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