clowning around.

What made you decide to move forward with your own consultancy?
The time really just felt right - I have been in the UAE over seven years and it’s such an entrepreneurial city, and in order for me to grow and head in the direction that I want to, it was time to start my own company.

How do you pick out or find particular talent to work with?
Through personal connections and recommendations. We only work with people that share the same creative vision and aspirations as ourselves. There has to be a connection and mutual desire to do some amazing things.

What are some of the bigger events you've been a part of in the past?
I have worked on three Olympic games ceremonies in Athens and London as well as the Commonwealth games in Manchester and Glasgow. These where huge stadium spectacles with billions of viewers on TV. Regionally I was involved in the opening of the Atlantis hotel, which was a huge event, and then sports ceremonies such as the Laureus sports awards in Abu Dhabi.

Being a performer yourself, what are some interesting things we should know about you?
I have set myself on fire twice...guessing I should not promote that and certainly don't encourage it to anyone! As a fire breather, sometimes things do go wrong however we are fully trained to know what to do should that happen, so the dangers are minimized as much as possible. I also recommend good personal insurance!

What's the best part of doing what you do?
The incredible people we get to meet and the talents that they have. We are extremely fortunate to be in an industry where it's not really work, we are not saving lives or constructing things or necessarily sat in an office as the days pass by outside. It really is a lifestyle and with this comes some pretty cool benefits. Plus we get to enjoy what we do! That said there are days when we put the hours in and it does get a little heated and stressful.

What was the biggest lesson you've learned so far in your career?
Be patient - and I’m still learning. I like to feel in control of everything and constantly want to push further, however as people keep telling me, and I’m learning more and more, sometimes you just have to let things go and let them take their course.

Describe your personal sense of style and fashion
Very high street - haha, I’m a H&M kinda guy. I keep things casual but then style it with a jacket or blazer when needed. If it’s a special occasion or government pitch then the suit comes out. Besides this I need to keep it comfortable. We are always on the go and we work in a creative industry, so comfort and functionality is key.

What do you think are the three qualities that every man should possess to become a better man?
If I’m honest I don't know the true answer to this as I’m still learning. Right now I would say listen more, act with conviction and stay true to yourself. If I had a fourth it would be to keep grounded. It's easy to get carried away but stay true to your roots and remember that with the ups, there will be downs.

What advice would you give your 16-year old self about the future?
Don't worry too much about it. If you stay humble and work hard, stay honest and believe in yourself then the right things will happen. It's a journey and adventure. You have good days and bad - it's all part of the process. You only get one chance at life and no one knows when your time will end, so try and live every day to the fullest... and make sure you surround yourself with the right people.

Check Dan out on Facebook or Instagram, or email dan@danbolton.me