My guest today is David Harkin, CEO and Founder of 8billionideas, which has impacted over 500,000 students in 26 countries. David is a two-time TEDx speaker, author of 'The Ripple Effect', and was ranked 8th globally by ISC Research for his contributions to the education sector in 2022. Before entering education, David was an IBM executive and was the youngest globally to receive their CEO award.

 

In our conversation, we explore:

• The difference between entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial mindset
• Why school leaders should embrace a "principalpreneur" approach
• How to create a culture that encourages innovation at all levels
• The three types of innovation every school needs
• David's concept of being "brilliantly busy" and what it means for leaders
• Why leadership is harder than ever before in 2025
• The importance of transferring ideas across schools internationally

Key insights:

• Entrepreneurial mindset vs entrepreneurship: "Entrepreneurship is hugely misunderstood, firstly by using the word entrepreneurship and forgetting the second word entrepreneurship mindset. That's what we really need to be talking about in education."
• Schools as businesses: "Every school on the planet is a business, but in the business of world-class education."
• Three types of innovation:

1. Transformational (major strategic initiatives)
2. Accelerated incremental change (medium-sized projects)
3. Incremental improvements (small, everyday gains)

• On modern leadership: "Leadership is harder than ever before because of the accessibility of you."
• Creating a culture of action: "Try and build a culture of action and then ask for forgiveness... If it's a good idea, don't ask me if you should be doing it. Just get on with it."

 

David's outlook for education is optimistic: "The next decade is the most important decade in educational history...never before have we had the opportunity to transfer lessons as quickly as we possibly can and collectively make change."

Links mentioned in this episode:

• 8billionideas
• David's book: The Ripple Effect
• "Checklist Manifesto" by Atul Gawande

 

Episode Partner

The International Curriculum Association: Learn more

Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensive

Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.

You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com

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