She Leads Because She Can

#30 CHASE-ing Kind Leadership with Joanna Povall

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431981/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we sit down with Joanna Povall, author of the newly published book Kind Leadership, to explore what it truly means to lead with empathy, honesty, and impact. Far from being a sign of weakness, Joanna makes a compelling case that kind leadership is in fact the most human — and most effective — way to lead within any organisation. Joanna opens by sharing the core questions she found herself returning to again and again in her work with leaders: How do we communicate with compassion under pressure? How do we lead with empathy while still upholding high standards? And how do we hold people accountable without damaging their self-esteem? These questions became the foundation for her approach to kind leadership. At the heart of the conversation is the CHASE framework — a practical guide that keeps leaders honest with themselves and others. Joanna breaks it down: Communication with kindness forms the foundation, Honesty provides the structure, and Accountability is the glue that holds it all together. Self-esteem is the fourth pillar, and Joanna speaks powerfully about why nurturing it in schools is so important — arguing that when self-esteem is strengthened, cultures are created where emotional honesty feels safe and joy can flourish. She speaks candidly about the damage that shame can cause to growth and development, and urges us to eliminate it from our schools entirely. The final element of the CHASE framework is Ego. Joanna shares her own honest experiences of managing her ego in leadership, describing it as an ongoing practice — one she believes all leaders should be actively and continuously working on. Joanna also offers a helpful overview of key research in the field before turning to what she is most passionate about: the practical application of kind leadership within schools, which forms the heart of her book. This is a conversation that is honest, grounded, and deeply practical. Whether you are a school leader, a teacher, or anyone who leads people, Joanna offers real and actionable ways to bring kindness into every interaction, decision, and moment of presence.

#29 Bridging Cultures and Systems with Kay Yang

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431981/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we hear from Kay Yang, a Chinese national whose journey from the north to the south of China, and ultimately into school leadership in Shanghai, has shaped a deeply reflective and culturally-informed approach to leading in international education. Kay shares her personal educational story and how it ignited a passion for fostering mutual understanding within culturally diverse teams. She explores the unique dynamics that emerge when people from different cultural backgrounds work together, and how intentional conversation and a genuine desire to understand one another can transform a mixed-culture team into something far greater than the sum of its parts. A powerful thread running through this conversation is Kay's sense of responsibility as a role model. She speaks with confidence and conviction about the value that women of Chinese heritage bring to the international school sector — how their presence bridges cultures, and how their insight enables the creation of structures and systems that are more contextually relevant and authentic to the communities they serve. Kay also looks ahead. Having recently concluded her time at Wellington College Shanghai, she is stepping into a broader  role with a clear sense of purpose: to work alongside bilingual middle leaders in international schools, empowering them to bring the full richness of their cultural and linguistic identities into their leadership practice. This is a conversation about belonging, bridge-building, and the quiet power of leading from a place of integrated identity.

#28 Finding Resilience, Adaptability and Self-Belief with Paula Ralph

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431981/fan_mail/new] Episode Overview In this episode, we hear from endurance sportswoman Paula Ralph, who completed a remarkable solo, unsupported cycle ride of 12,290 km from Cape Town, South Africa to Nordkapp, Norway — crossing 17 countries in just 126 days. Growing Up: Hardship and Survival Paula speaks candidly about a difficult childhood in South Africa, growing up in a family heavily affected by death and hardship. Her early adult years were spent in survival mode — focused on getting through each day rather than truly living a fulfilling life. Finding Purpose: The Decision to Ride Driven by a determination to find deeper meaning in life, Paula explains how her sporting journey led her to a bold decision: to undertake the long-distance cycle ride entirely alone. The challenge became a vehicle for self-discovery and transformation. Lessons from the Road The journey taught Paula powerful life lessons that she shares openly in this episode: •        Building resilience, adaptability and self-belief through the toughest physical and mental challenges. •        Learning to ask for help — leaning on the kindness and expertise of strangers along the way. •        The power of a great coach: how her coach became her greatest cheerleader, lifting her through the darkest moments. •        Coping with pain and adversity by taking it one day at a time and choosing to smile through the struggle. Advice for Educators and School Leaders Paula closes the episode with three key messages for those working with young people: •        Listen carefully to young people — make sure they are truly heard and have a voice. •        Ask them lots of questions — show genuine interest in their lives and how they see the world. •        Ask them: "How can I help you achieve your goals?"

#27 Leading with Care, Compassion and Community with Fiona Cottam

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431981/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we sit down with Fiona Cottam, Principal of Hartland's International School in Dubai. Recorded before the situation in the Middle East unfolded, Fiona shares how strong, values-driven leadership enables a community to face uncertainty with resilience and unity. Fiona takes us through her leadership journey — from teaching in the UK to heading one of Dubai's most prestigious international schools. She reflects on the role models and supporters who shaped her along the way, including parents who instilled in her the belief that anything was possible. She speaks openly about the importance of leading with care and compassion, building a community aligned around a shared vision, and the power of both leaning into local support and reaching outward into the global network for expertise and fresh perspective. As a passionate advocate for female leadership, Fiona believes women have a responsibility to lower the ladder so others can rise alongside them. She encourages women to use their voice, ask for what they need, intentionally role model for others, engage with coaching, seek inspiration in other women's stories, and create spaces where everyone feels genuinely welcomed. Fiona also reminds school leaders of the importance of carving out time for the strategic and intellectual dimensions of leadership — reading widely, engaging with research, and thinking deeply about education. She champions coaching, networking, and professional sharing as essential tools for ongoing growth. Three leadership takeaways to carry with you: 1. Believe in yourself — keep taking the next step forwards 2. Listen deeply — to yourself, those around you, and your wider community 3. Lean in to those close to you, and lean out into the wider network for support and guidance Let me know if you'd like a shorter version, a different tone (more conversational, more formal), or if you need chapter markers or show notes formatted differently for Buzzsprout!

#26 Leading as an Introvert with Nicola Nelson

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431981/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we sit down with Nicola Nelson, Head of Primary at Garden International School, Kuala Lumpur, for an honest and inspiring conversation about what it means to lead authentically. Nicola opens up about identifying as an introverted leader — someone who listens carefully, processes deeply, and is intentional about the space she occupies in meetings and conversations. Rather than viewing introversion as a limitation, she has built a leadership style around it: distributing leadership across her team in a sustainable way, and carving out the quiet time she needs to recharge, reflect, and show up fully for others. She speaks candidly about navigating imposter syndrome, sharing the self-talk strategies she uses to push through moments of self-doubt, and reflecting on how grit and determination have shaped the leader she is today. Modelling healthy, sustainable leadership isn't just a personal priority for Nicola — it's something she believes all leaders have a responsibility to demonstrate. Nicola is also deeply committed to supporting other women in education, serving as a network leader for WomenEd Malaysia and as an active member of the Women in International Schools Empowerment community — driven by a desire to offer others the mentoring and coaching she didn't always have access to early in her own career. She leaves us with three powerful pieces of advice: * Don't wait until you feel 100% ready — take the leap and grow into the role * Lead through relationships, with confidence, care, and courage * Look after yourself, so you can lead in a healthy and sustainable way for the long term