#55 - These events are just *so* much fun, I love attending them and speaking to everyone who comes to hear some incredible speakers.

Shout-out to Siobhan Ridley for all the planning she puts into these events.

Episode links below:

The Bonjour Agency (us!): www.thebonjouragency.com

isbi Events: www.isbievents.com/

All the Right Movies (Geoff's recommendation): https://open.spotify.com/show/2zcBRzs54jqEX2d7YrS1dd?si=25f60ee4b4ec4037

#054 - Russell discusses his work and changing landscape of independent schools, including the consolidation of schools, the professionalisation of roles within schools, and the increased unpredictability of the sector. He highlights the differences between schools in the UK and schools in the Middle East, emphasising the diversity and energy found in international schools. Russell also discusses the joys and challenges of running his own business and the reasons behind starting it. He also talks about his passion for learning Arabic and the importance of language in understanding different cultures.

Keywords

RS Academics, schools, appointments, marketing, governance, diversity and inclusion, fundraising, independent schools, Middle East, international schools, running a business, starting a business, learning Arabic, language and culture, personal expression, clothing and power dynamics

Links:

www.rsacademics.com

www.linkedin.com/in/russell-speirs-27904916/

Contact me:

www.thebonjouragency.com

[email protected]

#053 - Nicola Lutz, founder of No Fluff, talks about sales & marketing in the education sector. They discuss the challenges faced by Admissions teams in converting leads, the importance of professional sales skills in schools, and the need for follow-up and engagement with prospective families. Nicola also shares insights from the No Fluff Fest event, which focuses on lead generation and sales techniques for schools. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for a more strategic and proactive approach to admissions and marketing in the education sector.

Keywords

sales, marketing, education sector, admissions, lead generation, follow-up, engagement, No Fluff Fest

Takeaways

• Admissions teams in schools often face challenges in converting leads due to a lack of professional sales skills and support.
• There is a need for a more strategic and proactive approach to admissions and marketing in the education sector.
• Follow-up and engagement with prospective families are crucial in the admissions process, from the initial inquiry to the offer acceptance stage.
• No Fluff Fest is an event that focuses on lead generation and sales techniques for schools, providing valuable insights and ideas for increasing admissions.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-lutz/

Contact me:

www.thebonjouragency.com

[email protected]

#051 - Sophy Walker discusses her recent life changes including leaving her job at Royal Hospital School, moving houses and starting her own business called Marketing 4 Success. She shares her experiences with challenges in the workplace, the importance of mental health support and the process of making big decisions. Sophy also talks about her retirement plans and her desire to have a property abroad.

Keywords

life changes, job transition, moving houses, starting a business, challenges in the workplace, mental health support, making big decisions, retirement plans, property abroad, birthday celebration

Takeaways

• Life changes, such as leaving a job and moving houses, can be challenging but also provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Mental health support is crucial in the workplace, and seeking help can make a significant difference in navigating difficult situations.
• Making big decisions requires careful consideration of various factors, including risks, expenses, and the impact on family members.
• Retirement planning is important, and it's essential to consider factors such as financial stability, desired lifestyle, and personal goals.
• Having a property abroad can provide opportunities for travel, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure.
• Celebrating milestones, such as birthdays, can be done in various ways, from low-key gatherings to larger celebrations.

Links:

www.m4success.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophyzwalker/

Contact me:

www.thebonjouragency.com

[email protected]

#051 - Simon Heard, Senior Deputy Head at Haileybury in Hertfordshire, shares his journey from being a Marine to a professional skier and then transitioning into education. He also discusses the challenges and joys of raising six children and balancing family life with work.

Keywords

Simon Heard, senior deputy head, Haileybury, Hertfordshire, Marine, professional skier, education, family, parenting, nature, sustainability, running, biodiversity

Takeaways

• Simon's diverse career journey from the Marines to professional skiing and then into education highlights the value of varied experiences in shaping one's professional path.
• The challenges and rewards of raising six children and balancing family life with work demonstrate the importance of adaptability and love in parenting.
• Simon's passion for nature and sustainability is evident in his love for running and his commitment to biodiversity, reflecting the importance of personal values in professional and personal pursuits.

Links:

www.haileybury.com

www.linkedin.com/in/simon-heard-40b53639/

Contact me:

www.thebonjouragency.com

[email protected]

#50 - Come with me as we step into the Independent Schools Show Summer Fair at The Hurlingham Club in London!

#49 - Coming to you 'live' from the AMCIS annual conference in Cirencester, Simon takes you inside to hear from some of the members, the exhibitors, the speakers and he checks out the food and coffee (well, it can't ALL be work now, can it??)

Links:

https://amcis.co.uk/

Contact me:

www.thebonjouragency.com

[email protected]

#48 - Felice Ayling, a confidence and content guide for fearless female founders, discusses the challenges faced by women in the workplace and offers advice on boosting confidence. She emphasises the importance of understanding the systems and structures that hold women back and building a supportive community. Felice encourages women to embrace their true selves and not rely on external validation. She also highlights the benefits of being a founder, such as setting your own rules and working on your own terms.

Takeaways

• Understand the systems and structures that hold women back in the workplace.
• Build a supportive community of like-minded women.
• Embrace your true self and don't rely on external validation.
• Take control of your own business and set your own rules.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliceayling/

https://loudwomen.club/

Invisible women

Contact me:

www.thebonjouragency.com

[email protected]

#47 - Mel Pye works in the field of recruitment in independent schools. She was recommended to me as a guest by Kirsty Hassan so it was great to connect with her. If you're looking to change your job, maybe to work in a different school, take a listen to this episode.

Mel Pye online:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniepye/

[email protected]

www.schoolsleadership.com

Contact me:

www.thebonjouragency.com

[email protected]

#46 - Clare Smith is Head of Senior School at Robert Gordon's College in Aberdeen and she talks about an initiative she introduced just over a year ago and how it's changed the school in that time. She talks to us today on 'I'd Rather be at the Beach', the podcast for you where we don’t talk about work but we do talk to people in the independent school sector.

Clare Smith online:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-smith-9bb8b9147/

https://www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk/newsarticlespage/~board/all-news/post/newmobilephonepolicy

Contact me:

www.thebonjouragency.com

[email protected]