Best-selling Author of "Change Starts Here" | Organisational Coach | Host of Top 5% Education Podcast
Based in Shanghai. Working with schools worldwide.
The Real Problem
Most schools around the world are exhausted from change that doesn't stick.
You've hired consultants. Adopted frameworks. Implemented the latest trends. Nothing creates lasting impact.
Here's what's actually happening: you're looking outward for every solution when everything you need is already in your community.
The problem isn't your team. It's the approach.
Change Starts Here: What if Everything Your School Needed Was Right in Front of You?
Co-authored with Efraim Lerner | Published by Routledge, 2025
This book introduces the double diamond framework - a practical approach that helps school communities discover what truly matters and co-create solutions that stick.
Through 40 carefully crafted questions and real-world case studies from schools worldwide, we show you how to replace top-down directives with authentic, community-driven change.
"Like so many of the best books, Change Starts Here has both universal and personal application. The forty questions take individuals or groups on a deep, useful, reflective journey through change."
Jim Knight, Founder and CEO, Instructional Coaching Group
How I help schools
The Double Diamond by the Design Council is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license.
I use the double diamond framework from "Change Starts Here" to help your school lead transformation from within.
This might be a one-day workshop introducing the model, or multi-month engagement supporting your team through curriculum reform, teaching development, or organisational restructuring.
The difference? I don't bring external solutions. I help you discover the expertise already in your school.
Working with Shane helped our team to consider the change that is inherent in education …His work is grounded in robust research, and his process allowed for meaningful dialogue to occur during our time together along with scenario-based application of the learning. Keith Finley
Kent Wetzel, Leadership Development Specialist
“Shane’s approach is thoughtful and engaging.
I highly recommend Shane to any school or organization seeking a strategic, research-informed, and human-centered approach to professional learning and leadership development.”
Dr. Tamara Yuill Proctor, Head of Educational Research & Professional Learning
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Leadership Intensive
For Individual Leaders Feeling Overwhelmed
10-week programme that systematises leadership fundamentals so you have mental space to actually lead.
Next cohort: January 2026.
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Education Leaders Podcast
Weekly Conversations About What Actually Works
Top 5% of podcasts globally. #1 in education charts around the world.
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Speaking & Keynotes
Book Me for Your Conference or Event
Topics: Inside-out change, celebrating multilingualism, building confident leadership teams.
→ Read the book if you want to understand the framework
→ Browse my services if your leadership team needs facilitation
→ Join the Intensive if you're an individual leader feeling overwhelmed
→ Listen to the podcast if you want to explore ideas first
Or just email me: shane@shaneleaning.com
Not Sure Where to Start?
Here’s a few schools and organisations I’ve supported.
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