#EdInfluence

Olympic and world champion rower Jonny Searle opens our conversation with a powerful story from his coaching experience that fundamentally shifted his understanding of leadership responsibility. 

Throughout the discussion, Jonny shares a philosophy centred around seeing people as genuinely unique rather than variations of ourselves. "We see the world not as it is, but as we are," he explains, highlighting how this perspective has transformed his leadership effectiveness. 

Drawing from his experience as a COO in a scale-up tech business and over 13 years as general counsel and company secretary for an international business, Jonny shares some deceptively simple advice for learning leaders: understand your people and help them do what they enjoy and excel at.

Whether you're leading a sports team, business unit, or classroom, Johnny's insights remind us that effective leadership begins with seeing people as they truly are.

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn. 

David Beaty never planned on becoming a banker. What began as "practice" for a job interview - while still planning to attend university and become an accountant - transformed into a remarkable 39-year career at Midland Bank and HSBC. 

David has since established Bali Consulting, using his experience to provide leadership coaching and consultancy. He was a school governor and trustee of a fast-growing Staffordshire multi-academy trust for over ten years.

What makes a leader effective over four decades spanning economic cycles, technological revolutions, and unprecedented challenges like the COVID pandemic? 

He distils leadership success into just seven words: "make brilliant appointments, set clear direction, empower." This deceptively simple framework guided him from managing 50 people to overseeing nearly 900 staff as head of HSBC UK Business Banking.

Listen now to discover how accidental beginnings can lead to extraordinary impact when guided by clear values and consistent leadership.

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn. 

In this episode, we hear from Sara Burks, the Founder and Managing Director of Adaptis Limited. Sara excels in getting the best from people during transformational change through great leadership. 

Leadership often begins long before we have any formal understanding of what it means. Sara, discovered this when her school report stated: "Sara is a born leader. The problem is she leads people in the wrong direction." This early assessment followed her organising a sit-down strike during a netball tournament – a moment that sparked her lifelong exploration of leadership principles.

Through her conversation with Nick MacKenzie, Sara reveals how these formative experiences shaped her journey from rebellious student to corporate board member at just 29. 

Sara believes purpose to be integral to resilience and the cornerstone of effective leadership – creating a sense of purpose that helps teams persevere through difficulties. Effective leadership isn't just about strategies or outcomes, but about connection, purpose, and the fulfilment that comes from helping others thrive.

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn. 

In this episode, Caroline Whalley and Hugh Greenway, founder and CEO of the Elliot Foundation Academy Trust respectively, share their most transformative experiences and leadership insights. 

Caroline recalls a lesson learned from a shopkeeper that forever changed her perspective on self-awareness and consequences, while Hugh recounts a poignant moment in Washington D.C., teaching him the deeper meaning of empathy. Their stories set the stage for a fascinating exploration of how such personal encounters have shaped their approaches to leadership and their collaboration at the Elliott Foundation.

From the moment they first met, a foundation of trust was established, paving the way for an inclusive and financially viable institution dedicated to enhancing education for disadvantaged children. They share their dissatisfaction with fragmented educational systems and the need for genuine reform, driven by a commitment to clarity, high expectations, and a keen understanding of essential business metrics.

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn. 

This episode is comprised of two parts. In the first, we hear from Leora Cruddas CBE, CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), who seeks to unravel the complexities of educational leadership and community engagement. In the second part, we hear from a range of trust leaders from the floor of the Annual CST Conference.

Part 1: Leora Cruddas, CEO of CST
(00:00 - 33:17)
Leora Cruddas shares her eye-opening journey from South Africa to the UK, highlighting disparities in educational access and a fresh perspective on schooling, stressing the importance of community-rooted educational systems.

She advocates for the subtle power of quiet leadership. Leadership in the public sector isn't about loudness; rather, it's authenticity and silent diplomacy, particularly crucial for women in male-dominated spheres. Finally, we tackle the formidable challenges confronting educational trusts, from child poverty to strategic management in hybrid learning environments.

Part 2: CST Conference Special
(33:18 - 58:07)
From the floor of the Annual CST Conference at the ICC in Birmingham we hear views on a range of topics such as the challenges facing the sector from influential leaders including:

• Ollie Lane - Managing Director at communications agency PLMR.
• Stephen Morales - CEO of the Institute of School Business Management (ISBL).
• Gail Brown - Chief Executive at Ebor Academy Trust.
• Steve Howell - Commercial Director at Red Kite Learning Trust. 
• Ernest Jenavs - Founder and CEO of Edurio. 

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn. 

Uncover the fascinating intersection of leadership and storytelling as we welcome Sir Chris Husbands, an esteemed former Vice-Chancellor and a key player with Higher Futures. 

In conversation with Nick, Chris shares how his journey from a curious history teacher to a university leader was shaped by a student's question about medieval monasteries. Get ready to explore how storytelling can transform leadership, offering insights and context through narratives like those from "The West Wing."

We also shed light on the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and its pivotal role in reshaping UK universities' approach to teaching quality, much like Ofsted inspections in schools. Chris offers a unique perspective on the collaborative evaluation of teaching standards, emphasising the need to move beyond stereotypes and recognise true excellence in education. This discussion not only highlights the importance of assessing teaching quality but also the broader impact of these efforts on educational settings and student engagement.

Our exploration of leadership traits uncovers the vital importance of curiosity and flexibility. Drawing from Chris's experiences with Ofsted and the TEF, we reflect on maintaining core values while adapting to ever-changing educational landscapes. 

Through personal anecdotes and examples of influential leaders, we also discuss strategies for effective communication and engagement within large teams, underscoring the relentless effort required to maintain genuine connections and support educational opportunities for all. Join us for these valuable insights for leaders and educational enthusiasts alike.

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn. 

Lauren is the Chief Transformation Officer at United Learning, the largest trust in England. She leads the trust’s work on digital strategy, data and insights, curriculum and assessment, as well as the programme of transformation projects across the organisation. 

Prior to this, Lauren was the Director of Standards & Performance and Director of Strategy at Ark Schools and was a research director for a thinktank in Westminster. She sat on the DfE Ed Tech Advisory Board and Workload Review Panel and is a serving Ofsted Inspector. During the academic year 2024-25, Lauren is Chair of the CST Data and Insights Professional Community.

Ever wonder how childhood curiosity can shape a career in educational leadership? In this episode, Lauren shares her unique path from tinkering with toys under the guidance of her engineer father to spearheading transformative initiatives in schools. Her story is a testament to how a relentless curiosity and love for problem-solving can lead to a career focused on balancing efficiency with emotional intelligence, ultimately creating a more connected educational environment.

Lauren and Nick engage in a thought-provoking discussion on navigating the complex landscape of educational technology with integrity. We delve into the challenges of balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives and managing the expectations of diverse stakeholders. In a world increasingly dominated by technological solutions, we question the necessity of tech-driven approaches, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. Lauren provides insight into how educators can thoughtfully choose between tech integration or tech-free environments, ensuring alignment with their vision and purpose.

The conversation takes a reflective turn as we explore the evolution of leadership philosophies in education, focusing on empowerment and collaboration. Lauren describes moving from prescriptive management styles to creating spaces where team members can innovate and own their projects. We highlight the importance of teamwork, diverse perspectives, and a shared vision in developing sustainable educational solutions. By adapting problem-solving methods to different organisational dynamics, Lauren exemplifies a mission-driven leadership style that aims to improve processes and enhance opportunities within the sector.

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn. 

Cathie Paine is the Chief Executive Officer of REAch2 Academy Trust. 

As CEO of REAch2, Cathie’s vision is the belief that school leadership at its heart is about transforming lives. Cathie joined REAch2 at the end of 2012 when there were only four schools in the Trust, but her headship career spanned 15 years across schools in a variety of challenging circumstances.

Ever since Catherine's first headship taking a socially deprived school from 'special measures' to  'Good' in just four terms, Cathie's passion is clear. She's committed to enabling children to flourish in an environment of outstanding practice.

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn. 

In this special retrospective episode, Nick is joined by fellow executive coaches Emma Hughes and Iain Blatherwick to reflect on the highlights, themes and ideas shared by guests throughout Series 3 of #EdInfluence.

Emma is a partner at Browne Jacobson and Head of HR Services, as well as being a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD​ and an executive coach. She has over 15 years’ experience in generalist HR in both the private sector and the public sector. Emma has worked as HR director and regional HR business partner for two large, national school trusts. 

Iain was the Managing Partner at Browne Jacobson for 11 years and specialises in advising on governance and leadership issues, making use of the skills, insights and experience he's gained as a leader. Iain completed the Academy of Executive Coaching (AOEC) Practitioner Diploma course and is now a qualified coach accredited at Practitioner level by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). 

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn. 

Hear from John Camp OBE, President of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and CEO of the Compass Partnership of Schools, a charitable trust of twelve schools in Greenwich and Essex. 

In this episode, we also hear from other sector leaders from the floor of this year’s ASCL Conference:

• Dr. Peter Kent, Trustee and Past President of ASCL and the International Confederation of Principals (ICP).
• Julie McCulloch, Director of Policy at ASCL.
• Anna Crawte - School Improvement Director from HEART Academies Trust.
• Mark Blois, Partner and former Head of Education at Browne Jacobson.
• Emma Balchin, Co-Chief Exec of the National Governance Association (NGA). 

They give their perspectives on what makes an effective leader, the qualities they see in children that they wish they had and share strategies for sustaining their energy levels as a leader. 

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn.