The Education Vanguard

In this special 21CLHK Podcast Takeover, this panel discussion led by Dr. Howard Stribbell brings together experienced education leaders including Dr. Ron Roukema, Dr. Arnett Edwards, Dr. Shirla Sum, and Nooraine Fazal.

The conversation explores what it means to lead schools in today’s rapidly changing world, from navigating global uncertainty and political complexity to supporting teacher well-being and redefining innovation in education.

The panel shares practical insights on leadership, including the importance of purpose, psychological safety, student agency, and using AI as a tool for deeper thinking rather than surface efficiency.

A must-listen for school leaders, educators, and anyone navigating leadership in times of constant change.

In this special 21CLHK Podcast Takeover episode, Dr. Helen Wright’s keynote from the 17th Annual 21st Century Learning Conference in Hong Kong explores the importance of reflection in shaping the future of education. 
Drawing from centuries of educational thought and practice, Dr. Wright shares how looking back can provide clarity, courage, and direction for educators and leaders navigating today’s rapidly changing landscape. The episode highlights the value of pausing, reflecting, and learning from those who came before us in order to move forward with intention. 
A must-listen for school leaders, educators, and changemakers seeking deeper insight into meaningful and sustainable innovation in education.

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.