Global Ed Leaders | International School Leadership Insights

You explained it clearly, they nodded, and two weeks later three people did three completely different things. This episode tackles one of the most common and costly communication breakdowns in school leadership: assuming that because you said it, it landed. Shane draws on research from Cornell and Stanford, including the "tappers and listeners" study, to explain why even experienced leaders consistently overestimate how clearly their message has been received, and why just knowing about these biases isn't enough to fix them. The answer is a simple three-step habit called paraphrasing: signal, restate, check. You'll learn why paraphrasing is fundamentally different from just repeating words back, how it surfaces misunderstandings in the moment rather than weeks later, and why it's especially valuable in international school settings where language and cultural norms add another layer of complexity. Shane also covers how to handle the slightly awkward moment when someone looks at you like you're going oddly slowly, and why naming what you're doing dissolves that resistance almost immediately. If you're ready to try one thing this week that will change how your conversations feel, press play. Resources & Links Mentioned:Shane Leaning's Education Leaders IntensiveEpisode PartnersInternational Leaders ConferenceTeaching WalkthrusJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Selina Boyd, international editor of The Good Schools Guide, reveals what actually matters when parents choose schools for their children. With over a decade reviewing international schools and more than 1,600 schools assessed worldwide, Selina explains why authentic leadership isn't about what leaders say about themselves, but what parents and students say about them. This conversation challenges school leaders to rethink how they communicate their school's story in an era where parents are savvy researchers who trust other parents more than polished marketing materials. You'll learn the specific moments that signal whether students are genuinely thriving, from children running up to show their work to sixth formers who can articulate why they chose your school. Selina shares practical examples of authentic school storytelling, including how one international school used Instagram reels to connect with future students in a way that felt genuine rather than contrived. If you're trying to build trust with prospective families whilst navigating social media and modern parent expectations, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on letting others tell your school's story. Resources & Links Mentioned:The Good Schools GuideSelina Boyd on LinkedInEpisode PartnersInternational Leaders ConferenceTeaching WalkthrusJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You hired the wrong person, killed a working programme, or ignored a massive risk whilst feeling completely rational the whole time. This episode unpacks five cognitive biases that sabotage school leadership decisions constantly: anchoring, availability bias, endowment effect, groupthink, and optimism bias. Shane shares real examples from his own leadership mistakes, including a disastrous hiring decision driven by a compelling opening story, and explains why these mental shortcuts that usually help us actually wreck leadership decisions. You'll learn practical systems to catch yourself before these biases derail your next major decision. Shane walks through how to counter anchoring with "consider the opposite" thinking, why you need a decision journal to spot availability bias patterns, how to set up kill committees for initiatives you've personally championed, and why assigning a devil's advocate role fights groupthink. If you've ever wondered why smart leaders sometimes make terrible collective decisions, or why your optimistic timelines never match reality, this episode gives you the frameworks to make better choices and build trust with your team. Resources & Links Mentioned:Change Starts Here by Shane LeaningEpisode PartnersInternational Curriculum AssociationTeaching WalkthrusJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Scorer and Shane Leaning got together to unpack some of the big themes from recent episodes, particularly that vulnerable solo episode Shane put out about self-doubt and imposter syndrome. The response to that one has been overwhelming, especially the private messages from leaders who haven't felt able to share their struggles publicly. Chris and Shane dug into why we've become so intolerant of failure in education, how accountability has overtaken development in our systems, and whether that's creating environments where leaders feel they have to hide their vulnerability rather than use it as a learning opportunity.We also talked about Jet Wolper's brilliant episode on questioning the status quo and why we keep cutting the ends off ham. It challenged our developmental approach to change because sometimes, as Chris pointed out, you need to strip things back before you can build them up properly. Chris shared James Miller's gutsy move at Royal Grammar School Newcastle, where he simply got rid of anything that wasn't actually helping kids. We wrapped up talking about curiosity as an antidote to the winter blues and how being one step more curious this February might be exactly what we need.Episodes mentioned:Tam Proctor on school character and culture: shaneleaning.com/podcast/140James Mannion on making change stick: shaneleaning.com/podcast/142Jet Wolper on the tab tax and cutting the ends off ham: shaneleaning.com/podcast/144Self-doubt and imposter syndrome (solo episode): shaneleaning.com/podcast/145Join us live: educationleaders.liveJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instructional coaching should be a powerful engine for teacher development, yet so many school initiatives stall or backfire. Why? In this frank conversation, Dr. Gene Tavernetti joins Shane to dissect exactly where and how coaching programmes commonly fail. With over thirty years in education (as coach, teacher, counselor, administrator, and consultant), Gene pulls no punches on the systemic pitfalls, from treating coaching as a remedial tool to the crippling myth of total confidentiality. As author of Teach FAST and Maximizing the Impact of Coaching Cycles (John Catt Education) and co-founder of Total Educational Systems Support (TESS), Gene has spent nearly two decades training teachers and those who support them in providing the best instruction possible. You'll learn why a mandatory, school-wide approach is often better than a voluntary one and how to strategically select your first teachers to coach to build credibility. Gene explains the critical difference between professional and personal relationships in coaching and why a shared, evidence-based focus is non-negotiable. Guided by his core belief that given the right environment and proper support, everyone can improve and succeed, Gene shares the practical, scar-tissue wisdom you need to avoid common mistakes and build a sustainable culture of improvement. Resources & Links Mentioned:Gene Tavernetti on LinkedInJim Knight's Instructional Coaching GroupDoug Lemov's Teach Like a ChampionStephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleJohn Kotter's 8-Step Change ModelEpisode PartnersInternational Curriculum AssociationTeaching WalkthrusJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know that feeling when you wake up with a weight on your chest, convinced you don't belong and everyone's about to find out? Shane gets vulnerable about a recent morning just like that: when a piece of work that wasn't his absolute best sent him spiralling into shame. This solo episode tackles the difference between "I did something imperfect" and "I am not good enough," and why that distinction matters so much for school leaders who hold themselves to impossibly high standards. You'll learn the crucial difference between shame and guilt (and why one protects you whilst the other keeps you stuck), how to separate the stories you're making up from actual data, and why your character matters more than your competence in any single moment. Shane shares frameworks from Brené Brown, Adam Grant, and Stephen Covey, but also gets honest about why sometimes you can't think your way out, sometimes you just need to feel it. If you've ever felt like an imposter or struggled after work that wasn't perfect, this episode will remind you that you're not alone. Resources & Links Mentioned:Adam Grant's "Think Again"Stephen Covey's "The Speed of Trust"Episode PartnersInternational Curriculum AssociationTeaching WalkthrusJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do schools continue using systems they hate? Jett Wolper from Sisi challenges the assumption that broken school systems are inevitable. Most educational technology wasn't designed for teachers, it was built for the people who purchase it, creating a 20-year legacy of platforms that work on paper but fail in practice. From timetabling that consumes enormous amounts of leadership time to communication scattered across WhatsApp, email, and multiple other platforms, these inefficiencies aren't just frustrating, they're directly contributing to teacher burnout and even affecting school admissions and finances. You'll learn why a story about ham perfectly explains most school systems, how duplicate data entry steals time from students, and why the best technology should be invisible. Jett shares practical steps for identifying which systems are draining your time, explains why centralising communication can transform a school overnight, and reveals Sisi's vision for eliminating administrative tasks entirely. If you're exhausted by platforms that require three-month training courses or tired of juggling dozens of browser tabs just to get through your day, this conversation offers a genuinely different approach to how schools can operate. Resources & Links Mentioned:Sisi School Management PlatformSisi on LinkedInJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if being direct isn't the same as being clear? Shane challenges a core assumption in leadership advice: that directness equals clarity. Drawing on Edward Hall's work on high and low context cultures and a recent conversation with Eunice Okpotu about psychological safety, Shane introduces a quadrant framework that separates directness from clarity. He's seen UK heads who are incredibly direct yet leave staff confused, and Chinese leaders who never directly confront anyone yet maintain crystal-clear standards across their schools. You'll learn the four quadrants of communication (direct and clear, direct and unclear, indirect and unclear, and indirect and clear), when to use each approach, and why indirect clarity is an overlooked leadership tool. Shane explains why indirect communication can preserve face whilst maintaining standards, when directness is essential (performance issues, safety concerns, legal requirements), and how the most effective leaders are fluent in both modes. If you've ever been frustrated by indirect communication or wondered why your direct feedback isn't landing, this framework will change how you think about leadership communication. Resources & Links Mentioned:Edward Hall's work on high and low context cultures Episode PartnersInternational Curriculum AssociationTeaching WalkthrusJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr James Mannion has noticed something telling when working with school leaders: ask them what proportion of change initiatives actually improved anything. Most estimate 10-20%, but when pressed about sustainable change with real evidence, that figure drops to nearly zero. Dr James Mannion, author of a comprehensive programme on implementation science, explains why this failure rate persists despite everyone knowing about it and more importantly, how schools can break the cycle. James reveals two deep-rooted issues: leaders aren't taught change management, and we default to top-down approaches that violate people's fundamental need for autonomy. You'll learn why healthcare takes 17 years to achieve just 14% uptake of proven practices, how to build slice teams that bring genuine representation to decision-making, and the power of five-minute interviews for surfacing concerns without fear of repercussion. Shane and James discuss the difference between implementation science and improvement science, why sceptics make valuable team members, and how to create ground rules that prevent groupthink. If you're tired of watching initiatives fail despite good intentions, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for change that actually sticks. Resources & Links Mentioned:Dr James Mannion's Making Change Stick programmeDr James Mannion's LinkedIn profileDr James Mannion's podcast Episode PartnersInternational Centre for Coaching in Education (Use discount code SHANE5 for 5% off)International Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2025 comes to a close, Shane reflects on the year by counting down the five most listened to episodes of Education Leaders. The podcast has grown significantly, doubling in size just in the last six months and reaching around 150 episodes total. Whether you've been following along all year or you're brand new to the show, this episode gives you a curated guide to the conversations that resonated most with school leaders worldwide. You'll hear about episodes covering everything from mastering your interview game to understanding why teachers resist great ideas, from curriculum change implementation to the unique challenges of teacher educators. Shane shares why each episode connected with listeners, what makes them valuable, and which specific insights from Katherine Birbalsingh, Dr Ciara O'Donnell, Christopher Youles, Ben Whitaker and Orla Dempsey stood out. If you're looking for the most impactful conversations from the year or want to catch up on episodes you might have missed, this countdown will guide you to exactly what busy school leaders found most useful. Resources & Links Mentioned:Master Your Leadership Interview Game | A Conversation with Orla DempseyHow To Learn From Everyone | A Conversation with Ben WhitakerWhy Teachers Resist your Great Ideas | A Conversation with Christopher YoulesWhen Teachers Teach Teachers | A Conversation with Dr. Ciara O'DonnellLeading With Conviction | A Conversation with Katharine BirbalsinghEducation Leaders Live bonus episodes with Chris Scorer Episode PartnersInternational Centre for Coaching in Education (Use discount code SHANE5 for 5% off)International Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Dr. Tamara Yuill Proctor began researching curriculum integration at secondary level, she quickly discovered that successful change wasn't really about curriculum at all. It was about understanding the character and culture of the school first: the people, their capacity, the school's history, and what the community actually needs. In this conversation, Tam shares findings from her doctoral research into how schools create meaningful change, focusing on a New Zealand school that hadn't changed its timetable in 25 years yet managed to transform its approach to learning. You'll learn why every change initiative Tam has led takes exactly six months for teachers to build the relational trust needed to collaborate effectively, how to balance being adaptable with staying mission-focused, and why "pockets of change" work better than whole-school transformation. Tam explains the critical role of middle leaders as conduits between vision and classroom practice, shares practical advice on giving teachers space to be frustrated during change, and reveals why clear learning outcomes matter more than rigid plans. If you're leading any kind of school change - whether curriculum redesign, new systems, or pedagogical shifts - this episode will help you understand why the human elements matter most. Resources & Links Mentioned:Tam on LinkedInUWC Changshu China Episode PartnersInternational Centre for Coaching in Education (Use discount code SHANE5 for 5% off)International Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our December edition of Education Leaders LIVE, where Chris Scorer and Shane Leaning reflect on the month's episodes. This time we reviewed three conversations that sparked some genuine debate between us. From firefighting versus long-term thinking, to whether HR should serve leadership or staff (we still don't agree), to the fundamentals of building trust quickly. We also had a surprisingly heated discussion about whether bookshelves should be organised by colour or subject matter. Chris's Christmas wish for all educators? Switch off your computers and actually rest.This monthly live show is meant to be more than just Shane and Chris chatting. It's a conversation with you, our community. Join us on the last Thursday of every month at 6pm Shanghai time (10am UK) on LinkedIn Live, YouTube Live, or at educationleaders.live.Episodes DiscussedHow to Think Long Term When Everything's On Fire https://shaneleaning.com/podcast/137Ethical School Leadership | A Conversation with Dr. Yael Cass https://shaneleaning.com/podcast/138How to Build Leadership Trust https://shaneleaning.com/podcast/139Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which breaks faster: trust in someone's competence or trust in their character? Shane explores Stephen Covey's framework that trust operates on two separate dimensions. Competence trust builds quickly through credentials, positions, and demonstrated capability, but character trust takes time to develop through consistent honesty and integrity. The crucial insight? While competence breaks slowly with each mistake being somewhat forgivable, character trust can shatter in a single moment. Shane shares a vulnerable story from his own leadership journey about a time he broke someone's trust and the lasting impact it had on that professional relationship. You'll learn a practical three-part transparency framework that builds character trust quickly whilst you're still establishing competence. Shane explains how to share your thinking process when uncertain, admit what you don't know whilst committing to find out, and explain your decisions even when they're unpopular. This approach doesn't just build trust faster, it protects you from appearing incompetent, reduces your cognitive load as a leader, and models the honest behaviour you want from your team. If you've ever worried about looking weak by admitting uncertainty, this episode will change how you approach leadership communication. Resources & Links Mentioned: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyEducation Leaders Intensive - 10-week leadership programme Episode PartnersInternational Centre for Coaching in Education (Use discount code SHANE5 for 5% off)International Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Compliance feels safer than ethics. You can tick the boxes, point to the policies, and stay in your head without engaging the emotional discomfort. But what if that's exactly the problem? In this episode, Dr Yael Cass introduces the concept of "compliance plus," a thoughtful, human-centred approach that brings intention and reflection into the systems schools rely on. Yael explains why international schools often have confusing organisational structures that look like "a bowl of spaghetti," why we still call operational professionals "support staff," and how the lack of clear systems triggers what she calls organisational sensemaking, where people start thinking about threats to themselves rather than collective goals. You'll learn why job descriptions in most schools haven't been reviewed in years even though roles have completely evolved, how professional development decisions are often made based on visibility or personal rapport with leadership rather than clear criteria, and why giving HR real strategic authority could reduce the overwhelming administrative load on principals and heads of school. Yael shares practical steps: look for gaps between what's written and what's actually happening, audit one area like recruitment for alignment with your values, and send an anonymous survey asking whether your appraisal system actually supports people or just ticks boxes. This conversation challenges how you think about structure, fairness, and what it means to build a workplace where the people who serve your students can actually flourish. Resources & Links Mentioned:Dr Yael Cass and NexGen Talent GroupDr Yael Cass on LinkedInEpisode PartnersInternational Centre for Coaching in Education (Use discount code SHANE5 for 5% off)International Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your budget's been slashed, three teachers have resigned, parents are complaining about the new timetable, and someone's asking about your five-year strategic plan. Sound familiar? This episode tackles the leadership trap that stops brilliant school leaders from making real progress: abandoning long-term thinking the moment a crisis hits. Shane explores why waiting for things to calm down before thinking strategically means you'll be waiting forever, and why firefighting mode becomes a dangerous default that creates more problems than it solves. You'll learn the three anchors that keep strategic leaders grounded during chaos: identifying your non-negotiables (three to five things that don't change no matter what), asking one weekly question that maintains forward momentum, and conducting a monthly review that prevents short-term decisions from creating long-term disasters. Shane shares research showing that 75% of change initiatives fail not because ideas were poor, but because organisations revert to short-term thinking under pressure. If you're exhausted from constant crisis management but frustrated that nothing's actually changing in your school, this episode will show you how to lead strategically even when everything feels urgent. Resources & Links Mentioned:FCLT Global and Harvard Law School Corporate Governance Forum researchMcKinsey 2017 study on long-term thinkingBoston Consulting Group research on organisational change Episode PartnersInternational Centre for Coaching in Education (Use discount code SHANE5 for 5% off)International Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month's Education Leaders LIVE brings together the big themes from November's episodes. Chris and Shane dig into what trust actually looks like in schools, why the shift from scrutiny to development matters so much, and whether leaders at trust level can genuinely connect with classroom teachers. The conversation around Sam Gibbs' episode sparks a proper debate about loss aversion and what happens when teachers stop putting themselves out there because they're tired of being judged. There's also honest reflection on Jo Robinson's coaching insights and what it means to be proactive rather than reactive as a leader.The discussion gets particularly real when they tackle the "have you got a moment" problem. Is it selfish to protect your focus time? How do you balance being available with actually getting strategic work done? Chris and Shane explore the tension between open-door policies and the reality that leaders need thinking space too. Plus, they revisit Maureen and James' work on student leadership and why we shouldn't treat leadership as something kids either have or don't.Episodes discussed:Teaching Leadership Through Curriculum with James Simons and Maureen ChapmanHave You Got A Moment?Coaching For School Leaders with Jo RobinsonHow to Trust Your Teachers with Sam GibbsJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Sam Gibbs asked, "Are we any further forward in honestly trusting the teaching profession?", she hit on something uncomfortable. In too many schools, we've slipped into what Sam calls toxic accountability. Sam, Director of Education at Greater Manchester Education Trust and co-author of The Trouble With English, argues that school leaders need to start from one simple assumption: teachers are professionals who want to do right by children. This conversation gets into why we've become unhealthily dependent on external products, how to use evidence without ignoring what teachers know works in their classrooms, and why that matters for actually changing practice. You'll hear why buying a programme before identifying your real problem creates dependency, how Sam's trust builds internal expertise through "mindful practice", and what it means to create a culture where teachers actually think, reflect, collaborate, learn, and develop. Shane and Sam discuss how narrow definitions of excellence hinder schools, why a chat over the kettle can be more effective than another external training session, and how to work with consultants without relying on them indefinitely. If you're trying to build professional development that doesn't just disappear after the initial excitement, this conversation provides a starting point. Resources & Links Mentioned:Sam Gibbs on LinkedInTrust Wide CPD Leaders NetworkThe Trouble With English and How to Address It (Routledge, 2022) Episode PartnersInternational Centre for Coaching in Education (Use discount code SHANE5 for 5% off)International Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Jo Robinson joins Shane, they focus on a simple, urgent problem: too much of what passes for professional development in schools is one-off, inspirational, and then forgotten. Jo — Chief Programmes Officer at the International Centre for Coaching in Education — gives school leaders practical steps to move from occasional workshops to coaching-led development that actually improves teaching and retention. You'll learn concrete moves you can make straight away: how to replace single observation feedback with short coaching conversations, how to set small monitored goals that staff will actually keep, and how to gather a fuller picture of practice by triangulating evidence rather than relying on one visit. Shane and Jo discuss examples from international schools, the role of accredited coaching programmes for leaders, and simple templates you can adopt this term to protect staff time while growing expertise. Press play if you want a practical plan for making leadership development stick. Resources & Links Mentioned: International Centre for Coaching in Education (ICCE)Joanne Robinson on LinkedInEEF Guidance: Effective Professional Development (practical evidence for PD design) Episode PartnersInternational Centre for Coaching in Education (Use discount code SHANE5 for 5% off)International Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When someone says “have you got a moment?” your instinct might be to say yes — and then lose 20 minutes, your focus and whatever calm you had left. This solo episode shows you a practical, repeatable way to handle those knocks so you protect your attention and still serve your team. Shane introduces the five-second “doorway decision”, explains how essentialist thinking underpins the approach, and shows how to set a clear 15-minute container for short conversations so they're focused and useful. You'll learn a three-step routine you can use the next time someone appears at your door: pause and assess (can you really give them what they need?), set the container (time, outcome, exit strategy) and stay curious rather than rushing to solve. Shane gives exact phrases (for example, “I've got 15 minutes now — let's work out the next step; if we need more time we'll book it”) and shows how to close with a clear summary, next action and follow-up — so impromptu chats become actionable. This episode uses real school examples (Rachel, a head of year) and short coaching tools you can practise this week. Resources & Links Mentioned:Previous episode: “How To Lead Without Being Needed” (Brett Griffin conversation)Greg McKeown — Essentialism (book / author referenced)Michael Bungay Stanier — The Coaching Habit (book / author referenced) Episode PartnersInternational Centre for Coaching in Education (Use discount code SHANE5 for 5% off)International Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode introduces a practical, curriculum-centred approach to student leadership with Maureen Chapman and James Simons of Cor Creative Partners. They explain why leadership should be taught like any other skill (not left to “natural leaders”), share the memorable chocolate-milk classroom story that reveals how students hide emotions, and show how simple classroom routines and roles make leadership visible and teachable.You'll get clear, immediate methods to use in class: the Leader Profile (motivate, persevere, communicate, collaborate) and four group roles (motivator, project manager, facilitator, advocate); quick reflection + micro-goal routines you can scaffold; and a low-risk pilot strategy (small team doing a lot vs whole-school doing a little). Shane, Maureen and James also name a psychological finding about why reflection is hard for students (many prefer doing something to “just thinking”), and they give pragmatic fixes you can trial tomorrow. LinksCor Creative PartnersLeaders of the ClassMaureen Chapman on LinkedInJames Simons on LinkedInWilson et al. (2014) “Just Think” — why people avoid sitting with their thoughtsEpisode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is our first Education Leaders Live recording, where I sat down with Chris Scorer to reflect on October's episodes. We talked about the difference between administration and leadership, why corridor conversations are actually the big wins, and how brilliant teachers often become exhausted leaders because they're cognitively fried by the basics. Chris shared some honest reflections about his own leadership journey and the things he wishes he'd done differently, particularly around prioritising relationships over processes.We covered solution-focused leadership, the trap of being needed everywhere, getting formative assessment into real classroom action, and the ten leadership levers that can help you reclaim your thinking time. This isn't your typical podcast episode - it's unpolished, conversational, and recorded live with our community. Join us next month, last Thursday at 6pm Shanghai time / 10am London time at educationleaders.live.Episodes ReferencedA Solution-Focused Approach to Leadership with Vicky Essabag and Tara Gretton - Listen hereHow to Lead Without Being Needed with Brett Griffin - Listen hereFrom Formative Assessment to Formative Action with Valentina David - Listen hereBeating Cognitive Overload (solo episode) - Listen hereLearn MoreEducation Leaders Intensive - A leadership intensive program for school leaders who want to master the fundamentals. Learn more at educationleaders.co/intensiveJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When brilliant teachers become exhausted leaders, it's usually not because they lack ability — it's because they're cognitively overloaded by the basics. In this solo episode Shane explains what that overload looks like (the story of “Sarah” who dreads Monday evenings), why common leadership programmes often skip the fundamentals, and how cognitive load theory helps explain what's going on. If you're struggling to hold difficult conversations, run useful meetings, or make decisions without second-guessing, this episode focuses on a practical, sequenced fix rather than another strategic to-do list. You'll learn concrete strategies you can use tomorrow: how to systematise meeting types and agendas so they stop draining you; simple rehearsal routines and conversation frameworks to make difficult talks less anxious; and decision shortcuts (values + structured choices) that reduce daily friction. Shane outlines ten “leadership levers” (meetings, feedback, delegation, decision frameworks and more) and explains how making a few fundamentals automatic frees your head for real strategic work. Press play if you want immediate, small changes that quickly create more mental space for the leadership you actually want to do. Click here to learn more about Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This conversation dives into what formative action is, why Valentina Devid and colleagues reframed formative assessment as an action-oriented practice, and why that reframing matters for school leaders trying to get useful classroom evidence turned into immediate, high-impact teaching moves. Valentina walks through the five-step action-oriented investigation process (orient & predict; think & generate; interpret, communicate & decide; informed follow-up; verify, reflect & predict), gives concrete classroom examples (history teachers checking the five causes of the First World War using mini whiteboards), and warns about common “mutations” — for example, when formative work is dumped into a learning management system as a grade with zero weight and loses purpose. You'll learn practical, leader-level actions you can take this term: how to check whether teachers are acting on evidence (not just collecting it), how to coach teams to set a sharp investigative focus so one question gives clear next steps, and how to avoid the three common implementation traps Valentina names (tool-focus, data overload, and handing premature decision-power to beginners). They discuss specific routines you can request in lesson observations (orient & predict statements, mirror questions for verification). Shane and Valentina give examples of immediate follow-ups you can expect to see in a classroom after a formative action check. If you want a straightforward way to tighten assessment practice so it actually improves learning, press play. Resources & Links Mentioned:Formative Action: From Instrument to Design — book page (The Formative Action School)The Formative Action School (Toetsrevolutie) — main siteHachette Learning — “Formative Action: From Instrument to Design” (publisher / buy)OliCav — Oliver Caviglioli (visual designer of the model)Inside the Black Box — Paul Black & Dylan Wiliam (PDF)LLEARN Podcast (Valentina with René Kneyber & Flemming van de Graaf) — show pageValentina Devid — LinkedIn profile Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you take a school leader who's used to timetables, structure, and constant visibility, and drop them into the chaos of running a startup? Brett Griffin made that exact transition, moving from assistant principal to CEO of Pupil Progress, a tech company now used by over 700 schools globally. This conversation reveals something uncomfortable: the very structures that make schools function might be stopping your leaders from doing their best work. Brett shares why 80% of a teacher's day is pre-determined before they even start, and what that means for trust, autonomy, and deep work. You'll learn why Brett used to hide in a secret office to get actual work done, why his old department achieved their best results the year after he left, and what the Lionel Messi analogy teaches us about teacher workload. Brett challenges the assumption that visibility always equals good leadership, and explains why being ruthless with focus (not adding more initiatives) might be the most important thing school leaders can do right now. If you're exhausted by trying to do everything at once, or wondering why your talented middle leaders aren't stepping up, this conversation will make you rethink how you're structuring work in your school. Resources & Links Mentioned:Brett Griffin on LinkedInPupil Progress website Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Struggling with staff meetings that spiral into problem talk? This episode explores solution-focused communication and how school leaders can transform their school culture by changing the questions they ask. Vicky Essebag and Tara Gretton share practical strategies for shifting from deficit-based conversations to hope-filled dialogue that actually moves your team forward. You'll discover why asking "what's wanted?" instead of "what's wrong?" creates the conditions for real change in your school community. We dive deep into how solution-focused approaches can help school leaders build stronger relationships with staff, students, and parents. Learn about the power of noticing small wins, creating fresh starts each day, and why those quick corridor conversations matter more than you think. Whether you're dealing with challenging parent meetings, staff frustrations, or student behaviour concerns, this conversation offers a different way forward that focuses on strengths, capabilities, and collective vision rather than endless troubleshooting. Resources & Links Mentioned:Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Association (SFBTA) - North American organization offering professional learning opportunitiesSF in Organizations (SFIO) - Resources and examples of solution-focused practice in educationJournal of Solution Focused Practices - Latest research and conversations about solution-focused approaches Vicky Essebag:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vickyessebagWebsite: relationspaces.comTara Gretton:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tara-gretton-b3088b18Website: solutionrevolution.co.uk Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This conversation with George Peterkin challenges how we think about mental health in schools. George introduces the three pillars framework: prevention, intervention, and postvention. While most schools have the first two fairly well established, postvention (what happens after an intervention) is often neglected. George shares practical examples of what postvention looks like, from simple check-ins to structured return-to-school support, and explains why it matters just as much as the other pillars. George also makes a compelling case for starting any mental health strategy with student voice. Rather than jumping straight into solutions or copying what other schools are doing, he suggests getting feedback from your students, staff, and parents first. We discuss the role of Senior Mental Health Leads, why comparison really is the thief of joy when it comes to school strategy, and how the small things done consistently often have more impact than big, extravagant initiatives. If you're a school leader trying to figure out where to start with wellbeing, this episode gives you a clear roadmap. Links & Resources:Connect with George on LinkedInLearn more about Mind Your HealthFind out about the Senior Mental Health Lead training Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professional development is happening in schools everywhere, but is it actually working? In this episode, Bethan Hindley from the Teacher Development Trust tackles one of the biggest challenges facing school leaders today: fragmented CPD. Despite all the training sessions, workshops, and courses, many schools struggle to see real impact because their professional development lacks a clear, joined-up approach. Teachers are working hard and learning individually, but they're not moving towards common goals that meet their specific school's needs. Bethan shares practical strategies for transforming your school's approach to professional development, starting with getting crystal clear on your strategic priorities and ensuring these threads run consistently through all your PD activities. We explore why professional development is the biggest lever we have for improving student outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, and discuss the exciting new Asia cohort of TDT's Associate Qualification that Shane is co-delivering specifically for international school leaders. Links MentionedTeacher Development Trust - The charity supporting schools to get the most out of their professional developmentAssociate Qualification in CPD Leadership - TDT's flagship programme for PD leadersEducation Endowment Foundation (EEF) - Research on professional development as the biggest lever for student outcomesUnleashing Great Teaching - Book by David Weston and Bridget Clay Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever left a fantastic professional development session feeling completely energised, only to find yourself back to square one a month later? Shane tackles this all-too-familiar scenario in this solo episode, coining it "One Hit Wonder PD" or "Drive-By PD." Shane explores why even the most brilliant, engaging PD days often fail to create lasting change in schools. The problem isn't the quality of the training; it's what happens (or doesn't happen) after the applause dies down and real school life kicks back in. Drawing on research from the Education Endowment Foundation, Shane reveals an uncomfortable truth: most of the responsibility for making professional development stick lies with school leaders themselves. He challenges listeners to focus on just one area this year and provides practical strategies for ensuring PD actually transforms practice rather than just creating good memories. The episode offers a straightforward framework for leaders who want to make their professional development investment count: do the groundwork before training begins, plan the follow-up before the session even happens, and resist the temptation to juggle multiple initiatives. Sometimes going deep on one focus area creates far more impact than spreading efforts across numerous projects.Links MentionedEducation Endowment Foundation - 14 Mechanisms for Effective Professional DevelopmentEEF Professional Development Guidance Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this essential episode for school leaders, Shane explores primary education leadership with Emma Turner, a primary education expert with over 25 years of experience in school leadership development. Emma challenges the common practice of applying secondary-focused approaches to primary settings, sharing practical school leadership strategies that respect how young children actually learn. This conversation offers valuable education leadership training for international school leaders who want to improve their understanding of age-appropriate pedagogy and effective transition processes between educational phases. Emma discusses why primary education often defaults to "secondary light" approaches and shares innovative school improvement strategies that create "academically seductive" learning environments. From managing the flexibility of primary school days to building better understanding between phases, this episode provides actionable education leadership skills for heads, principals, and teacher leadership development coordinators. Whether you're leading organisational change in schools or developing school leadership programmes, Emma's insights on the "brackish water" approach to transitions and cross-phase collaboration will enhance your school culture change initiatives.Connect with EmmaPodcast: "Mind the Gap" with Tom Sherrington - youtube.com/c/MindtheGapwithTomEmmaBooks: amazon.com/stores/author/B0839NHR9PLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emma-l-turner Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brutally honest conversation, Michael Iannini pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to leave the safety of education employment and strike out as an independent consultant. From worrying about whether you can afford that plane ticket to learning the hard way that repackaging other people's content doesn't work, Michael shares the lessons that most people won't tell you about going independent. We explore the realities of working with schools as clients, why coming in with all the answers is the wrong approach, and how Michael learned to challenge assumptions even when it might cost him the project. He shares his journey from delivering polished but ineffective programmes to finding his authentic voice through writing his book, and explains why advocacy for others became the key to creating real impact.LinksHidden in Plain Sight: Realizing the Full Potential of Middle Leaders - Michael's bookPD Academia - Michael's consulting websitePeerSphere - Peer learning communities for international school educators Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful conversation, Stephanie Lill from Mindful Sparks completely reframes how we think about compassion in schools. Far from being a "nice to have," compassion emerges as an essential leadership skill that goes beyond kindness and empathy to create real, lasting change. Lilly breaks down the crucial distinctions: kindness is doing nice things, empathy is understanding someone's situation, but compassion is taking action to address the root causes of suffering. What makes this episode particularly valuable is Lilly's honest exploration of self-compassion, especially for those of us who worry that being too kind to ourselves might make us complacent. Through practical strategies like using post-it note reminders, checking in with our mind, emotions, and body, and knowing when to pause before making decisions, she shows how self-compassion actually creates the mental space we need to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Her story about a school leader who chose vulnerability during an air pollution crisis demonstrates how authentic leadership can transform school culture in profound ways. LinksMindful Sparks - Mindfulness-based training for schoolsMindful Moments Podcast - Mindful Sparks' own podcast seriesConnect with Lilly on Instagram @mindful_sparks or LinkedIn Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder why brilliant educational ideas don't always translate into classroom reality? In this conversation, Shane Leaning sits down with author Chris Youles to explore the messy truth about implementing change in schools and why sometimes it's easier to influence other people's schools than your own. Chris, Assistant Head Teacher and author of the brilliant Teaching Story Writing in Primary (Bloomsbury), shares his honest reflections on the gap between writing about best practice and actually making it happen. With characteristic candour, he admits that despite literally writing the book on teaching writing, he still struggles with implementation challenges in his own school. We dive into the psychology of professional development, explore why past CPD trauma affects how teachers receive new ideas, and discover Chris's brilliant concept of "death by a thousand blows" for sustainable change. This episode will resonate with anyone who's ever wondered why that amazing training session didn't quite stick, or why resistance to change persists even when everyone agrees the ideas are good. Chris offers practical insights into reframing change around student outcomes, the importance of consistency over perfection, and how small, frequent adjustments can create lasting transformation. Links:Chris Youles' Books:Teaching Story Writing in Primary: Curriculum-aligned, classroom-ready resources and strategies (Bloomsbury, 2024)Sentence Models for Creative Writing: A practical resource for teaching writing (John Catt Educational, 2023)Writing Systems and Approaches:Jane Considine's "The Write Stuff" system - Transforming the teaching of writingThe Write Stuff book by Jane ConsidineReading Resources:Christopher Such's work on reading fluency and deep discussionPrimary Reading Simplified: A Practical Guide to Classroom Teaching and Whole-School Implementation by Christopher SuchThe Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading by Christopher Such Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Leaning chats with Ben Whitaker about his new book "The Ideas Guy" and why he thinks we're all capable of being idea generators. Ben's an education consultant who specialises in education leadership training and co-hosts the Edufuturists podcast, and he's got some fascinating takes on school leadership coaching. Rather than hunting for that perfect role model (spoiler alert: they don't exist), Ben's all about picking and mixing ideas from loads of different people - even the ones with questionable ethics. We explore everything from Sir Ken Robinson's unconventional paths to Brené Brown's thoughts on vulnerability as a leadership strength. Ben challenges the whole notion of trying to cram more stuff into education and makes a compelling case for school improvement strategies that focus on creating more space instead. If you're an international school leadership team looking for fresh school leadership tips, or just want to think differently about organisational change in schools, this conversation's going to get you thinking. Plus, Ben drops some wisdom about why curiosity gets trained out of us and how we can get it back.Resources mentioned in this episode:Ben Whitaker's book "The Ideas Guy"Edufuturists podcastSir Ken Robinson FoundationStephen Bartlett's "Diary of a CEO" podcast Episode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katharine Birbalsingh, founder of Britain's most talked-about school, reveals the leadership principles that transformed her vision into reality. From her converted office building in London, Michaela Community School has achieved the highest progress scores in England for three consecutive years, with results that rival the country's most elite institutions. Katharine shares her unflinching approach to leadership - one built on absolute clarity of vision, radical simplicity, and the power of authentic conversation. She explains why autonomy isn't just about freedom from interference, but about creating genuine ownership throughout your organisation, and how saying 'no' to good ideas can be the key to extraordinary results. Katharine discusses the ice cream cone analogy that will change how you think about school improvement, why she's never used an agenda in a meeting, and how the dating world can teach us about setting standards with parents and staff. Whether you agree with her methods or not, her insights on building culture, having difficult conversations, and leading with unwavering standards offer valuable lessons for any school leader looking to create meaningful change. This conversation will challenge your assumptions about what it means to lead with true conviction.LinksMichaela Community School - MichaelaMichaela Community School | Welcome to MichaelaE.D. Hirsch's "The Schools We Need and Why We Don't Have Them" (1999) - Available on Goodreads - Educational philosophy book that influenced Katharine's approachKatharine's Books:"To Miss with Love" (2011) - Her memoir based on her teaching blog"Battle Hymn of the Tiger Teachers: The Michaela Way" (2016) - Editor"Michaela: The Power of Culture" (2020) - EditorJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Leaning speaks with Paul Halford about his new book "My Educated Life: Lessons from Leading Schools." Paul explores why change in schools is fundamentally a subjective experience, explaining how even the most logical strategic plans can fail when they encounter the reality of people's personal lives and emotional responses. Using a football coaching analogy from his youth, he demonstrates how successful change requires leaders who build trust, allow for honest communication about difficulties, and create safe spaces for dissent and feedback. The conversation delves into the tension between maintaining legitimacy as a school and pushing boundaries for innovation, using examples like A.S. Neill's radical Summerhill School and the nomadic Think Global School. Paul emphasises that school success is built on relationships characterised by trust, hope, and care, citing research showing that high-trust schools have significantly better success rates when implementing new programmes. He provides practical strategies including monthly one-to-one meetings with staff, annual culture surveys, and creating collaborative approaches to change implementation, while warning that the biggest leadership mistake is allowing trust to erode through poor communication and failure to understand staff experiences. Links Mentioned:My Educated Life: Lessons from Leading Schools by Paul HalfordThe New Meaning of Educational Change by Michael FullanUNESCO Futures of Education Report Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane challenges the common assumption that all teachers must be primarily motivated by their love of children. Drawing from research and personal reflection at the Festival of Education, he explores the diverse motivations that actually drive educators - from technical craft enthusiasts to social justice warriors to stability seekers. Using the 2007 Watt and Richardson "FIT-Choice Scale" study, Shane identifies six different types of motivated teachers and explains why understanding these differences is crucial for effective school leadership. The episode explores how different teacher motivations impact recruitment, retention, and strategic staff deployment. Shane argues that recognising this diversity allows leaders to better support their teams, align opportunities with individual motivations, and move beyond the simplistic myth that good teachers are only driven by love of children. The discussion includes practical implications for how schools can leverage the natural diversity of motivations within their teams to create more effective and sustainable change. Action ChallengeHave a conversation with one teacher this week. Ask them what really motivates them - not what should motivate them, but what actually does. Listen carefully and consider how you might align future opportunities with their genuine motivations.Books Mentioned"Putting Staff First: A Blueprint for Revitalising Our Schools" by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley"Change Starts Here: What if Everything Your School Needed Was Right in Front of You?" by Shane Leaning and Efraim Lerner Study: Watt, H. M. G., & Richardson, P. W. (2007). Motivational Factors Influencing Teaching as a Career Choice: Development and Validation of the FIT-Choice Scale. The Journal of Experimental Education, 75(3), 167-202. Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Shane Leaning sits down with John Taylor, Director of Learning, Teaching and Innovation at Cranleigh School and one of the principal architects of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). They explore how a small pilot programme exploring science ethics has evolved into a globally recognised qualification with over 50,000 students annually. John shares insights into project-based learning at scale, how universities now offer grade discounts for EPQ students, and why this qualification is particularly valuable for international schools and multilingual learners. Shane and John discuss the practical challenges of supporting teachers in transitioning from content delivery to mentorship roles, how to assess diverse project outcomes fairly, and John's concept of "minovation" - incremental innovation that creates lasting educational change. This conversation offers valuable insights for school leaders considering project-based learning initiatives and demonstrates how inquiry-based approaches can work effectively within existing qualification systems whilst developing critical thinking skills and student autonomy. Links to Learn More:Pearson Edexcel Extended Project QualificationCranleigh SchoolJohn Taylor on LinkedInUCAS EPQ Qualification Information Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Shane sits down with Drew Perkins, President Director of ThoughtStretcher Education and host of the ThoughtStretchers Education Podcast. Drew brings a refreshing perspective on how we can navigate the often polarised world of education discourse, from the direct instruction versus inquiry debate to the broader challenge of maintaining nuanced thinking in our schools. Drew shares his approach to engaging in online education conversations with curiosity rather than certainty, and explains his concept of "reality-based communities" grounded in what he calls enlightenment liberal principles. Whether you're a school leader trying to cut through the noise or an educator looking to model better dialogue, this conversation offers practical wisdom for staying grounded whilst remaining open to learning.Resources MentionedThoughtStretchers Education Podcast - Drew's weekly education podcastPaul Kirschner Panel Discussion: "The Knowledge Revival, Curriculum For Deep Thinking" - Recent episode exploring direct instruction vs inquiry learningJonathan Rauch's "Kindly Inquisitors" - Book on knowledge and free speechJonathan Rauch's "The Constitution of Knowledge" - Exploring how we determine truth in modern societyThoughtStretcher Education - Drew's organisation websiteThoughtStretchers Community - Educational discussion community Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything your school needed was right in front of you? In this special extended conversation, Shane sits down with his co-author Efraim Lerner for an unfiltered chat about their upcoming book "Change Starts Here" and why they believe schools need to rediscover confidence in their own communities. Shane and Efraim dig into how schools have gradually outsourced their decision-making, creating dependency on quick fixes and outside solutions. They challenge the assumption that expertise must come from outside, arguing instead that schools create the most powerful change when they leverage the knowledge already within their walls - from teachers and students to parents and support staff. They talk through their question-driven approach to change, featuring 40 questions that help schools discover what they already have rather than telling them what they need. Why do most change initiatives collapse within three years? How can schools create "resonant" change that feels authentic to their community? And why must schools build internal confidence before they engage with external consultants? These are the questions driving their thinking.Resources & LinksOrder "Change Starts Here: What If Everything Your School Needed Was Right in Front of You?"Amazon Pre-order LinkPublisher Website - RoutledgeWaterstones Pre-order Work CollaborativeWebsite: workcollaborative.com Connect with Efraim LernerLinkedIn: Efraim LernerJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane sits down with Nathan Burns, widely known as "Mr Metacognition," to tackle one of education's most discussed yet frequently misunderstood concepts. Nathan brings refreshing honesty to the conversation, immediately acknowledging that metacognition is complicated and that existing definitions don't do a particularly good job of explaining what it actually is. Far from being the latest educational fad, Nathan traces metacognition back to John Flavell's work in the 1970s, highlighting how education often repackages established concepts as revolutionary new ideas. Nathan offers his own practical definition of metacognition as "the little voice inside your head that's guiding your planning and your evaluation." He breaks down metacognition into six foundational pillars: knowledge of task, knowledge of self, knowledge of strategies, plus the regulation processes of planning, monitoring, and evaluation. This framework provides concrete areas that schools can focus on rather than treating metacognition as an invisible, unmeasurable concept. Perhaps most valuably, Nathan provides clear guidance on when schools are actually ready for metacognition work. He's refreshingly direct that metacognition isn't a silver bullet and certainly isn't the right starting point for every school. As Nathan puts it, "if chairs are being thrown, then that's not the next step in that journey." Instead, metacognition works best in schools where strong teaching foundations already exist and leaders are ready for long-term improvement focused on incremental gains.Guest InformationNathan Burns, known as "Mr Metacognition," brings over half a decade of expertise in metacognitive theory and practice to schools across the UK and internationally. He's the author of two five-star reviewed books on metacognition published by Sage Publications and has contributed articles to leading education platforms including TES and SecEd. Nathan collaborates with major educational organisations like Oxford University Press and has built a reputation for making complex educational theory accessible and practical for classroom implementation. Resources and LinksEducation Endowment Foundation (EEF) Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning Guidance ReportNathan Burns' website and resourcesNathan Burns on Twitter/XNathan Burns on LinkedInJohn Flavell's foundational 1979 research "Metacognition and Cognitive Monitoring"Nathan's book "Inspiring Deep Learning with Metacognition"Nathan's book "Teaching Hacks: Fixing Everyday Classroom Issues with Metacognition" Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the secret to transforming your school culture wasn't another initiative, but learning to tend to it like a terrarium? In this episode, Shane talks to Lori Cohen about her revolutionary ecological approach to wellbeing in schools. Rather than treating wellbeing as just another programme, Lori introduces a powerful terrarium metaphor that shows how all elements of school culture work together as an interconnected ecosystem. Lori Cohen is an experienced school leader, instructional coach, and education consultant with over two decades in education. She's co-author of "Integrating Educator Well-Being, Growth, and Evaluation: Four Foundations for Leaders."Key TakeawaysWellbeing as Soil, Not Another PlantEducator wellbeing is the foundational soil from which all other school improvements growWithout healthy soil, nothing else can truly thriveRuptures Are Necessary for EvolutionChange requires some things to break down before they can be rebuilt strongerWhat needs to "die" so something better can emerge?The Fractal Approach to ChangeStart small and deep rather than broad and shallowFocus on one dimension rather than trying to fix everything at onceAllow successful patterns to naturally replicate and scaleThe Eight Dimensions of Collective WellbeingWage satisfaction and transparent compensationJob stability and role clarityWorkload management and equitable distributionAutonomy and self-efficacyInclusion in policymaking and decision-makingCommunity care and leadership modellingEmotional intelligence (individual and collective)Strong, supportive relationships that can be built, sustained, and repairedResources and LinksConnect with Lori:Lori Cohen on LinkedInIntegrating Educator Well-Being, Growth, and Evaluation: Four Foundations for Leaders by Lori Cohen and Elizabeth Denevi (Routledge)Additional Resources Mentioned:Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Marie BrownMindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol DweckThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanEpisode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When 89% of a population plays games and two-thirds are under 35, that's not a problem to solve - it's a medium to embrace. Today we explore a fascinating partnership between Stanford University's Human Perception Lab and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince School, where gaming isn't just motivation - it's pedagogy. Dr. Khizer Khaderi (Stanford University) & Dr. Steffen Sommer (Misk Schools, Saudi Arabia) challenge everything we think we know about digital natives, revealing how we're systematically "un-teaching" natural curiosity and forcing students to live in two worlds: digital at home, analogue at school. From Pokemon champions attending Ivy League universities to students learning astrophysics through gameplay, this conversation reveals why the future of education lies not in dragging students back to the 20th century, but in meeting them where they already are.Key Topics DiscussedThe Gaming Revolution in EducationSaudi Arabia's unique demographic: 89% of population plays games, 70% under 35Moving from "gamification" (tricking students) to "gaming for purpose"Why gaming should be treated as sport, not just entertainmentMeeting Students Where They AreThe fundamental disconnect: teaching how we think they should learn vs. how they want to learnWhy motivation problems stem from this educational misalignmentThe danger of forcing students to live in two worlds: digital at home, analogue at schoolRethinking Traditional CurriculumWhat should we stop teaching if students can look it up in seconds?The difference between memorising times tables and understanding mathematicsWhy handwriting skills matter less in a digital worldMoving from knowledge acquisition to information verification skillsInnovation and Divergent ThinkingHow we systematically "un-teach" natural curiosityThe importance of making mistakes and asking "what if?"Cross-pollination and generalist thinking in a specialised worldAcademic innocence: why younger minds generate breakthrough ideasPractical ImplementationCreating gaming suites with educational purposeForming partnerships with universities beyond just university admissionWorking with examination boards to change assessment methodsThe role of interdisciplinary teaching and teamwork in exams Resources MentionedBook: "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" by David EpsteinHistorical Educational Games: Oregon Trail, MULEResearch: Daphne Bavelier's work on gaming and learning (University of Rochester, 2003)Stanford Human Perception Laboratory: Stanford HPLMisk Schools: Misk Schools WebsiteEpisode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Leaning sits down with Ruth Taylor from the Common Cause Foundation to explore the fascinating world of human values and what they mean for school leadership. Ruth shares insights from decades of social psychology research that challenges everything we think we know about motivation.Key Topics CoveredThe Schwartz Values FrameworkHow 58 human values map onto our decision-makingWhy some values are complementary whilst others are antagonisticThe difference between intrinsic and extrinsic valuesThe Values Perception GapWhy 74% of people prioritise intrinsic values like equality over extrinsic ones like wealthHow we consistently misjudge what motivates othersThe self-fulfilling prophecy this creates in our organisationsPractical Applications for School LeadersWhy competitions and prizes might backfire in the long termHow to ask "what values am I wanting to nurture?" before designing initiativesMoving from outcome-focused to values-focused leadershipCreating space for conversations about what really mattersKey InsightsWe all hold all 58 values but "dance" in different parts of the map at different timesCultural pressures often push us towards extrinsic values even when we'd naturally choose intrinsic onesYou're always strengthening values through your leadership - the question is which onesStarting small and building habits around values-based thinking can create significant changeSimply reflecting on our own values strengthens our intrinsic motivations Useful LinksRuth Taylor's website: ruthtaylor.orgCulture Soup newsletter: valuesnarrativesculture.substack.comCommon Cause Foundation: commoncausefoundation.orgSchwartz Values Framework map: Available on the Common Cause website Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is Alicia Drummond, a BACP accredited therapist and creator of The Wellbeing Hub. This conversation dives deep into why self-awareness is the foundation of effective school leadership. We explore how your internal state directly impacts your school's culture, and Alicia shares practical tools for understanding your triggers, biases, and leadership patterns. From attachment styles to the OK Corral framework, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can use immediately.Key Points CoveredThe internal-external connection: Research shows a leader's internal state directly impacts school cultureUnderstanding triggers: How childhood experiences create leadership patterns and why physical responses are early warning systemsAttachment styles in leadership: Four styles (secure, avoidant, ambivalent, disorganised) and how they affect your ability to trust and delegatePersonal bias exercise: Practical tool to identify your "in-group" and how it affects who you support vs. overlookThe OK Corral framework: Four positions (I'm OK/You're OK, etc.) that determine how you show up in relationshipsHero/anti-hero exercise: Understanding your light and shadow sides to catch yourself when moving toward unhelpful patternsChoice, control, confidence: How awareness doesn't solve problems but gives you options for how to respondPractical meditation: Simple daily practice for building self-awareness and emotional regulation This conversation challenged me to think about how often we rush to fix external problems when the real work starts internally. The research showing how a leader's internal state directly impacts school culture is a powerful reminder that working on ourselves isn't selfish - it's essential leadership development.LinksThe Wellbeing Hub Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane looks at the disconnect between leadership theory and practice in educational leadership qualifications, sharing insights from his conversations with leaders who've completed these programs. He identifies five common failures in leadership development courses and offers practical alternatives that actually lead to growth.Key Points85% of leaders identified peer learning and community as the most valuable aspect of leadership programs, not the content or theoryThe five failures of leadership programs:Theory without practice - providing concepts without applicationWrong context and content - programs not adapted to different educational systemsUnrealised community - superficial implementation of peer learningSimple models for complex realities - oversimplifying leadership challengesIgnoring identity - neglecting personal leadership developmentThe costs of these failures: staff turnover, misaligned teams, initiative fatigue, leadership burnout, wasted resources, and stagnant developmentWhat works instead: blending theory with immediate application, creating genuine communities of practice, contextualising learning, embracing complexity, and integrating identity development Resources MentionedEducation Leaders Intensive Programme - Shane's 12-week leadership development program starting in SeptemberLeadership Qualification Webinar - Free webinar diving deeper into this topic Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I speak with David Ingram, Founding Head of College at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi about:How his experience as a police constable in County Durham shaped his approach to education and student wellbeingThe importance of establishing "trusted adults" for every student and how to systematically ensure this happensBuilding a comprehensive wellbeing framework that addresses academic, social, emotional, mental and physical dimensionsMoving from seeing wellbeing as a "strategic priority" to a long-term "strategic commitment"A nuanced approach to smartphones in schools that balances innovation with appropriate boundariesKey takeaways:Trusted adult relationships: Dulwich increased from 85% to 100% of primary students having a trusted adult by explicitly discussing this concept with both students and staff. They also recognized that trusted adults might be admin staff rather than just teachers.Comprehensive wellbeing frameworks: Working with positive psychologist David Bott, Dulwich developed a holistic approach to wellbeing that includes regular audits across multiple dimensions, allowing for systematic identification of areas for improvement.The AS Steer tool: This assessment tool helps identify students who present as being fine but may be struggling internally, allowing for proactive rather than reactive intervention.Smartphone policies: Rather than implementing a total ban, Dulwich restricts phone use during the school day while still embracing technology through innovative AI initiatives, creating a balanced approach that prepares students for managing technology in their future.Collaborative approaches: The success of Dulwich's wellbeing strategy relies heavily on collaboration across their school network and with external experts.Links mentioned in the episode:David Bott's work on positive psychologyAS Steer wellbeing assessment toolConnect with David Ingram on LinkedIn Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Shane gets coached on leadership interview techniques by Orla Dempsey, an expert in helping teachers secure leadership positions. Throughout their conversation, Orla shares practical frameworks and strategies that help transform interview anxiety into confidence.Key Topics Covered:The STAR technique for structuring powerful interview answersHow shifting to past tense can showcase your real experienceUsing specific numbers and data to demonstrate measurable impactResearching and aligning with a school's specific needsHandling setbacks and showing authentic humanity in interviews Connect with Orla DempseyWebsite: www.orladempseycoaching.ie Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is David Harkin, CEO and Founder of 8billionideas, which has impacted over 500,000 students in 26 countries. David is a two-time TEDx speaker, author of 'The Ripple Effect', and was ranked 8th globally by ISC Research for his contributions to the education sector in 2022. Before entering education, David was an IBM executive and was the youngest globally to receive their CEO award. In our conversation, we explore:The difference between entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial mindsetWhy school leaders should embrace a "principalpreneur" approachHow to create a culture that encourages innovation at all levelsThe three types of innovation every school needsDavid's concept of being "brilliantly busy" and what it means for leadersWhy leadership is harder than ever before in 2025The importance of transferring ideas across schools internationallyKey insights:Entrepreneurial mindset vs entrepreneurship: "Entrepreneurship is hugely misunderstood, firstly by using the word entrepreneurship and forgetting the second word entrepreneurship mindset. That's what we really need to be talking about in education."Schools as businesses: "Every school on the planet is a business, but in the business of world-class education."Three types of innovation:Transformational (major strategic initiatives)Accelerated incremental change (medium-sized projects)Incremental improvements (small, everyday gains)On modern leadership: "Leadership is harder than ever before because of the accessibility of you."Creating a culture of action: "Try and build a culture of action and then ask for forgiveness... If it's a good idea, don't ask me if you should be doing it. Just get on with it." David's outlook for education is optimistic: "The next decade is the most important decade in educational history...never before have we had the opportunity to transfer lessons as quickly as we possibly can and collectively make change."Links mentioned in this episode:8billionideasDavid's book: The Ripple Effect"Checklist Manifesto" by Atul Gawande Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Shane Leaning discusses his new best-selling book "Change Starts Here: What if Everything Your School Needed Was Right in Front of You?", co-authored with Efram Learner. Shane shares why they wrote the book, its core philosophy, and how it can help school leaders drive meaningful change by looking inward to their communities rather than constantly seeking external solutions. Pre-order "Change Starts Here" on AmazonKey PointsThe Confidence Crisis: Many schools are experiencing a confidence crisis, constantly looking outside for solutions from consultancies and companies, inadvertently outsourcing their thinkingA Different Approach: Instead of providing prescriptive solutions, the book offers 40 powerful questions organized into 8 stages to unlock the wisdom that already exists within school communitiesBased on Design Thinking: The framework adapts the British Design Council's Double Diamond model for educational settingsAlready a Bestseller: The book has achieved bestseller status within a week of pre-orders being available What Makes This Approach DifferentEmbraces Complexity: Change involves people, and people are complex - this book doesn't try to oversimplify that realityCommunity-Centered: Involving multiple perspectives leads to better quality change and develops genuine buy-inEngages Head and Heart: Questions engage with feelings as much as thoughts, helping people follow through even when change becomes challengingWho Is This Book For?School leaders (primary audience)Teachers developing minds in their classroomsParents supporting their childrenHR managers thinking about recruitment challengesCEOs of school groupsAnyone who believes in community-led change Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Call Across the Pond- Guest AppearanceShane Leaning appears as a guest on another podcast.Time zones don't matter when the conversation is this good! This bonus episode features Shane Leaning as a guest on "A Call Across the Pond: Transforming Relationships at School, at Home & Beyond" with Tara Gretton and Vicky Essebag.Episode Highlights:Why most professional development doesn't lead to lasting change in schoolsHow the outsourcing of knowledge has led to a crisis of confidence in schoolsThe four key stages of effective, community-led changeWhy "buy-in" is the wrong approach to school changeThe importance of seeing challenges as perceptions rather than factsHow my podcast journey has evolved and the incredible lessons I've learnedThe critical need to restore respect and status to the teaching profession globallySubscribe to their podcast:A Call Across the Pond: Transforming Relationships at School, at Home & BeyondThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I speak with Christina Hidek, an expert in parent engagement, about the vital role of parent communities in schools. We explore the numerous benefits of empowered parent groups and how schools can build strong, collaborative relationships with parents. Episode HighlightsThe wide-ranging benefits of engaged parent communities for schools, students, and parents.Uncovering hidden parent talents and skills to enrich the school community.Moving beyond traditional parent involvement like bake sales to more strategic partnerships.Real-world examples of how parents have helped schools solve critical challenges.Strategies for overcoming barriers and adversarial relationships between schools and parents.The importance of open communication and mutual goal-setting.How to effectively support and empower parent groups.The school leader's role in fostering positive parent-teacher relationships. Key TakeawaysEngaged parent communities are invaluable assets to schools.Schools should actively seek to understand and utilise the diverse skills and talents within their parent community.Open communication and collaboration are essential for building strong parent-school partnerships.School leaders play a crucial role in fostering a positive and productive relationship with parent communities. Links MentionedChristina's Facebook Community: Superstar PTO Leaders Group Episode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.