This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.

As an international school leader, do you sometimes find yourself caught between the demands of educational excellence and balancing the books? Today's episode will empower you with strategies to bridge the gap between personal values and organisational expectations.

I chat with Matt Hall, Director of Making Stuff Better, who brings his insights on transforming leadership tensions into progressive energy and aligning the soul of education with the rigors of finance. Tune in for an invigorating discussion that will resonate with every educational leader striving to lead with authenticity and courage.

Episode Overview 

- Introduction to the challenges faced by leaders in international schools

- Matt Hall's perspective on the habitual mindset within school systems and the need for coaching

- Techniques for shifting perspectives, including Matt’s advice on physical movement

- The spiritual and regenerative aspects of coaching and links to ancient practices

- Exploring the tension between personal values and systemic expectations in education

- Strategies for moving from unproductive tension to productive tension

- The implications of othering the system and how leaders can engage constructively

- The positive potential of creating tension within systems for momentum and growth

Quotes from Matt

"Often the work of coaching is navigating the way people think life should be with the way that it is and the gap between those two things. So often the work that we do is allowing people to explore the reality of the present and what is true." 

"School life is really good at embedding habits. It's designed to do that. We do the same thing every morning, every day."

"I've worked with school leaders who we've coached and they said, actually, oh, this is interesting because I hadn't realized this, but my deputy is really good at asking me these questions as well."

Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com.

About the host

Shane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

Thank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.

Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com.

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