Episode 27: The Future of Independent Schools: Business Strategy Meets Educational Mission
Release Date: 02/05/2026
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
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
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...
info_outlineA 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 Management Association, and as board member, and champion for independent schools, with a primary goal of helping schools and school leaders succeed. Today, through MoonshotOS, he helps schools execute their strategic plans and strengthen the business skills required to navigate an increasingly complex school model.
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 Conversation Points and Insights:
Personal Journey & Transformation (0:00-7:00)
- Peter's life-changing experience at a New Hampshire boarding school
- From academic probation to complete transformation
- Career path through independent schools, nonprofits, and ed-tech (Whipple Hill/Blackbaud)
- Role at Enrollment Management Association (EMA)
The Business Model Crisis (7:00-18:00)
- 2019 research on the future of independent school business models
- COVID's impact on the sector
- 200+ interviews with heads of school revealing unprecedented pressure
- The realization that most school leaders receive zero business training
Key Challenges Facing Independent Schools (18:00-28:00)
- Hiring & retention crisis: Teachers leaving due to increased demands without additional compensation
- Increased competition: Public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, online schools, micro schools, homeschooling
- The amplified promise: Schools must differentiate more strongly while absorbing costs of new programs (SEL, etc.)
- The widening gap: Financial gap between tuition revenue and operating costs has grown from 20% to 30% in just two years
- Generational shifts: Gen Z and Millennials seeking work-life flexibility that brick-and-mortar schools struggle to provide
Solutions & Recommendations (28:00-End)
- Building business competencies into leadership development pipelines earlier
- Self-assessment for aspiring leaders across entrepreneurial strategy, finance, operations, and marketing
- Leveraging resources: podcasts, business books, YouTube, professional development
- The role of AI in potentially buying back time for educators
- Importance of auxiliary revenue and entrepreneurial thinking
- Creating "unreasonable hospitality" for families (inspired by 11 Madison Park)
Memorable Moments:
- The Thanksgiving phone call from teacher Richard Faye that changed Peter's life
- The importance of leaders who give you "room to make mistakes"
Resources Mentioned:
- Ian Simmons (management consultant and provocateur)
- National Business Officers Association (NBOA)
- Book: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
- Podcast episodes: John Farber on what boards look for; David Sullivan on auxiliary revenue
- Moonshot OS (Peter's company)
Connect with Peter:
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Website: moonshotos.com
Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com.
Thank you for listening to Where’s Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education.
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