Episode #6: Russell John Cailey, Managing Director, THINK Learning Studio

I was thrilled this week to have a truly disruptive leader in the world of education join me. Russell John Cailey is Managing Director of THINK Learning Studio (TLS) in Dubai. TLS prides itself on stirring the pot, on creating what he fondly calls "inspired chaos" in the realm of education.

Named among the top 100 Global Visionaries in Education by the Global Forum for Education and Learning in 2021, Russell not only aims for THINK Learning Studio to disrupt traditional educational models but also aspires to be an inspiration for educators globally.

He has helped foster a dynamic partnerships with governmental education authorities like the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in Australia.

In addition to his work with TLS, Russell is a co-founder of the Hakuba Forum and foresightLab.org, platforms aimed at promoting progressive dialogues in education. He also plays an active role in nurturing young educational startups through the TLS Incubator, TLS-X lab.

Russell was for many years Head of THINK Global School, the world's first travelling high school.

With his co-hosting duties on the 'Wonder and Wander Podcast' and as a featured expert on CNN Brazil's Projeto Upload, Russell consistently strives to inspire and educate others about the future of learning.

It was a fascinating conversation, covering the history and philosophy of THINK Global School and how they shifted their model from IB towards a portfolio based learning, where students work towards a mastery project with real world significance. He spoke about how they mould the curriculum around the country in which the school is located for that quarter of the year (what he calls 'place-based learning') and how he is now training a new generation of project-based learning experts through THINK Learning Studio.

For anyone who wants to genuinely glimpse into the future of education, join me for this episode.