
Education Leaders
International chart-topping schools podcast for education leaders wanting to develop their leadership skills.Education Leaders (formerly Global Ed Leaders) is the chart topping podcast for school leaders working to make meaningful change in their schools. Through deep-dive interviews and strategic solo episodes, organisational coach Shane Leaning explores the real challenges facing today's school leaders - from building strong organisational identity to implementing sustainable change.Every other Tuesday, join conversations with renowned educators and thought leaders who share practical insights on school improvement, staff development, and cultural alignment. These authentic discussions offer actionable strategies for building confidence in your leadership and creating lasting impact in your school community.On alternate weeks, Shane delivers focused episodes that address the specific challenges of international school leadership - from managing diverse teams to driving purposeful innovation. Each episode provides clear, practical frameworks for developing your school's vision and turning ideas into action.Whether you're a department head, assistant principal, or school section leader, Education Leaders offers the insights and strategies you need to lead with confidence in today's rapidly evolving education sector.*Consistently ranked #1 schools podcast in Education category across multiple regions, including Hong Kong and South Africa (Apple Podcasts, 2024) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Sep 30, 2024 • 30min
The Teacher Retention Crisis | A Conversation with Haili Huges
Haili Hughes and Shane Leaning discuss the ongoing crisis in the teaching profession, focusing on the challenges of teacher retention, the impact of toxic leadership, and the need for a supportive culture within schools. They explore the internal and external factors contributing to the crisis, including public perception, accountability, and the importance of psychological safety for teachers. The discussion emphasises the need for educational leaders to create environments that nurture growth and well-being for educators, ultimately benefiting students as well.Takeaways· Teacher retention is a crisis in many countries, including the UK, and is influenced by factors such as erosion of respect for teachers and negative media portrayal.· Toxic leadership is a significant problem in schools and can lead to high levels of stress and burnout among teachers.· Creating a supportive and empowering culture in schools is crucial for retaining teachers and promoting their well-being.· Leaders should prioritise teacher agency and provide opportunities for professional growth and development.· Accountability is important, but high-stakes and performative accountability measures can be counterproductive and erode teacher creativity and self-efficacy.· Building a sense of belonging and community among teachers is essential for creating a positive work environment.LinksPreserving Positivity (Book): amzn.eu/d/cwvo6ekHaili on X/Twitter: x.com/HughesHailiHaili on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-haili-hughes-178479186/This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Click here to Register for The International Curriculum Conference 2024 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 and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 23, 2024 • 11min
Organisational Change 101 | Change Series 1.1
Shane introduces a mini-series focused on leading effective community-led change in schools. He presents an open-source change model inspired by Work Collaborative, emphasising the importance of community involvement, trust, and iterative processes. The model is structured around the double diamond framework, which facilitates exploration and problem-solving in organisational change. Shane outlines the eight stages of the model, highlighting the need for alignment among stakeholders and the significance of sustaining change over time.TakeawaysChange is a constant challenge in education.Community involvement is crucial for effective change.Trust and psychological safety are foundational for change.The double diamond model aids in decision-making.Exploration of challenges should include multiple perspectives.Alignment among stakeholders enhances the success of change.Sustaining change requires long-term strategies.Iterative processes allow flexibility in implementation.This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Click here to Register for The International Curriculum Conference 2024 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 and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach. Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Spring 2025. He is a CollectiveEd Fellow, an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust in the UK, and a TEDx speaker. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 16, 2024 • 34min
What to do at your next inflection moment | A Conversation with Sharath Jeevan
Sharath Jeevan OBE explores the concept of inflection moments for leaders in education, addressing the challenges and opportunities they present. Sharath emphasizes the importance of navigating inflection moments with a long-term perspective and authenticity, encouraging leaders to embrace wicked problems and engage their teams in the journey. The conversation also delves into the significance of community engagement, the role of technology, and the need for leaders to reflect on their inflection moments. Takeaways - Inflection moments in education require a long-term perspective and a willingness to embrace wicked problems.- Authenticity and vulnerability are key attributes for leaders navigating inflection moments.- Community engagement and the role of technology play a significant role in addressing inflection moments in education.- Reflecting on inflection moments and engaging the team in the journey are essential for educational leaders.- The significance of organizational confidence and the need for leaders to navigate external influences with a clear direction are crucial in addressing inflection moments. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharathjeevanWebsite: intrinsic-labs.comThis episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Click here to Register for The International Curriculum Conference 2024 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 and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach. Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. He is a CollectiveEd Fellow, an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust in the UK, and a TEDx speaker. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 9, 2024 • 10min
How to Manage Teacher Capability Procedures
Teacher capability procedures—words that send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned school leaders. In this episode, I share practical guidance to make this daunting task more manageable.We explore the recently released non-statutory guidance from the UK’s Department for Education for managing underperformance, with insights that can be applied universally.Whether you're dealing with minor underperformance or more serious cases, this episode provides you with tools and frameworks to handle these challenges with fairness, support, and a structured approach. This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Click here to Register For The International Curriculum Conference 2024 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 and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach. Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. He is a CollectiveEd Fellow, an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust in the UK, and a TEDx speaker. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 2, 2024 • 34min
How to Develop Wellbeing in your School | A Conversation with Aimee Presnall
Shane and Aimee explore well-being in schools. Aimee shares her passion for well-being and how it started during her early years in school leadership. They discuss the importance of both feeling good and functioning well in order to achieve well-being. They also explore the distinction between wellness and well-being, with wellness focusing on physical health and well-being encompassing mental and emotional states. Aimee emphasizes the need for a collective understanding of well-being in schools and the importance of individual and collective responsibility. The conversation highlights the need for school leaders to establish a shared vision and purpose for well-being before implementing any initiatives. The conversation focuses on the importance of creating a collective strategic vision and goal to support the well-being of staff in schools. LinkedIn: Aimee PresnallWebsite: www.well-nest.com.auBook 30min Staff Wellbeing ChatInstagram: well_nest_collective_co This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Click here to Register For The International Curriculum Conference 2024 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 and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach. Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. He is a CollectiveEd Fellow, an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust in the UK, and a TEDx speaker. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 27, 2024 • 48min
Shane Leaning's Journey (Guest Episode)
GUEST EPISODEShane Leaning is interviewed by Chris Jordan on The Leading, Language and Literature Podcast. We discuss:1. What made Shane transition from the classroom to consultant in the first place2. Shane's process for making contact with potential school partners3. Shane’s go-to texts to inspire and inform him on the job4. The current state of the private education sector in China5. And finally the original intention for Shane's podcast and how that has evolved over timeThank 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 19, 2024 • 27min
Rethink your literacy strategy | A Conversation with Chris Scorer
Is your school's literacy strategy doing more harm than good? In today's episode, educational consultant Chris Scorer joins me at a local British pub to delve deeply into how our traditional approach to literacy might be causing stress and anxiety for students. Chris draws from both professional expertise and personal experience to challenge the orthodoxy of literacy education. This episode is a must-listen for international school leaders who are keen to explore more inclusive ways to support student well-being while also fostering literacy.Chris Scorer, an educational consultant and regular speaker on the international education circuit, shares a transformative and deeply personal perspective on literacy. We discuss how overly narrow definitions of literacy and an unyielding drive towards it can have detrimental effects on students, especially those with dyslexia or other literacy difficulties. Chris suggests a radical rethinking of our literacy strategies, advocating for broader frameworks to access and express knowledge that caters to individual learning needs.Chris’s journey from being a proponent of literacy for all to questioning its universal relevance due to his son's struggles with learning to read.How narrow definitions of literacy can cause stress and anxiety among students.The importance of rethinking our approach to literacy to include alternative methods of accessing knowledge.The impact of pushing students toward literacy on their mental health and well-being.The role of school leaders in facilitating a more inclusive environment.Chris’s comparison of literacy accommodation to the Disability Discrimination Act and how we can learn from historical shifts in policy.Practical steps for teachers and school leaders to begin implementing a more flexible approach to literacy. This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Click here to Register For The International Curriculum Conference 2024 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 and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 12, 2024 • 10min
7 Principles to Strengthen your Leadership
In this episode, I explore principles that can guide every international school leader. As educators, we are public servants, and it's crucial to reflect on the values that drive our work. Are we truly acting in the best interest of our students?I break down the Seven Principles of Public Life, also known as the Nolan Principles, and challenge you to consider how they apply within your school setting. This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Click here to Register For The International Curriculum Conference 2024 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 and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach. Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. He is a CollectiveEd Fellow, an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust in the UK, and a TEDx speaker. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 6, 2024 • 31min
Soft Leaders are Strong Leaders | A conversation with Ann McPhee
Ann McPhee discusses leadership in an international context and the importance of cultural understanding and effective induction processes. She highlights the pitfalls of autocratic leadership and the myth of strong leadership, emphasising the importance of empathy, listening, and reflection. McPhee also emphasizes the power of soft leadership and the impact of small interactions and relationships in leadership. Overall, the conversation reveals the core of leadership as working with people and prioritizing their needs. Takeaways· Leadership in an international context requires cultural understanding and effective induction processes.· Autocratic leadership can lead to bullying and ineffective leadership.· Strong leadership is not about being loud or directive, but about empathy, listening, and reflection.· Soft leadership is not weak leadership, but a focus on people and relationships.· Small interactions and relationships are essential in effective leadership.· Putting people first is at the core of leadership. Links Ann McPhee on LinkedInGet Ann and Pam’s book, ‘International Schools: Navigating Leadership Culture & Context’ This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here. 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 and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach. Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. He is a CollectiveEd Fellow, an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust in the UK, and a TEDx speaker. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 30, 2024 • 8min
Guided Meditation for International School Leaders
Here’s a refreshing 5-minute meditation, custom-made for international education leaders by Adele Burdon-Bailey, a psychotherapist from Priory, one of the UK's leading independent providers of mental health care and adult social care.It's short, it's calming, and it can be practiced whenever you need a moment of peace and reflection.Due to previous popularity, this episode is a repeat from last Summer. This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here. 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 and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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