She Leads Because She Can

• #20 Flexible Working in International Schools

  Send us a textFlexible 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.

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• #19 Leadership, Balance and Community in International Education with Julia Knight

  Send us a textGuest: Julia KnightInternational School Leader & School Improvement Partner, BahrainThe Journey to International EducationJulia 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 ActWith 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 CircleJulia 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 ClimbOne 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 ImprovementJulia 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.

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• #18 Language Leadership in International Education with Juliëtte van Eerdewijk

  Send us a textGuest: Juliëtte van Eerdewijk - Educational Consultant and School LeaderOverviewIn this episode, we sit down with Juliëtte to explore how language development can transform international school leadership and student success.Key Discussion PointsPersonal Journey and PerspectiveJuliëtte 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 StrategyRather 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 EducatorsDrawing 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 ModelsJuliëtte 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 RealityThe 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 MattersThis 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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• #17 Role models and why they count: reflections sparked by Pat Clark's conversation

  Send us a textEpisode SummaryIn this episode, we unpack our conversation with Pat Clark, exploring four key leadership insights that challenged our thinking:"It takes a very strong leader to give the power away" We discuss how school leaders can consistently develop their team leaders' skills and motivation, and why empowering others requires confidence, not weakness."Heads can make the weather -- alongside a good team" An honest look at self-awareness in leadership: recognising when we're not showing up at our best, understanding our unintended impact on the school community, and the importance of recovery and repair."Changing culture takes time -- you can shift it one step at a time" We explore the value of being clear and honest about "what we do around here" - the why, what, and how - and making incremental improvements rather than seeking overnight transformation."Look in the mirror, look out the window" Pat's powerful framework for when things go wrong: taking personal responsibility while inviting the team into problem-solving and improvement.A reminder that headship is tough work, and it's okay to acknowledge that your leadership was good enough today while striving to be even better tomorrow.What resonated with you from this conversation? We'd love to hear your takeaways.

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• #16 Inspirational leaders never age: with Pat Clark

  Send us a textIn this inspiring episode, we sit down with Pat, a distinguished educator whose remarkable six-decade career spans classroom teaching, school leadership, and international leadership training. Her energy and passion for the profession remain as vibrant as ever, offering a masterclass in sustained professional commitment.Key InsightsThroughout the conversation, Pat shares profound reflections on what sustains school leaders through the inevitable challenges of educational leadership. Her wisdom is drawn from decades of firsthand experience navigating the complexities of leading educational communities.Essential Advice for School LeadersPat emphasises several core principles for thriving in school leadership:Stay Humble – Effective leadership begins with humility and a willingness to learn from everyone in your community.Embrace Risk-Taking – Growth and innovation require stepping outside your comfort zone and being willing to try new approaches.Trust Your Competence – Combat self doubt by recognising that you are, indeed, good enough for the role you hold.Recognise Your Privilege – Leading a school community is a unique opportunity to shape lives and create positive impact.Celebrate Small Wins – Remember that making even a small difference each day is meaningful and worthwhile.TakeawayPat's enduring passion for education demonstrates that school leadership, when approached with the right mindset, can be a source of energy and fulfilment throughout one's entire career and beyond. Her message is clear: leadership is both a privilege and an opportunity to create lasting positive change in the lives of students, staff, and communities.

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