#14 Servant Leadership: a deeper dive into what this means in a school context
Send us a textIn this episode, we explore the concept of servant leadership and its application in educational settings, particularly for headteachers.Key Discussion Points:What is Servant Leadership?The hosts share their personal understanding and interpretation of servant leadership principlesDiscussion of how this leadership style differs from traditional hierarchical approachesServant Leadership in EducationFocus on how headteachers can effectively serve their school communitiesExploration of the balance between leadership authority and service-oriented approachesBuilding Strong School CultureHow servant leadership principles can create an environment where all stakeholders feel valuedStrategies for meeting the diverse needs and aspirations of students, staff, parents, and the broader communityCommunity ImpactThe role of educational leaders in serving not just their immediate school but the wider communityHow servant leadership can foster trust, collaboration, and shared vision among all stakeholdersThis episode provides practical insights for educational leaders looking to adopt a more service-oriented approach to their leadership role while maintaining effective school governance and culture development.
--------
26:35
--------
26:35
#13 Servant Leadership with Sahreen Siddiqui
Send us a textGuest: Sahreen SiddiquiPosition: Educator, Headteacher, Executive Leader and Consultant Location: London, UKKey Themes Discussed:Service-Centred LeadershipSahreen explores how service forms the foundation of her leadership philosophy, driving her commitment to student achievement, staff empowerment, and effective school leadership. This value system shapes every aspect of her professional approach and personal mission.Servant Leadership in EducationThe conversation delves into Sahreen's deep understanding of servant leadership principles and their practical application in educational settings. She discusses how this leadership style influences her role as a school leader while balancing her responsibilities as a mother and community member.Career Transitions and Global EducationSahreen provides valuable guidance for international education professionals considering a return to their home countries, with specific focus on navigating opportunities within the UK's state sector schools. Her insights are particularly relevant for educators making cross-border career transitions.Challenging Professional MythsThe episode addresses common misconceptions within the global education profession. Sahreen encourages listeners to question established assumptions and work toward bridging professional divisions to create more inclusive career pathways across international educational landscapes.Target AudienceThis episode will resonate with:Educational leaders and administratorsInternational education professionalsWomen in leadership positionsEducators considering career transitionsThose interested in servant leadership principlesKey TakeawaysService as a foundational leadership value can drive meaningful change in educational settingsServant leadership offers a powerful framework for school leadersInternational experience can be successfully leveraged in domestic education systemsProfessional myths and divisions can be challenged to create broader opportunitiesLeadership extends beyond professional roles into family and community contexts
--------
39:12
--------
39:12
#12 The Art of Graceful Leadership Transition with Nicola Holloway and Lisa Thorpe
Send us a textThe Art of Graceful Leadership TransitionEpisode Description:In this compelling guest episode, we witness leadership transition at its finest as Nicola Holloway and Lisa Thorpe share their story of the Primary Headship handover at Ascot International School, Bangkok.This is a masterclass in what happens when two exceptional leaders prioritise community wellbeing over personal agenda. Nicola, the outgoing headteacher, and Lisa, her successor, demonstrate the rare art of guardianship, showing how authentic leadership extends far beyond individual tenure.In this candid conversation, you'll discover:Preparation strategies that honour both legacy and future visionThe delicate choreography of managing transition visits with openness and graceWhat truly attracts transformational leaders to new opportunitiesPractical approaches for creating seamless leadership handoversThe mindset shift from ownership to stewardship in educational leadershipBoth leaders share with refreshing honesty how they navigated the emotional and practical complexities of transition, creating natural flow rather than organisational disruption. Their collaborative approach reveals how great leader thinks beyond their own success to serve the greater good of their communities.This episode is essential listening for current and aspiring educational leaders, board members involved in succession planning, and anyone who believes that leadership transitions can be opportunities for growth rather than periods of uncertainty.Perfect for:School leaders planning transitionsBoards managing successionEducational professionals studying collaborative leadershipAnyone interested in authentic, community-focused leadershipJoin us for this inspiring conversation that redefines what leadership transition can look like when integrity, openness, and guardianship guide the way
--------
39:32
--------
39:32
#11 A Summary of Season 1's Top Tips
Send us a textThis special wrap-up episode of the "She Leads Because She Can" podcast brings together the most valuable insights and advice from all 10 episodes of Season 1, creating a comprehensive guide for professional and personal growth.Key Topics CoveredInternational Career TransitionsThis episode explores strategies for taking the bold leap to work internationally, covering the practical and emotional aspects of making such a significant career move. This includes navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with working in a new cultural and professional environment.Long-Term Career Decision MakingThe hosts delve into how to approach career choices as part of a broader, longer-term professional journey rather than isolated decisions. This perspective helps listeners think strategically about their career trajectory and make choices that align with their values and ultimate goals.Finding Professional FulfilmentA central theme focuses on discovering and embracing fulfilment through the opportunities that naturally arise in one's career path. This includes learning to recognise potential in unexpected situations and making the most of serendipitous moments.Reflection and GrowthThe episode encourages listeners to engage actively with the content by:Taking notes during the listening experienceSetting aside dedicated time for personal reflectionUsing the session as an opportunity to assess their professional and personal development over the academic yearSeason 2 PreviewThe hosts announce their return in September with Season 2, indicating continued commitment to supporting their audience's leadership journey. They will be providing opportunities for invited guests to add their experience and perspectives.
--------
28:27
--------
28:27
#10 Co-leadership: you don't need to do it alone
Send us a textThis episode of "She Leads Because She Can" delves into the transformative power of co-leadership, exploring how two leaders can unite to create outcomes that exceed what either could achieve individually.Key ThemesThe Foundation of True PartnershipThe episode examines how genuine co-leadership emerges when two leaders share a common intention and work together as equal partners. This goes beyond traditional hierarchical models to create a collaborative dynamic where both leaders contribute fully to the shared vision.Synergy Through Complementary StrengthsThe discussion highlights how co-leaders can leverage each other's unique strengths to generate synergy—where the combined impact is greater than the sum of individual contributions. This requires both leaders to lean in 100% while remaining sensitive to their partner's direction and approach.The Leadership DanceA central concept explored is the fluid nature of co-leadership roles, described as a "dance" where leadership and followership shift naturally between partners depending on the situation. This flexible dynamic allows for responsive leadership that adapts to circumstances while maintaining the partnership's integrity.Practical ApplicationsThe episode provides concrete examples of how co-leadership can be implemented within organisations, showing how this approach enables leaders to:Take calculated risks with greater confidenceSet more ambitious goalsExperience reduced stress through shared responsibilityMaintain higher levels of engagement and awarenessThe Mutual Support SystemThe discussion emphasises how co-leadership creates a supportive environment where leaders know "someone has our back." This security enables greater risk-taking and innovation, while the responsibility to provide the same support keeps leaders more alert and engaged in their partnership.Key TakeawayCo-leadership isn't just about sharing duties—it's about creating a relationship-based approach to leadership that amplifies both leaders' capabilities while fostering an environment of mutual support, shared accountability, and enhanced organisational outcomes.
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'.
New Zealand