#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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#15 Transforming displacement into personal growth and global awareness with Sasha Kondratenko
Send us a textGuest ProfileName: Oleksandra (Sasha) Kondratenko Current Role: Student of International Relations University: University of Rotterdam Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands Background: Ukrainian refugeeEpisode OverviewIn this inspiring episode, Sasha shares her journey from Ukraine to the Netherlands and how she transformed the challenges of displacement into opportunities for personal growth and global awareness. Her story highlights resilience, ambition, and the power of staying true to one's dreams while remaining open to new experiences.Key Themes1. Making the Most of OpportunitiesSasha discusses how relocating to the Netherlands became a catalyst for redefining her life's direction. She seized educational opportunities that became available to her and committed to becoming fluent in both Dutch and English, viewing language acquisition as a gateway to integration and success.2. Being Open to New ExperiencesThe conversation explores Sasha's experience as a refugee and how her move has expanded her worldview. Living in the Netherlands has made her more globally aware and receptive to diverse opinions, views, and cultural experiences. Her perspective has broadened significantly through this journey.3. Holding On to Dreams and AspirationsDespite the upheaval in her life, Sasha never abandoned her aspiration to complete a university degree and establish a professional career. She dreams of learning Japanese and living in Japan—both as part of her degree programme and in her future career. Her story demonstrates that circumstances don't have to dictate the limits of your ambitions.4. Reaching Out for Help and AdviceSasha emphasises the importance of seeking help rather than simply following expected paths or sticking with what's familiar. She encourages young people to research their options, pursue their passions, and continuously seek advice from a diverse range of people and perspectives.5. Providing Support for OthersPassionate about empowerment, Sasha discusses her commitment to helping young women achieve their full potential. She aims to offer support, advice, and encouragement by sharing her own story as inspiration for others facing challenges or pursuing their dreams.Target AudienceThis episode will resonate with:Young adults navigating life transitionsRefugees and immigrants seeking inspirationStudents pursuing international educationAnyone interested in personal development and resilienceWomen seeking empowerment and career guidanceIndividuals exploring cross-cultural experiencesKey TakeawaysAdversity can be transformed into opportunity with the right mindset and determinationLanguage skills are powerful tools for integration and professional successDreams are worth preserving even when life circumstances change dramaticallySeeking help is a strength, not a weakness—don't be afraid to ask for guidanceCultural openness enriches personal growth and broadens perspectivesSharing your story can inspire and empower others facing similar challenges
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#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.
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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