Dare to Disrupt

Leading Through Intentional and Relational Pedagogy

In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, we explore why meaningful digital transformation in Higher Education starts with mindsets, relationships, and intentional pedagogy rather than the latest tools. Joining me is Dr Mahinour, Director of Teaching and Learning at Ajman University, who shares insights on the importance of relational pedagogy, leading cultural change, and keeping human connection at the heart of learning in an age of AI. Together, we discuss how universities can move beyond technology-driven conversations, create purposeful learning experiences, and ensure that AI and EdTech enhance, rather than become the core of, teaching and learning. As the Founder of the Advance HE Network in the region, Dr Mahinour also shares insights into fellowship attainment and the work in the pipeline to help educators share best practices and celebrate one another. This episode will challenge assumptions, spark conversations, and offer valuable reflections for educators and leaders navigating the future of Higher Education.

Inclusion by Design: Leveraging EdTech in Uncertain Times

In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, Dare Pitan is joined by Clive Gibson to reflect on what it meant for schools to move online overnight, focusing on real leadership decisions made under pressure where some teachers had little or no prior experience of teaching online, with a clear priority to focus on people and ensure no student or teacher is left behind. Clive shares that the immediate response was to support and ensure that students felt connected despite being spread across different countries, time zones and home environments, where inclusion moved beyond access and became about presence, consistency and wellbeing, with students needing to feel seen, supported and part of a learning community during uncertain times. A key theme throughout the discussion is that effective online teaching is less about the technology and more about being present, responsive and human, which links to the idea of focusing on screen values rather than screen time, ensuring that learning interactions are meaningful rather than simply increasing time spent online. Supporting teachers is central to this conversation, particularly those less confident with technology who needed immediate help while teaching, where clear guardrails, simple guidance, ongoing training and continuous conversations helped build confidence and maintain quality teaching without overwhelming staff. There is also a clear message to stop chasing new tools and instead focus on what works within each school context, leading to the development of bespoke approaches that meet the needs of staff and students while allowing schools to manage design decisions and data privacy effectively. The discussion highlights the value of the AI in Education Think Tank as a community of practice supporting schools at different stages of technological maturity, encouraging EdTech companies to provide free support and upskilling opportunities for teachers, concluding with a clear mindset shift to collaborate with technology rather than delegate to it, keeping inclusion and human connection at the centre of teaching.

Aligning K–12 and HE in the Age of AI: What Needs to Change?

In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, Dare Pitan sits down with Alex Gray, a school leader, AI in education advocate, and host of The International Classroom Podcast, to explore what meaningful innovation in education really looks like today. This conversation takes a unique cross-sector approach, bringing together perspectives from both higher education and K–12. Together, they question whether assessment, as we know it, is still fit for purpose in the age of AI. From traditional formative and summative models to the growing adoption of authentic assessment in higher education, they unpack what it really means to measure learning today. The discussion also challenges long-standing entry requirements into higher education, asking whether they still reflect the skills and capabilities needed in an AI-driven world. A key focus is placed on the role of teacher training and leadership. Should AI training be mandatory or optional? And how can leaders ensure that standards are upheld while keeping professional development inclusive and accessible for all educators? This episode offers a grounded and balanced reflection on how K–12 and higher education can better align as they navigate assessment, innovation, and the realities of AI in education. This Episode is powered by VidyaAI.

Leading School Advancement with EdTech and AI

In a world where AI is reshaping every industry, schools face a new challenge: how do we prepare young people, especially girls, to thrive in an AI-driven future? In this episode of Dare to Disrupt, host Dare sits down with Abeda, Senior Director of Digital Learning at GEMS Wellington International School Dubai, GEMS Education AI Excellence Fellow, and the visionary behind the Girls in AI initiative, to explore what leadership truly looks like in the EdTech and AI era. Together, they unpack how schools can bridge the gap between industry expectations and classroom reality. Abeda shares how the Girls in AI programme is opening doors for young women through mentorship, industry engagement, and authentic exposure to technology, empowering them to lead, innovate, and imagine what is possible. She also discusses how parents can be supported through cybersecurity awareness and practical guidance to help keep children safe online as they navigate digital learning spaces. The conversation also explores her inclusive leadership approach, the ethical use of AI in schools, and how well-designed learning experiences can enhance critical thinking. Abeda discusses how she supports teachers not just through training but through an AI Core Team model that creates a ripple effect across the school, ensuring every teacher feels confident, supported, and ready to drive change. We also delve into how enterprise, innovation, and sustainability are important pillars, that align with the National Agenda, and how we can integrate them our practices to ensure that transformation is intentional, coherent, and future-focused. This episode is a powerful reminder that the future of education is not simply about adopting technology. It is about courageous leadership, equity of opportunity, and preparing every learner to thrive in an AI-powered world.

Employability and the Future of Workforce in the Age of AI

In this thought-provoking episode of Dare2Disrupt, Dare Pitan sits down with Victor Sosanya, keynote speaker, founder of The Valuable Community, and member of the Foundation for Education Development’s Learners Stakeholder Council. From advising policymakers at No.10 Downing Street to mentoring young professionals through his peer-to-peer network, Victor is redefining what leadership and purpose mean in an AI-driven world. Together, Dare and Victor explore how AI is reshaping education, employability, and leadership, and why the next generation’s greatest advantage isn’t just technical skill, but the ability to stay human in a digital age, and why empathy, curiosity and critical thinking are vital skills these days. If you’re passionate about employability and the future of workforce or you are an educator, EdTech leader, researcher, or policymaker, this conversation is packed with insights you can use right now to shape your approach. Share your thoughts and leave a review at www.d2dpodcast.com [http://www.d2dpodcast.com], subscribe to Dare to Disrupt on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for more conversations on AI in Education, EdTech innovation, and the future of education, and don’t forget to follow us on social @d2disrupt for bonus clips and resources. Stay curious, stay disruptive!