In this episode of Changing Conversations, Sarah is joined by Professor Haili Hughes - teacher, leader, writer and academic. This is a slower, more reflective conversation. It’s the kind of conversation you fall into, where the threads of experience, identity, leadership and belonging weave together in ways you can only see with hindsight.

Together we explore:

• Haili’s unexpected journey from journalist to teacher, leader, academic and author and how values like truth and justice have always guided her choices.

• The realities of returning to school leadership after several years in national and international roles.

• The tension between alignment and agency in professional development, and how Haili is working to rebuild teacher autonomy through shared mental models and intentional space to think.

• Living in liminal spaces and how that shapes the kinds of relationships Haili builds and the leaders she feels drawn to support.

• Psychological safety, trust and radical candour as the foundations of belonging for staff, students and families.

• Human-centred leadership, what it looks like in practice and why small acts of humanity matter.

• Teacher identity and retention, including early insights from Haili and Sam Gibbs’ research into why teachers stay, not just why they leave.

Connect with Haili on LinkedIn or Substack

Books referenced:

• Ready to Teach An Inspector Calls(with Miriam Hussein)

• Coaching for Decision Making (with Sarah Cottingham & Adam Colbrook)

• Clearing the Path for Leadership (with Michael Child)

• English Teaching Hacks (with Stuart Pryke)

• Mentoring In Schools - How To Become An Expert Colleague