Leadership

by Sayd Shah I never expected to become Acting Principal, at least not at this point in my career.
For years, I had been working as Vice Principal, focused on curriculum, leadership, and student progress.
I was comfortable in that role, proud of what we were building as a team.
Then, without warning, I was …

Dropped in the Deep End: Reflections on Ethical Leadership Read More »

by Shelley Swift “Connection is why we’re here.
It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.
”— Brené Brown I’ve always found it surprising that in a sector built on nurturing human potential, so much of our leadership language was borrowed from the world of business – focusing on productivity, top-down control, and metrics.
Yet we …

The Heart of the Matter: Leading with Compassion Read More »

by Lawrence Potter The Power of Walkarounds: Seeing, Listening, and Leading with Presence There are moments in leadership when you catch yourself mid-step – quite literally.
For me, one of those moments happens during walkarounds.
  I sometimes chuckle to myself as I move through classrooms or linger near a corridor – thinking, Do I look strange …

The Power of Walkarounds: Seeing, Listening, and Leading with Presence Read More »

by Dr Justin Zhang A heartfelt thank you to Amy and the LYIS team for inviting me into this vibrant community of leaders.
There’s nothing more energising than sharing a space with people dedicated to the art and science of education.
Have you ever watched a single pebble drop into a calm pond? The real …

The Ripple Effect: Why True Leadership Starts in the Classroom, Not Just the Corner Office Read More »

by Michael Iannini One of the most frequent and quietly corrosive challenges international school middle leaders face is the “That’s not my job” response from colleagues.
It’s a moment that can stop progress in its tracks, especially in schools where collaboration, adaptability, and shared responsibility are essential to success.
This challenge is often amplified in …

That’s Not My Job”: Reframing Professional Expectations in International Schools Read More »

by Jo Owen When I was asked to write a book on Smart Thinking, I was both excited and terrified.
The terror came from a very simple question: “What is smart thinking?” If you had to write a book about Smart Thinking, what would you write about? “What is smart thinking?” joins a long list …

Smart Thinking Read More »

by Dr Tania Blatti Leadership in international schools is not just about policies and procedures – it is about people.
It is about creating a culture where learning thrives, where individuals feel valued, and where schools embody ethical, inclusive, and transformational leadership.
Having worked across Australia, the UAE, South Korea, and China, I have experienced …

Leadership in International Schools: A Journey of Growth, Collective Efficacy, and Lasting Impact Read More »

by Amy Lucas Introduction Leading a new international school in Yangon, Myanmar, has been a journey filled with both immense opportunities and significant challenges.
As the country evolves on the global stage, there is an increasing demand for high-quality education that meets international standards while remaining accessible.
For educators driven by a vision to inspire …

Leading an International School in Yangon: Rewards and Challenges Read More »

by Alissa Kordprom Introduction Student well-being and inclusion are at the heart of nearly every international school’s mission today.
A quick tour of any school website will reveal an institution’s desire to create compassionate, driven and well-rounded students.
The same tour will inevitably be interrupted by pop-up recruitment advertisements aimed at showcasing what becoming a …

The Price of Prestige:When Marketing Overshadows Mission Read More »