She Leads Because She Can

Sue Aspinall and Caz Jude

We believe that there is a need to provide support for female school leaders, who want to thrive and grow within international school settings.

In this series of fortnightly podcasts, we share our own lived experiences and the hard-hitting realities which have shaped us as successful leaders within the sector.

Each podcast forms a topical conversation which is experienced-based; sharing truths, sound council and suggested solutions.

We aim to be a source of courage, confidence and practical solutions to keep others ' leading because they can'.

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S4 · E38
Friday · 40 min
#37 Coaching, Confidence and Courage to Take the Next Step
Send us Fan Mail This week on the podcast, I am joined by Julie Keyes, founder of The Educational Coach. Julie is originally a secondary school teacher and former deputy head who took the courageous step of setting up her own business in the UK. In 2024, she took another courageous step and moved her business to Dubai. In this podcast, Julie talks openly and honestly about the challenges she has faced when things do not quite go according to plan, as well as the enriching experiences she has had along the way. Julie shares how determination is key. She believes that confidence is 'built on receipts' as past experiences can remind us that we can do it. When she arrived in Dubai, she put that determination to the test by visiting thirty schools in thirty days. No mean feat! Her belief in what she can offer, combined with her determination to support schools, has certainly paid off. Julie talks about the power of coaching to support us in the choices we make, and the importance of giving ourselves protected time to think things through and move forward, no matter how small the step. She also reflects on the value of writing down or voice noting our thoughts and ideas, so that we can see patterns and have a better understanding of what is going on and what we need to do. Julie shares her top tips with us, including: · Write down your goals as though you have already achieved them. · Focus on your strengths. · Make use of your network and build deep connections with people throughout the world. We hope this conversation benefits you and that you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed recording it. If you would like to join me on the podcast, please let me know via social media. Julie also ponders the question: Do men second-guess themselves as much as women?
S4 · E36
September 17 · 34 min
#36 The Courage to Choose: Mel’s Journey to Solo Motherhood
Send us Fan Mail This is a podcast about female resilience, courage, strength, and knowing your own mind In this episode, Mel Greenwood, a former international school leader, opens up honestly about returning to the UK and making one of the biggest decisions of her life: to have a baby on her own in her late 30s. \Her story is incredibly honest and deeply human. It’s about taking a leap of faith, trusting yourself, and finding the courage to create the life and family you want, even when it does not look like the path you once imagined. Mel talks candidly about: 🌱 Making the decision to become a mum on her own ❤️ The fears, doubts, excitement and emotions that came with that decision 🤰 Going through pregnancy and birth without a partner 👩‍👦 Becoming a single working mum and navigating the challenges that came with it 💪 Finding resilience when things don’t always go to plan 🌍 How society is changing and how women have more choices available to them ✨ Having the courage to reach out and create the life you want 🎧 Have a listen, and I hope Mel’s story inspires you as much as it inspired me. If Mel’s story resonates with you, particularly if you’re considering embarking on a similar journey, Mel has very kindly offered to chat and share her experience. If you would like to connect with her, I would be delighted to put you in touch.
S4 · E35
September 3 · 43 min
#35 Lessons from the Leadership Journey
Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the She Leads Because She Can Podcast, where we amplify the voices of female leaders around the world. The brand-new season starts with an honest and open conversation about leadership. In this episode, Sue and Caz reflect on their own experiences of leading, the challenges, the lessons, the moments that have shaped them, and, perhaps most importantly, what they wish they had known earlier. They revisit some of the comments, questions and insights shared by their guests in previous episodes and consider what they have shared about leadership, people and themselves. This is a conversation about the reality of leadership, not just the successes, but the uncertainty, challenges and learning that happen along the way. And there’s more… They have some exciting news to share at the end of the episode, but you will need to listen all the way through to find out what it is! We hope you enjoy the podcast and please let us know what resonates with you. If you would like to join us on the Podcast then please contact us through social media. Remember to give us a five star rating and leave a review so we can continue to amplify the voices of female leaders around the world.
S4 · E34
July 9 · 36 min
#34 Aging well - redefining careers beyond 50.
Send us Fan Mail Aging Well — Redefining Careers Beyond 50 In this episode, Caz and Sue explore what it means to build a fulfilling career path into your 50s and beyond, especially for leaders who aren't ready to slow down. They challenge the assumption that later-career professionals should be scaling back, arguing instead that this stage of life often brings greater capacity, creativity, and value to contribute to the education sector. The conversation doesn't shy away from the real barriers — both guests speak candidly about the embedded biases they've encountered toward older professionals within the system. But rather than dwelling on those obstacles, Caz and Sue share how they've carved out new, energizing paths forward: retraining in new areas, launching their own businesses, collaborating on school-based projects, and partnering with schools to support improvement efforts. Their message is clear — a long career in school leadership doesn't have to end at a certain age. With the right mindset and opportunities, it can continue for as long as you want or need it to.
S4 · E33
June 24 · 42 min
#33 Being Brave and Doing It Anyway with Leisa Grace Wilson
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Leisa Grace Wilson to explore the leaps of faith that have shaped her life and career. From her bold decision to relocate to the UAE, to stepping away from school leadership to pursue her passion for journalism, Leisa has consistently chosen courage over comfort — and she's refreshingly candid about how she does it. Leisa opens up about her approach to self-doubt, sharing the self-talk strategies she uses to quiet her inner critics: facing negative thoughts head-on with facts, and making a deliberate, intentional choice to be brave. Her philosophy? Do it anyway — and if it doesn't work out, you'll figure it out from there. She also gets honest about what truly challenges her in her work: people who aren't upfront about what's really happening on the ground. Authenticity and straight-talking matter deeply to her. Leisa also speaks passionately about women supporting women, framing it as a reciprocal relationship and urging listeners to be the person who gives someone else that important push when you can see their potential — even before they can. Leisa leaves us with three pieces of advice to carry into our own lives: Try lots of different things — you never know what will stick. Everyone starts as an amateur — commit to consistent practice and you will improve. Only what YOU think of yourself matters — the most important opinion is your own.
June 11 · 39 min
#32 Beyond Headship; entrepreneurship, encouragement and backing yourself with Rachael Wilding
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Rachael Wilding, an experienced international school leader who has made the bold transition from working within school communities to forging her own path as an entrepreneur. In her most recent role as Director of Edsidera — a global extra-curricular awards company — Rachael is channelling her passion for education into something with worldwide reach and impact. Rachael speaks candidly about what entrepreneurship really demands: self-motivation, grit, and the determination to keep going, even when the road gets tough. She emphasises the importance of building a strong support network and talks about the belief in herself that has been central to her journey. Her message to listeners is refreshingly direct — go for it. Drawing on Joanna Povall's recently published book Kind Leadership, Rachael explores the many parallels she sees between its ideas and her own philosophy on leading schools and organisations. She believes the CHASE principles outlined in the book — modelled and actively taught — are essential for creating healthy environments where both students and adults can truly thrive. Rachael closes the episode with three pieces of advice: Build your network — the right people around you make all the difference. Don't be afraid to talk about your struggles and failures — honesty and vulnerability are strengths, not weaknesses. Enjoy the journey — say yes more, and back yourself.
May 30 · 38 min
#31 Wellbeing as an innovator of standards with Mary Rose Connolly
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Mary Rose Connolly, founder and consultant at POSA Consulting, to explore her unique approach to school leadership and pastoral care. Mary describes her work as a “travelling pastoral system” — bringing tailored support, belief, and structure directly into schools. Her philosophy centres on one core conviction: that the right support for students and staff is not a luxury, but the very engine of school success. Wellbeing as a Driver of Standards Mary challenges the idea that wellbeing and high standards are in tension. For her, wellbeing is a driver of standards — it flourishes when an organisation knows its values, understands why it holds them, and can clearly articulate how those values translate into success. Crucially, she pushes back against vague wellbeing initiatives, arguing that lasting change requires clear, measurable outcomes. Without them, even well-intentioned efforts fade away. Kind Leadership: Leading with Heart and Head A central theme of the conversation is Mary’s advocacy for Kind Leadership — a philosophy of leading with your heart whilst holding yourself to account with your head. Far from being a soft option, she sees kindness as a genuine strength: something that can be woven into every interaction and every moment in the workplace and in life. Kind Leadership, in her view, is entirely compatible with being fiercely relentless in driving excellence — the two are not opposites, but partners. Three Guiding Principles Mary leaves listeners with three principles to carry into their schools and lives: • Look out for each other — build a culture of genuine care and collective responsibility. • Listen to each other — real listening is an act of leadership in itself. • If you can’t change something, change how you see it — a quiet but powerful reminder that perspective is always within our control.
S4 · E30
May 15 · 39 min
#30 CHASE-ing Kind Leadership with Joanna Povall
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Joanna Povall, author of the newly published book Kind Leadership, to explore what it truly means to lead with empathy, honesty, and impact. Far from being a sign of weakness, Joanna makes a compelling case that kind leadership is in fact the most human — and most effective — way to lead within any organisation. Joanna opens by sharing the core questions she found herself returning to again and again in her work with leaders: How do we communicate with compassion under pressure? How do we lead with empathy while still upholding high standards? And how do we hold people accountable without damaging their self-esteem? These questions became the foundation for her approach to kind leadership. At the heart of the conversation is the CHASE framework — a practical guide that keeps leaders honest with themselves and others. Joanna breaks it down: Communication with kindness forms the foundation, Honesty provides the structure, and Accountability is the glue that holds it all together. Self-esteem is the fourth pillar, and Joanna speaks powerfully about why nurturing it in schools is so important — arguing that when self-esteem is strengthened, cultures are created where emotional honesty feels safe and joy can flourish. She speaks candidly about the damage that shame can cause to growth and development, and urges us to eliminate it from our schools entirely. The final element of the CHASE framework is Ego. Joanna shares her own honest experiences of managing her ego in leadership, describing it as an ongoing practice — one she believes all leaders should be actively and continuously working on. Joanna also offers a helpful overview of key research in the field before turning to what she is most passionate about: the practical application of kind leadership within schools, which forms the heart of her book. This is a conversation that is honest, grounded, and deeply practical. Whether you are a school leader, a teacher, or anyone who leads people, Joanna offers real and actionable ways to bring kindness into every interaction, decision, and moment of presence.
April 30 · 30 min
#29 Bridging Cultures and Systems with Kay Yang
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we hear from Kay Yang, a Chinese national whose journey from the north to the south of China, and ultimately into school leadership in Shanghai, has shaped a deeply reflective and culturally-informed approach to leading in international education. Kay shares her personal educational story and how it ignited a passion for fostering mutual understanding within culturally diverse teams. She explores the unique dynamics that emerge when people from different cultural backgrounds work together, and how intentional conversation and a genuine desire to understand one another can transform a mixed-culture team into something far greater than the sum of its parts. A powerful thread running through this conversation is Kay's sense of responsibility as a role model. She speaks with confidence and conviction about the value that women of Chinese heritage bring to the international school sector — how their presence bridges cultures, and how their insight enables the creation of structures and systems that are more contextually relevant and authentic to the communities they serve. Kay also looks ahead. Having recently concluded her time at Wellington College Shanghai, she is stepping into a broader role with a clear sense of purpose: to work alongside bilingual middle leaders in international schools, empowering them to bring the full richness of their cultural and linguistic identities into their leadership practice. This is a conversation about belonging, bridge-building, and the quiet power of leading from a place of integrated identity.
April 16 · 53 min
#28 Finding Resilience, Adaptability and Self-Belief with Paula Ralph
Send us Fan Mail Episode Overview In this episode, we hear from endurance sportswoman Paula Ralph, who completed a remarkable solo, unsupported cycle ride of 12,290 km from Cape Town, South Africa to Nordkapp, Norway — crossing 17 countries in just 126 days. Growing Up: Hardship and Survival Paula speaks candidly about a difficult childhood in South Africa, growing up in a family heavily affected by death and hardship. Her early adult years were spent in survival mode — focused on getting through each day rather than truly living a fulfilling life. Finding Purpose: The Decision to Ride Driven by a determination to find deeper meaning in life, Paula explains how her sporting journey led her to a bold decision: to undertake the long-distance cycle ride entirely alone. The challenge became a vehicle for self-discovery and transformation. Lessons from the Road The journey taught Paula powerful life lessons that she shares openly in this episode: • Building resilience, adaptability and self-belief through the toughest physical and mental challenges. • Learning to ask for help — leaning on the kindness and expertise of strangers along the way. • The power of a great coach: how her coach became her greatest cheerleader, lifting her through the darkest moments. • Coping with pain and adversity by taking it one day at a time and choosing to smile through the struggle. Advice for Educators and School Leaders Paula closes the episode with three key messages for those working with young people: • Listen carefully to young people — make sure they are truly heard and have a voice. • Ask them lots of questions — show genuine interest in their lives and how they see the world. • Ask them: "How can I help you achieve your goals?"
April 2 · 44 min
#27 Leading with Care, Compassion and Community with Fiona Cottam
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Fiona Cottam, Principal of Hartland's International School in Dubai. Recorded before the situation in the Middle East unfolded, Fiona shares how strong, values-driven leadership enables a community to face uncertainty with resilience and unity. Fiona takes us through her leadership journey — from teaching in the UK to heading one of Dubai's most prestigious international schools. She reflects on the role models and supporters who shaped her along the way, including parents who instilled in her the belief that anything was possible. She speaks openly about the importance of leading with care and compassion, building a community aligned around a shared vision, and the power of both leaning into local support and reaching outward into the global network for expertise and fresh perspective. As a passionate advocate for female leadership, Fiona believes women have a responsibility to lower the ladder so others can rise alongside them. She encourages women to use their voice, ask for what they need, intentionally role model for others, engage with coaching, seek inspiration in other women's stories, and create spaces where everyone feels genuinely welcomed. Fiona also reminds school leaders of the importance of carving out time for the strategic and intellectual dimensions of leadership — reading widely, engaging with research, and thinking deeply about education. She champions coaching, networking, and professional sharing as essential tools for ongoing growth. Three leadership takeaways to carry with you: Believe in yourself — keep taking the next step forwards Listen deeply — to yourself, those around you, and your wider community Lean in to those close to you, and lean out into the wider network for support and guidance Let me know if you'd like a shorter version, a different tone (more conversational, more formal), or if you need chapter markers or show notes formatted differently for Buzzsprout!
March 19 · 42 min
#26 Leading as an Introvert with Nicola Nelson
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Nicola Nelson, Head of Primary at Garden International School, Kuala Lumpur, for an honest and inspiring conversation about what it means to lead authentically. Nicola opens up about identifying as an introverted leader — someone who listens carefully, processes deeply, and is intentional about the space she occupies in meetings and conversations. Rather than viewing introversion as a limitation, she has built a leadership style around it: distributing leadership across her team in a sustainable way, and carving out the quiet time she needs to recharge, reflect, and show up fully for others. She speaks candidly about navigating imposter syndrome, sharing the self-talk strategies she uses to push through moments of self-doubt, and reflecting on how grit and determination have shaped the leader she is today. Modelling healthy, sustainable leadership isn't just a personal priority for Nicola — it's something she believes all leaders have a responsibility to demonstrate. Nicola is also deeply committed to supporting other women in education, serving as a network leader for WomenEd Malaysia and as an active member of the Women in International Schools Empowerment community — driven by a desire to offer others the mentoring and coaching she didn't always have access to early in her own career. She leaves us with three powerful pieces of advice: Don't wait until you feel 100% ready — take the leap and grow into the role Lead through relationships, with confidence, care, and courage Look after yourself, so you can lead in a healthy and sustainable way for the long term
March 5 · 46 min
#25 Being 10% Braver and Knowing Your Worth with Vivienne Porritt
Send us Fan Mail Guest: Vivienne Porritt OBE Co-founder & President, WomenEd About the Guest Vivienne Porritt OBE is a global pioneer in women's empowerment and a leading advocate for equity in the workplace. Her career in educational leadership spans roles as a Secondary Headteacher, Vice-President of the Chartered College of Teaching, and Director of School Partnerships at the Institute of Education, University College London. She is also a school consultant, coach, published author, keynote speaker, and holds several governance roles, including membership of the Eko Trust in East London. She will be attending the Commission on the Status of Women 70, UN Women UK in March this year, to contribute to the priority theme on justice for all women and girls and the ongoing theme of women’s safety and their participation in public life What We Discuss • The founding story of WomenEd — how and why it was established, and its rapid growth into a global networking community for school leaders, providing connection, support and advice in safe spaces where women and their male allies can share their experiences. • WomenEd Ambassadors — supporting isolated women who have been unable to build a localised WomenEd group, connecting them into the wider network so that no one is left alone • Why WomenEd's campaigns remain vital today — addressing the under-representation of women (and women from diverse backgrounds) in senior school leadership, the gender pay gap, and the need for more flexible working conditions. • Progress and what's still needed — Vivienne shares research and data showing where headway has been made, and where more work remains. Key Takeaways Vivienne leaves listeners with a sense of optimistic responsibility — encouraging small, intentional actions within our own contexts, for girls and boys alike. Her message is both clear and powerful: “Keep being 10% braver. Tell other women to be this too. Own your own worth and don’t be shy.” She also calls on educators to look out for the quiet, thoughtful, studious, and ambitious girls in classrooms and social settings — to elevate them and allow their voices to be heard. About #WomenEd #WomenEd is a global grassroots community connecting aspiring and existing women leaders in education. Since its founding, it has grown rapidly across the world, championing gender equity, flexible working, fair pay and equal representation at all levels of school leadership.
S3 · E24
February 19 · 51 min
#24 Creating a Shared Understanding Across Generations with Dr Reham El Shamy
Send us Fan Mail This episode features Dr Reham El Shamy, Head of the Senior School at Beech Hall School Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Reham shares her personal journey as a female leader, drawing on the influence of her mother and a lifelong commitment to learning and development. Her story explores how leadership can evolve across generations, cultures, and contexts. About Beech Hall School Riyadh Beech Hall School Riyadh provides a balanced, inclusive education to international students from a wide range of backgrounds. The school places the values of Saudi Arabia at the heart of its approach, while offering diverse pathways to meet individual student needs — including Arabic and Islamic studies, delivered using the same high standards as the international curriculum. Key Themes Listening and Curiosity Reham encourages her staff to truly listen to students and ask powerful questions, maintaining genuine curiosity about how young people interpret and experience their world. Dedicated time is built into the school timetable to allow these meaningful relationships to develop and deepen. Reflective Leadership Reham models reflective practice by learning alongside her staff and students. She also invests in keeping up with the latest research on teenage development, ensuring that her leadership is grounded in both lived experience and current thinking. Embracing Technology Together Rather than approaching technology as a challenge to manage, Reham advocates for learning alongside young people — letting students lead in teaching staff about the platforms and language they use. This collaborative approach builds mutual trust and helps the school community embrace present and future opportunities together. Key Takeaway Reham’s episode is an inspiring reminder that inclusive, intergenerational communities are built on listening, reflection, and shared curiosity. By closing the gap between staff and students — and between generations — schools can create environments where everyone learns, grows, and thrives together.
February 5 · 36 min
#23 Building Strong Teaching Partnerships in Early Years with Liz Smith and Hajra Abbasi
Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with Liz Smith and Hajra Abbasi, an exceptional teacher and teaching assistant partnership from The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi. Working together in a Reception Class, they share the secrets behind their successful collaboration and what makes their professional relationship thrive. In this episode, Liz and Hajra discuss: • How they established a strong foundation by sharing their vision for students from day one • The importance of clearly defining roles and responsibilities in the classroom • Maintaining open and honest communication as the cornerstone of their partnership • Mutual respect, equality, and supporting each other through the daily challenges of school life • Keeping perspective and finding joy in the everyday moments with young learners Beyond their classroom collaboration, discover how these educators channel their Early Years expertise and passion for child development into creative projects. Their latest venture is a published children's book that combines storytelling, illustration, and practical activities to help young children navigate emotions, worries, and doubts. It's an essential resource for teachers and parents alike. Learn more about their book "The Best Version of Me": https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-Version-Me-Pentalogy-Development/dp/9948701518 Whether you're an educator, teaching assistant, or parent, this episode offers valuable insights into building effective partnerships and supporting children's emotional development.
January 22 · 40 min
#22 Collaborative Recruitment Practices - with Jessica Delgado, Maki Nishihara and Julie Villers
Send us Fan Mail Collaborative Recruitment Practices This episode features a remarkable conversation with Jessica Delgado, Maki Nishihara, and Julie Villers, who transformed a competitive senior leadership interview process into a collaborative and supportive experience. The Story Three candidates found themselves competing for the same senior leadership position at a school. Rather than viewing each other as rivals, they chose to embrace a "Better Together" philosophy, supporting and encouraging one another throughout the entire recruitment process. This collaborative approach allowed each candidate to show up authentically and perform at their best. The candidates demonstrate how transparency, fair planning, and clear communication from the interviewing school created an environment where this support was possible. They emphasise that interviews are a two-way process: candidates assess whether the school will help them succeed and grow, while the school evaluates the best fit for their community. What Happened After The collaboration didn't end with the interview. The three candidates formed a professional support group that continued long after the hiring decision was made. Now working as leaders in schools across different parts of the world, they lean on each other for clarity, perspective, and strength as they navigate the challenges of their new roles. Their connection evolved into honest, reflective dialogues built on empathy and care. They developed what they call a "friendcabularly"—the ability to share openly about their evolving lives, acknowledge lonely moments, and help each other recognise things to be grateful for in their respective situations. Impact This powerful triad demonstrates how collaborative recruitment can create lasting professional relationships that extend far beyond a single job opportunity. The group provides a safe space where each member can seek help, develop resilience, re-centre themselves, and lead from their humanity. Three Key Takeaways Lean in and collaborate. Whatever situation you find yourself in, building networks and supporting each other is the way forward. You are better together. Honour those who came before you. Remember that you're standing on the shoulders of role models who paved the way. Appreciate what others have done to help you reach where you are today. Share the experience. We perform better in recruitment processes and challenging situations when we share the experience with others. Reach out, provide support, and encourage each other to show up authentically.
January 8 · 38 min
#21 Building a Coaching Culture in International Schools with Kai Vacher
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary The way we communicate shapes everything—our relationships, our culture, and our collective growth. In this episode, we explore these ideas with Kai Vacher, Principal of the British Schools of Muscat and Salalah. As a long-serving school leader, Kai recognised that traditional performance management approaches weren't creating meaningful professional development. His school community asked a powerful question: What if we equipped everyone with the skills to have better conversations? The answer sparked a four-year transformative journey involving multi-level training, collaborative learning, and ongoing evaluation to measure real impact. What Changed The school now has a culture where staff have genuine agency over their professional growth, trust runs deep across all levels, reciprocation and support are the norm, and relationships strengthen through intentional, skilled dialogue. From Concern to Innovation Kai shares how the school moved from concerns about ineffective performance management systems to building skilled dialogue and deeper trust. Through individual coaching, mentoring, and team coaching, these communication skills became embedded in daily practice. Staff now learn together and actively shape a process that builds engagement, innovation, and professional agency. Advice for School Leaders Kai offers three practical recommendations for leaders considering coaching to develop dialogue quality: Be curious - Read extensively, explore recommended books, research, and podcasts Experience coaching yourself - Find a coach with good chemistry and discover what the relationship offers Train alongside your team - Engage in coach training together, explore new skills and tools, and deepen how you relate to each other Acknowledgments Kai credits the inspiration and support of David Porritt, Ave Peetri, Linda Berlot, Nicolas McKie, and insights from Tony Blair, Brené Brown, Alex Ferguson, John Gottman, and Simon Sinek. This isn't just about coaching—it's about creating an environment where how we communicate fundamentally changes how we work together.
Dec 12, 2025 · 47 min
#20 Flexible Working in International Schools
Send us Fan Mail Flexible Working in International Schools In this episode, we explore what flexible working really means for staff in international schools. We unpack the concept of flexible and contracted work, looking closely at how job-share arrangements can strengthen staff retention, support professional growth, and enhance recruitment. We speak candidly about the challenges that come with managing multiple job shares within a school, and we offer practical strategies for overcoming these complexities. The conversation then moves into the role of special leave and how responding flexibly to staff needs can cultivate a culture of care, compassion, and trust. We share real examples of what effective practice looks like, and discuss how to ensure that leave requests are handled equitably and sustainably, without placing undue strain on colleagues. We also provide guidance on creating responsive working conditions that allow staff to meet personal needs while contributing meaningfully to team and whole-school performance. Ultimately, we explore how flexible working can help us build schools where staff feel present, engaged, and supported throughout every stage of their careers—something we know has a direct impact on the consistency and quality of learning for students.
Nov 27, 2025 · 41 min
#19 Leadership, Balance and Community in International Education with Julia Knight
Send us Fan Mail Guest: Julia Knight International School Leader & School Improvement Partner, Bahrain The Journey to International Education Julia Knight shares her transition into the international school sector, revealing the personal and professional opportunities this path has created for both her career and her family. Her story offers insight into what draws educators across borders and the rewards that come with embracing global education. Leading While Living: The Balancing Act With characteristic honesty, Julia discusses navigating the complex terrain of educational leadership while being present as a mother of two, a partner, and a friend. She opens up about the deliberate decisions required to honour both professional ambitions and personal commitments—a reality many leaders face but few discuss so candidly. The Power of Your Professional Circle Julia makes a compelling case for intentionally building a trusted community of fellow professionals. She emphasises the value of having colleagues who provide not just advice and encouragement, but the honest, candid feedback that drives real growth. In leadership, she argues, isolation is a choice we don't have to make. Lifting Others as You Climb One of Julia's most powerful messages centres on leadership as a collective endeavour. She speaks passionately about the responsibility experienced leaders have to support those coming up behind them and alongside them—creating conditions where everyone can thrive and find fulfilment in their work. Real Talk About School Improvement Julia doesn't shy away from the challenging realities of international school headship and the genuine improvement work required in schools today. What sets her apart is how she approaches these challenges: with humour, courage, and an infectious passion for making schools better places for learning and working. This conversation offers a refreshingly honest look at educational leadership through the eyes of someone living it daily—complete with its challenges, joys, and endless possibilities.
Nov 13, 2025 · 41 min
#18 Language Leadership in International Education with Juliëtte van Eerdewijk
Send us Fan Mail Guest: Juliëtte van Eerdewijk - Educational Consultant and School Leader Overview In this episode, we sit down with Juliëtte to explore how language development can transform international school leadership and student success. Key Discussion Points Personal Journey and Perspective Juliëtte brings a unique perspective as a native Dutch speaker who mastered English for her professional career. Her personal experience navigating language acquisition informs her entire approach to educational leadership, giving her authentic empathy for language learners and their challenges. Language as Core School Strategy Rather than treating language support as a supplementary programme, Juliëtte advocates for positioning language development as the central pillar of school improvement. She argues that curriculum design, assessment practices, and pedagogical approaches should all be built with language development at their core—benefiting not just multilingual learners, but all students. Practical Tools for Educators Drawing from her lived experience, Juliëtte equips teachers and school leaders with concrete strategies and techniques to support language learners effectively. Her approach combines empathy with actionable methods that can be implemented across different educational contexts. Challenging Traditional Models Juliëtte questions conventional leadership structures in British International Schools, pushing for more inclusive environments where students, parents, and staff members are genuinely heard and valued—regardless of their English proficiency or native language background. The Multilingual Reality The conversation raises a critical question for international schools: Are our institutions truly designed to serve the multilingual reality of modern international education? As linguistic competence becomes increasingly valuable in our globalised world, Juliëtte's perspective offers essential insights for school transformation. Why It Matters This conversation challenges international educators to reconsider how language shapes every aspect of school life—from curriculum to culture—and offers a roadmap for creating more inclusive, effective learning environments for diverse communities worldwide.

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