The Education Vanguard

In this episode of Education Vanguard, Justin Hardman speaks with Jiayuan Tian, social entrepreneur, Co-founder of OneXplore, and Master of International Affairs candidate at Columbia University. Drawing from his journey from Southern China’s exam-centric system to Minerva University’s global model, Jiayuan reflects on how information asymmetry shapes access to opportunity.
Together, they explore the definition of success in high-stakes education systems, the hidden cultural capital embedded in global classrooms, and how students can reclaim agency even without structural power. Jiayuan also shares the origins of OneXplore, a social enterprise designed to bridge information gaps and build decision-making literacy for young people navigating international education.
A thoughtful and timely conversation on equity, global citizenship, and what it means to make global learning more humane and accessible.
A must-listen for school leaders

In this episode of Education Vanguard, Justin sits down with Punya Mishra, an internationally recognized scholar and co-developer of the TPACK framework, to explore how AI is reshaping education.
Together, they unpack:
 • Why context matters more than ever
 • How AI can amplify expert teachers
 • Why novice educators may struggle more with AI
 • The importance of judgment, care, and professional pride
 • Why humility must anchor our response to technological change
With sharp metaphors and practical insight, Punya reframes AI not as a magic solution, but as a powerful tool that demands discernment.
A must-listen for school leaders, curriculum designers, and educators navigating the AI revolution.

In this episode of the Education Vanguard Podcast, host Justin Hardman sits down with Summer Howarth, founder and director of The Eventful Learning Company and a leading voice in student agency and educational innovation.

Summer shares why meaningful participation requires more than good intentions. Drawing from her experience designing events and learning experiences across international schools and education systems, she explains how clarity of purpose, authentic roles, and thoughtful structure shape whether students lean in or quietly disengage.

Together, they explore what it takes to design for agency, how to avoid performative practices, and why the human side of learning must remain central in an increasingly complex education landscape.

A must-listen for school leaders, event designers, and educators committed to designing experiences that truly matter.

In this episode of Education Vanguard, host Justin Hardman is joined by Tim Evans, Learning Technologies and Data Coordinator at the American School of Guangzhou. Together, they explore how trust, community understanding, and meaningful data use shape successful EdTech adoption.

Tim shares insights on moving beyond dashboards, supporting teachers through AI driven change, and why alignment with school vision and mission matters more than tools themselves. The conversation also unpacks the disruptive nature of AI, sustainable innovation, and the evolving role of educators in an uncertain future.

A must listen for school leaders, EdTech coordinators, and educators navigating innovation with clarity and purpose.

In this episode of the Education Vanguard Podcast, host Justin and co-host Howard Stribbell welcome Dr. Helen Wright, a globally respected education leader, executive coach, and board advisor with over three decades of experience in international education.

Dr. Wright shares her journey from teacher to headship, offering honest reflections on leadership transitions, imposter syndrome, and the realities of carrying responsibility at the top. The conversation also explores women in leadership, recruitment and governance relationships, and why global competence is essential for today’s learners.

A thoughtful and grounded discussion for educators, school leaders, and boards seeking to lead with clarity, humility, and purpose.