In this inspiring episode, I had the honor of interviewing Loretta Fernando-Smith, international school leader, leadership coach, writer, and TedX speaker, for a powerful conversation on identity, belonging, and courageous leadership.Drawing from her viral TedX talk on the power of names, and her CIS blog on dismantling imposter syndrome, Loretta shares her journey of self-discovery and the lessons she’s learned about authenticity in leadership. We discuss how names and identity shape belonging, why imposter syndrome is more about systemic inequities than personal shortcomings, and what it means to lead with vulnerability and cultural consciousness in international schools.Loretta also opens up about how motherhood has reshaped her perspective on leadership and self-worth, offering wisdom for educators balancing multiple identities. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, aspiring leader, or school head, this episode will challenge you to reflect on your own story and remind you of the courage it takes to show up fully as yourself.To learn more about Loretta's work, you can visit her website at lorettafernandosmith.com or follow her on LinkedIn⁠.

BIO: Loretta Fernando-Smith is a fourth generation educator with over 20 years of experience in international schools. Raised across cultures and continents, her childhood was shaped by frequent relocations. These experiences of straddling several cultures as a child, adult, parent and educator have made her aware of how people negotiate belonging in different spaces. This tension drives her curiosity, inquiry and research into belonging. Currently, she has the joy of serving as the Associate Principal and PYP Curriculum Coordinator at Frankfurt International School in Wiesbaden, Germany.From mentoring teachers as they support student agency to facilitating international DEIJ leadership cohorts, her leadership focuses on cultivating inclusive cultures, advancing equity-driven curriculum design, and co-creating environments where every child and adult can feel seen, heard and is able to flourish.At the heart of her philosophy is the belief that education is a deeply relational practice. Relationships built on trust, reciprocity, and joy are the foundation for meaningful learning and it is often in our small, shared moments that the deepest transformations begin.

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