Leading through Strategy with Tom Olverson

What if your school’s strategy wasn’t just a plan—but a competitive advantage?

This case study dives into a conversation with Tom Olverson, author of Leading Through Strategy: How Business Principles Can Help Independent Schools Thrive, who brings a fresh, business-minded lens to independent school leadership. More than an interview, it’s a roadmap for schools ready to move beyond imitation and build strategy around what makes them truly unique.

Through real-world insights and lessons from Tom’s time as head of school and consultant, this episode offers a clear framework for defining your market position, aligning your team, and leading with purpose in a crowded and evolving landscape.

What You'll Learn From Tom Olverson You:

• Strategic Differentiation: Dive into Tom Olverson's expert strategies for setting your school apart in a competitive landscape. Learn how you can propel your institution beyond the conventional, ensuring a unique position in the education market.
• Calculated Risks: Discover why embracing risks in your strategic plan is essential for breakthrough growth. Tom Olverson shares insights on stepping out of the comfort zone, advocating for strategies that challenge the status quo and spark innovation.
• External Insights: Learn the importance of incorporating external perspectives into your school's strategic planning. Olverson emphasizes how mentorship and outside expertise can offer fresh viewpoints, enhancing the depth and breadth of your strategic initiatives.
• Faculty Innovation: Understand the critical role of faculty in achieving strategic goals through innovation. Tom Olverson discusses creating supportive environments where educators can experiment and innovate, driving the school's strategic vision forward while fostering a culture of creativity and alignment.

Discussion Prompts:

• What assumptions are baked into your current strategic plan? Where did they come from?
• How might your school’s mythology be preventing necessary change?
• Have you clearly defined the market segment in which your school is competing?
• How does your leadership team involve faculty in shaping and owning strategy?
• What risks are you taking or avoiding that could affect your school’s future?