1. Be curious: learn about yourself Building strong networks and relationships starts with understanding yourself. What are your key strengths, and how can you use them effectively? Are there aspects of your personality you could develop further? As Socrates advised, “Know thyself.”

Tools like the VIA Character Strengths survey and the 16 Personalities assessment can offer useful insights into your traits and how others may perceive you. Reflecting on these perspectives can help you build rapport more intentionally and identify emotional or psychological barriers that may have held you back.

2. Be brave Push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Reach out to someone you admire on LinkedIn or a similar platform and start a conversation - perhaps asking if they mentor or support aspiring leaders. Join discussions on topics that interest you and connect with others online.

Networks like WomenEd provide fantastic opportunities to meet women and allies from around the world. I lead the WomenEd Italy network, where members support one another with advice and inspiration. At conferences or events, check the speaker or delegate list, introduce yourself, exchange details, and follow up afterwards.

3. Nurture connections close to you Some of the most valuable learning comes from the people you work with. I have learnt a great deal from the leaders I worked for, and now from fellow heads with whom I collaborate at country and group level.

Whatever stage of your career you are at, connect with others in similar roles. Sharing experiences - both successes and challenges - builds trust and lasting professional relationships. I still rely on colleagues’ perspectives when I need fresh thinking on complex decisions or new strategies.

4. Put yourself forward Volunteer to lead professional learning, give a presentation, attend a conference, take a course, or lead an action research project. Then share what you learned and invite others to join you. Every opportunity can help you grow as a professional.

Programmes such as CIS visits and other accreditation work offer powerful professional development and connect you with educators worldwide.

Don’t wait to be invited - someone else may already have stepped forward. Be proactive about your career: make a plan, review your goals regularly, and embrace your ambition. Then seek out the people and opportunities that will help you achieve it.

5. Give back Cultivate gratitude - it benefits both you and those around you. As your network grows, think about how you can support others. Promote someone’s work, nominate them for an award, mention their achievements, or recommend them for an opportunity.

An art installation by Marinella Senatore in Florence during the first COVID Christmas displayed a powerful message: “We rise by lifting others.” Another read: “Breathe; you are enough.”

These words resonate strongly with educators, who give so much to others. By supporting those around us, we strengthen our communities - and ourselves.