In this episode, Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage with Pauline O'Brien from International School Services (ISS), a leader in global recruitment strategy for international schools. They discuss the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing the importance of building a culture of connection, rethinking recruitment strategies, and the role of coaching in leadership. Pauline shares insights on crafting a professional story, the significance of values-driven recruitment, and the attributes of effective leadership in the context of international education.

Important Links

ISS Contacts - https://www.iss.edu/who-we-are/team/pauline

LinkedIn - Pauline O’Brien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulineobrien/

LinkedIn - Daniel Mendes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mendesd/

LinkedIn - Dan Kerr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kerr-b0a82520/

Takeaways

• Schools should prioritize building a culture of connection.

• The future of international education requires a broader purpose beyond academic success.

• Recruitment strategies must be values-driven and focus on cultural fit.

• Coaching is essential for educational leaders to navigate change effectively.

• Candidates should articulate their value through storytelling in interviews.

• Professional development should be accessible to all staff, not just faculty.

• The onboarding process is crucial for retention and growth in schools.

• Effective leadership blends strategy with care and relational depth.

• Schools need to address the emotional and strategic complexities of their roles.

• Humanizing the recruitment process can lead to better candidate experiences.

Sound Bites

"What kind of culture are we building?"

"Schools where connection isn't a side benefit."

"Coaching is crucial for growth."

"Tell us your story."

"Recruitment is more values driven."

"How are people treated when things get hard?"

Chapters

00:00 Building a Culture of Connection in Schools

04:10 The Future of International Education

07:05 Rethinking Recruitment Strategies

11:01 The Importance of Coaching in Leadership

14:41 Crafting Your Professional Story

18:24 Trends and Challenges in International Schools

25:45 Humanizing the Recruitment Process

28:45 Attributes of Effective Leadership

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, Dr. Devin Pratt shares his insights on leadership in international schools, particularly during crises. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, mentorship, and community resilience. Dr. Pratt discusses the need for schools to be future-ready, especially in the context of rapid changes by technology like AI. He also highlights the significance of social and emotional well-being in educational settings and shares success stories from his school, including innovative initiatives in robotics education.

Takeaways

• Relationships are crucial for sustainable leadership.

• Navigating crises requires flexibility and community support.

• Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional growth.

• Schools must be future-ready to adapt to rapid changes.

• Communication is key during crises to maintain trust.

• Social and emotional well-being should be prioritized in schools.

• Innovative programs can enhance student engagement and learning.

• Community resilience is built through shared experiences and support.

• Leadership is about collaboration and shared purpose.

• Reflection on experiences is essential for growth.

Sound Bites

"Relationships are going to matter."

"We have to be future ready."

"Mentorship is crucial in our careers."

"Relationships are the most important."

Chapters

02:14 Navigating Leadership During Crisis

03:07 Vision for International Schools

07:48 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership

12:51 Community Resilience in Difficult Times

17:19 Evolving Leadership Perspectives

20:33 Crisis Management and Communication

24:03 Prioritizing Social and Emotional Wellbeing

26:24 Innovative Initiatives and Success Stories

Keywords

leadership, international schools, mentorship, crisis management, community resilience, social emotional wellbeing, education, AI in education, school leadership, educational innovation

Summary

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage in conversation with Rita Bateson, an expert in AI and education, as they discuss the evolving landscape of educational leadership. They explore the importance of balancing courage and humility in leadership, the role of AI in education, and the need for ethical practices in technology integration. Rita shares insights from her work with Eblana Learning, emphasizing the importance of cautious trust in AI adoption and the need to foster relationships in an increasingly AI-driven world. The conversation also explores the future of education, sustainability, and practical steps for schools to adopt AI responsibly.

Links

Blue Skies Leadership Website: https://www.blueskiesleadership.com

Dan Kerr - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kerr-b0a82520/

Daniel Mendes - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mendesd/

Rita Bateson - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-bateson-frsa-8741b868/

Eblana Learning Website: https://eblanalearning.com/

Takeaways

• Great leaders balance courage with humility.
• A blue sky vision embodies optimism and clarity.
• AI in education requires cautious trust and ethical considerations.
• The importance of relationships in an AI-driven world cannot be overstated.
• Sustainability should be a core principle in AI adoption.
• Education is a moral encounter centered around shared interests.
• Future-proof skills are essential in the evolving educational landscape.
• Craftsmanship in teaching will regain importance as AI becomes prevalent.
• Schools must filter the noise of technology to find what truly benefits students.
• There is a growing demand for ethical AI practices in the education sector.

Sound Bites

"Great leaders balance courage with humility."

"Education is a moral encounter."

"We want to help schools filter the noise."

"Cautious trust is what schools need."

"AI should add value to students."

"We need to value craftsmanship in teaching."

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Blue Sky Leadership

02:56 Navigating AI in Education

06:07 Eblana Learning: Bridging the Gap

08:49 Cautious Trust in AI Adoption

12:12 Future of Education: Scenarios and Predictions

14:57 Sustainability and Ethical AI Practices

18:10 The Role of Relationships in AI-Driven Education

20:57 Optimism for the Future of Education

24:02 Practical Steps for Schools Embracing AI

27:00 Looking Ahead: The Next Six Months