In part 2 of the Series on Organisational change, Shane discusses the complexities of organisational change in educational settings, focusing on the sponsor's perceived challenge. I talk about the importance of understanding the motivations behind change, the risks involved, and the necessity of community involvement to ensure sustainable change. The conversation highlights the need for sponsors to reflect on their challenges and engage with their communities to create a shared vision for change.

Haili Hughes and Shane Leaning discuss the ongoing crisis in the teaching profession, focusing on the challenges of teacher retention, the impact of toxic leadership, and the need for a supportive culture within schools. They explore the internal and external factors contributing to the crisis, including public perception, accountability, and the importance of psychological safety for teachers. The discussion emphasises the need for educational leaders to create environments that nurture growth and well-being for educators, ultimately benefiting students as well.

Shane introduces a mini-series focused on leading effective community-led change in schools. He presents an open-source change model inspired by Work Collaborative, emphasising the importance of community involvement, trust, and iterative processes. The model is structured around the double diamond framework, which facilitates exploration and problem-solving in organisational change. Shane outlines the eight stages of the model, highlighting the need for alignment among stakeholders and the significance of sustaining change over time.

Sharath Jeevan OBE explores the concept of inflection moments for leaders in education, addressing the challenges and opportunities they present.

Teacher capability procedures—words that send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned school leaders. In this episode, I share practical guidance to make this daunting task more manageable.

Shane and Aimee explore well-being in schools. Aimee shares her passion for well-being and how it started during her early years in school leadership. They discuss the importance of both feeling good and functioning well in order to achieve well-being.

Chris Scorer, an educational consultant and regular speaker on the international education circuit, shares a transformative and deeply personal perspective on literacy. We discuss how overly narrow definitions of literacy and an unyielding drive towards it can have detrimental effects on students, especially those with dyslexia or other literacy difficulties. Chris suggests a radical rethinking of our literacy strategies, advocating for broader frameworks to access and express knowledge that caters to individual learning needs.

In this episode, I explore principles that can guide every international school leader. As educators, we are public servants, and it's crucial to reflect on the values that drive our work. Are we truly acting in the best interest of our students?

I break down the Seven Principles of Public Life, also known as the Nolan Principles, and challenge you to consider how they apply within your school setting.

Ann McPhee discusses leadership in an international context and the importance of cultural understanding and effective induction processes. She highlights the pitfalls of autocratic leadership and the myth of strong leadership, emphasising the importance of empathy, listening, and reflection. McPhee also emphasizes the power of soft leadership and the impact of small interactions and relationships in leadership. Overall, the conversation reveals the core of leadership as working with people and prioritizing their needs.

I talk with Alex Seigel on how educational trips are a valuable part of a school's curriculum, providing students with transformative experiences and fostering intercultural understanding.

And a great trip includes a balance of key sites and unique experiences, tailored to the interests and educational goals of the students. Adventure leaders and local experts play a crucial role in organising and guiding the trips, providing insights into the destinations and facilitating connections with local communities.

These trips can have a long-lasting impact on students' lives and careers, and it is important for schools to assess and measure this impact. Overall, educational trips offer a powerful way to enhance learning and broaden students' perspectives.

In this episode, I muse on the recent UK general election and its implications for education. With the Labour Party's victory and Keir Starmer becoming Prime Minister, there’s a palpable sense of hope and excitement among many educators. I discuss my observations from the Festival of Education and reflect on how schools might navigate these changes.

In this special episode, host Shane Leaning shares a recording from a session he co-presented with Efraim Lerner at the Festival of Education in the UK. They discuss their new model for driving organisational change in schools from within rather than relying on outside consultants and experts.

This conversation explores the concept of being a ruckus maker in education and the role of a Mastermind community in supporting school leaders. Chief Ruckus-Maker, Danny Bauer and I explore challenges faced by leaders, the structure and benefits of a mastermind, and the impact it has on participants. The conversation also emphasises the importance of continuous growth, collaboration, and creating sustainable leadership in education.

If you're an international school leader grappling with teacher retention or looking to empower your staff, this episode is a must-listen. I dive deep into the complexities of transitioning experienced educators into new roles and schools, alongside Sarah Kupke—a leader in professional learning and development at ECIS. We dive into strategies for mentoring, professional growth, and nurturing a positive school culture that values every teacher’s strengths at any career stage.

Andrea Honigsfeld shares her insights on the power of collaboration in education, emphasising the value of teamwork and diverse perspectives in supporting multilingual learners and promoting cultural inclusivity. We discuss the importance of challenging biases, engaging in difficult conversations, and prioritising students' assets. Andrea highlights the significance of collaboration not just among teachers, but also with paraprofessionals, coaches, administrators, and families, stressing the two-way dynamic interaction for meaningful engagement.

As an international school leader, do you sometimes find yourself caught between the demands of educational excellence and balancing the books? Today's episode will empower you with strategies to bridge the gap between personal values and organisational expectations.

I chat with Matt Hall, Director of Making Stuff Better, who brings his insights on transforming leadership tensions into progressive energy and aligning the soul of education with the rigors of finance. Tune in for an invigorating discussion that will resonate with every educational leader striving to lead with authenticity and courage.

In this episode, we unpack the nuanced role of middle leaders with Liz Benson. Liz, a visionary in the field with over two decades of experience, discusses the evolution of middle leadership, its complexities, and the need to celebrate its unique significance. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for bolstering middle leaders, learn about the five dimensions of Trust from Griffith University's research, and recognise the potency of advocacy and influence within your team.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Arran Hamilton, Author, Researcher and Group Director of Education at Cognition Education. We dove deep into the concept of doing less to achieve more in education. Dr. Hamilton, who has worked closely with John Hattie and Dylan Wiliam, shared insights into the process of de-implementation in schools. Our discussion revealed that not all educational practices are equally effective, and by de-implementing, we can actually enhance student learning.

Shane Leaning speaks with Cindy Adair, the Assistant Principal for Continued Professional Learning at Bangkok Patana School in Thailand. Cindy shares her pioneering approach to professional development in education. She delves into the transformation of performance management systems, emphasising teacher ownership, evidence-based education, and continuous improvement. Cindy outlines innovative strategies like instructional coaching, professional growth conversations, and integrating various educational tools for effective CPD.

This episode explores the concept of leadership flexibility and how the most effective strategies can become counterproductive if not adapted to changing contexts. Shane discusses the idea of a "lethal mutation" where a once successful approach mutates into something that hinders progress. He provides a 5 step framework centered around consistent self-assessment, seeking feedback, being open to change, avoiding ego traps, and ongoing professional development focused on adaptive leadership skills. Through real world examples and references to books like Thinking Fast and Slow, Emotional Intelligence, and Brené Brown's work, Shane emphasizes that continuous learning, evaluation, and a willingness to pivot strategies based on outcomes are key to sustainable leadership success over the long term.