Episode 22: Let's Talk About Succession - Not the Netflix Show
Release Date: 09/25/2025
Episode 32: Sanctuaries for Thinking: Human Formation and the Future of Education
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
Episode Summary: In this episode of Where's Your Head At?, hosts Richard Henry and James Macdonald speak with researcher, author, and speaker Dr. Simon Breakspear about translating complex educational literature into actionable, real-world tools for school leaders. The discussion covers the necessity of subtractive change—or "pruning"—in additive school environments, efficient monitoring processes, and how mid-level leaders drive classroom progress. Additionally, Dr. Breakspear shares his perspectives on balancing technology and AI with core human formation, navigating changing social...
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Episode 31: The Early Years Advantage: What School Leaders are Missing
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: In this episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James MacDonald sit down with the highly experienced early years specialist and safeguarding leader, Kate Beith. Together, they explore the current landscapes and future horizons of schooling, diving into what educators are getting right, where the system is still struggling, and how leadership must evolve. From personal "who luck" moments to actionable advice for school leaders, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone passionate about conversations today about early years education tomorrow. Bio: Kate is a...
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Episode 30: Navigating Parent Partnerships
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: In this episode of "Where's Your Head At?", the hosts delve into the complexities of parent-school relationships within the international education context. They discuss strategies for managing challenging interactions with parents, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding, and professionalism. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. Key Topics Discussed: The emotional dynamics involved when parents express concerns about their children’s education. The distinction between...
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Episode 29: Education for Being, Not Just Becoming.
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: The hosts of "Where's Your Head At?" engage in a deep and philosophical conversation with Stuart MacAlpine, an experienced international educator and consultant. The discussion moves quickly from Stuart's diverse background, including his time at the Lego Foundation and Green School New Zealand, to profound questions about the current state and future of international education. Stuart challenges the traditional definitions of "international" schools and explores post-humanist ideas, suggesting a shift from a focus on "becoming" to a focus on "being" and "staying with the...
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Episode 28: Education as a Lifeline: The High School for Refugee Youth
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: In this episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald speak with Polly Akhurst, the co-founder and co-executive director of Amala Education. Polly shares her journey from attending United World College Atlantic to launching a social innovation organization that has transformed the lives of over 7,000 refugee youth. The conversation explores the necessity of alternative education models, the development of the first-ever accredited high school diploma for refugees, and the future of global education. Bio: Polly Akhurst is the Co-founder and Co-Executive...
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Episode 27: The Future of Independent Schools: Business Strategy Meets Educational Mission
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A Quick Summary: In this engaging conversation, Peter shares his transformative journey from struggling middle school student to independent school leadership expert. He discusses the critical business challenges facing independent schools in the United States, the widening financial gap between revenue and operational costs, and why traditional leadership training hasn't prepared heads of school for the entrepreneurial demands of their roles. Bio: Peter has spent the past 20+ years serving independent schools, including five years as the Chief Member Relations Officer at the Enrollment...
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Episode 26: Wisdom: The Construct AI Cannot Touch
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: Nicholas Alchin is a passionate educator who has worked in holistic, values-driven schools since 1995. He currently oversees strategy, education, and operations for approximately 6,000 students at UWCSEA. In this episode, Nick shares his extensive background in education—including teaching the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course and his previous varied careers. Nick offers his philosophical views on the state of international schooling. He discusses the importance of human qualities and broad skills in student development, the ongoing struggle with achievement pressure and...
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Episode 25: The Power of Reflection: Celebrating 25 Episodes of Where’s Your Head At
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: Welcome to a special milestone episode of "Where’s Your Head at – The International Education Podcast." In this 25th episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald turn the spotlight on themselves, reflecting on the journey so far and the most impactful moments from their conversations with educational leaders and trailblazers around the world. In this episode: The hosts revisit standout guests and episodes, including insights from Bambi Betts on the barriers to change in international schools, Jane Larson’s powerful communication, and Fidelis Ntenge’s...
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Episode 24: From Classroom to Boardroom: The Changing Face of School Leadership
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: This episode dives into the evolving role of international school heads, following up on previous research from Dr. Alan Morrison about the tenure and competencies of school leaders. The hosts reflect on board-head relationships, business and operational skills, and the unique challenges of leadership in international schools. Through comparing job descriptions and sharing stories, they highlight what it takes to thrive as a head of school—including bridging the gap between educational and business leadership, fostering trust, and navigating complex community dynamics. We...
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Episode 23: What factors affect the tenure of school leaders?
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: This episode of “Where’s Your Head At?” features Dr. Allan Morrison, an experienced educator and researcher, discussing his extensive research on the tenure and challenges of international school heads. We explore Dr. Morrison’s career path, including his teaching and leadership experiences in various countries. Dr. Morrison shares highlights from his doctoral research, revealing that the average tenure of international school heads is gradually increasing, with factors such as school type (not-for-profit vs. for-profit), location, board governance, and personal...
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In this episode of 'Where's Your Head at the International Education Podcast,' hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald explore the complexities of succession planning in international education. They discuss the significance of strategic succession to ensure the continuity of a school’s mission and vision amid rapid changes. The conversation highlights the importance of preparing internal candidates through professional development and the role of AI in modernizing education while emphasizing the ever-important human connection.
They also touch on the psychological aspects of leadership transitions and the financial and reputational costs associated with poor succession planning. Practical insights and examples from their experiences make this episode a valuable resource for educational leaders aiming for a seamless transition and sustained institutional success.
We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/
Key Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:49 Meet the Hosts
01:14 Current Locations and Roles
02:31 Focus on Succession Planning
06:56 Importance of Capacity Building
12:01 Challenges in Succession Planning
24:02 Professional Development and AI in Education
30:50 Concluding Thoughts and Book Recommendations
Show notes created by https://podium.page