She Leads Because She Can

Sue Aspinall and Caz Jude
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION

We believe that there is a need to provide support for female school leaders, who want to thrive and grow within international school settings.  In this series of fortnightly podcasts, we share our own lived experiences and the hard-hitting realities which have shaped us as successful leaders within the sector.  Each podcast forms a topical conversation which is experienced-based; sharing truths, sound council and suggested solutions. We aim to be a source of courage, confidence and practical solutions to keep others ' leading because they can'.

  1. DEC 12

    #20 Flexible Working in International Schools

    Send us a text Flexible Working in International Schools In this episode, we explore what flexible working really means for staff in international schools. We unpack the concept of flexible and contracted work, looking closely at how job-share arrangements can strengthen staff retention, support professional growth, and enhance recruitment. We speak candidly about the challenges that come with managing multiple job shares within a school, and we offer practical strategies for overcoming these complexities. The conversation then moves into the role of special leave and how responding flexibly to staff needs can cultivate a culture of care, compassion, and trust. We share real examples of what effective practice looks like, and discuss how to ensure that leave requests are handled equitably and sustainably, without placing undue strain on colleagues. We also provide guidance on creating responsive working conditions that allow staff to meet personal needs while contributing meaningfully to team and whole-school performance. Ultimately, we explore how flexible working can help us build schools where staff feel present, engaged, and supported throughout every stage of their careers—something we know has a direct impact on the consistency and quality of learning for students.

    47 min

  2. NOV 27

    #19 Leadership, Balance and Community in International Education with Julia Knight

    Send us a text Guest: Julia Knight International School Leader & School Improvement Partner, Bahrain The Journey to International Education Julia Knight shares her transition into the international school sector, revealing the personal and professional opportunities this path has created for both her career and her family. Her story offers insight into what draws educators across borders and the rewards that come with embracing global education. Leading While Living: The Balancing Act With characteristic honesty, Julia discusses navigating the complex terrain of educational leadership while being present as a mother of two, a partner, and a friend. She opens up about the deliberate decisions required to honour both professional ambitions and personal commitments—a reality many leaders face but few discuss so candidly. The Power of Your Professional Circle Julia makes a compelling case for intentionally building a trusted community of fellow professionals. She emphasises the value of having colleagues who provide not just advice and encouragement, but the honest, candid feedback that drives real growth. In leadership, she argues, isolation is a choice we don't have to make. Lifting Others as You Climb One of Julia's most powerful messages centres on leadership as a collective endeavour. She speaks passionately about the responsibility experienced leaders have to support those coming up behind them and alongside them—creating conditions where everyone can thrive and find fulfilment in their work. Real Talk About School Improvement Julia doesn't shy away from the challenging realities of international school headship and the genuine improvement work required in schools today. What sets her apart is how she approaches these challenges: with humour, courage, and an infectious passion for making schools better places for learning and working. This conversation offers a refreshingly honest look at educational leadership through the eyes of someone living it daily—complete with its challenges, joys, and endless possibilities.

    41 min

  3. NOV 13

    #18 Language Leadership in International Education with Juliëtte van Eerdewijk

    Send us a text Guest: Juliëtte van Eerdewijk - Educational Consultant and School Leader Overview In this episode, we sit down with Juliëtte to explore how language development can transform international school leadership and student success. Key Discussion Points Personal Journey and PerspectiveJuliëtte brings a unique perspective as a native Dutch speaker who mastered English for her professional career. Her personal experience navigating language acquisition informs her entire approach to educational leadership, giving her authentic empathy for language learners and their challenges. Language as Core School StrategyRather than treating language support as a supplementary programme, Juliëtte advocates for positioning language development as the central pillar of school improvement. She argues that curriculum design, assessment practices, and pedagogical approaches should all be built with language development at their core—benefiting not just multilingual learners, but all students. Practical Tools for EducatorsDrawing from her lived experience, Juliëtte equips teachers and school leaders with concrete strategies and techniques to support language learners effectively. Her approach combines empathy with actionable methods that can be implemented across different educational contexts. Challenging Traditional ModelsJuliëtte questions conventional leadership structures in British International Schools, pushing for more inclusive environments where students, parents, and staff members are genuinely heard and valued—regardless of their English proficiency or native language background. The Multilingual Reality The conversation raises a critical question for international schools: Are our institutions truly designed to serve the multilingual reality of modern international education? As linguistic competence becomes increasingly valuable in our globalised world, Juliëtte's perspective offers essential insights for school transformation. Why It Matters This conversation challenges international educators to reconsider how language shapes every aspect of school life—from curriculum to culture—and offers a roadmap for creating more inclusive, effective learning environments for diverse communities worldwide.

    42 min

  4. OCT 31

    #17 Role models and why they count: reflections sparked by Pat Clark's conversation

    Send us a text Episode Summary In this episode, we unpack our conversation with Pat Clark, exploring four key leadership insights that challenged our thinking: "It takes a very strong leader to give the power away" We discuss how school leaders can consistently develop their team leaders' skills and motivation, and why empowering others requires confidence, not weakness. "Heads can make the weather -- alongside a good team" An honest look at self-awareness in leadership: recognising when we're not showing up at our best, understanding our unintended impact on the school community, and the importance of recovery and repair. "Changing culture takes time -- you can shift it one step at a time" We explore the value of being clear and honest about "what we do around here" - the why, what, and how - and making incremental improvements rather than seeking overnight transformation. "Look in the mirror, look out the window" Pat's powerful framework for when things go wrong: taking personal responsibility while inviting the team into problem-solving and improvement. A reminder that headship is tough work, and it's okay to acknowledge that your leadership was good enough today while striving to be even better tomorrow. What resonated with you from this conversation? We'd love to hear your takeaways.

    31 min

  5. OCT 16

    #16 Inspirational leaders never age: with Pat Clark

    Send us a text In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Pat, a distinguished educator whose remarkable six-decade career spans classroom teaching, school leadership, and international leadership training. Her energy and passion for the profession remain as vibrant as ever, offering a masterclass in sustained professional commitment. Key Insights Throughout the conversation, Pat shares profound reflections on what sustains school leaders through the inevitable challenges of educational leadership. Her wisdom is drawn from decades of firsthand experience navigating the complexities of leading educational communities. Essential Advice for School Leaders Pat emphasises several core principles for thriving in school leadership: Stay Humble – Effective leadership begins with humility and a willingness to learn from everyone in your community. Embrace Risk-Taking – Growth and innovation require stepping outside your comfort zone and being willing to try new approaches. Trust Your Competence – Combat self doubt by recognising that you are, indeed, good enough for the role you hold. Recognise Your Privilege – Leading a school community is a unique opportunity to shape lives and create positive impact. Celebrate Small Wins – Remember that making even a small difference each day is meaningful and worthwhile. Takeaway Pat's enduring passion for education demonstrates that school leadership, when approached with the right mindset, can be a source of energy and fulfilment throughout one's entire career and beyond. Her message is clear: leadership is both a privilege and an opportunity to create lasting positive change in the lives of students, staff, and communities.

    47 min

  6. OCT 2

    #15 Transforming displacement into personal growth and global awareness with Sasha Kondratenko

    Send us a text Guest Profile Name: Oleksandra (Sasha) Kondratenko Current Role: Student of International Relations University: University of Rotterdam Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands Background: Ukrainian refugee Episode Overview In this inspiring episode, Sasha shares her journey from Ukraine to the Netherlands and how she transformed the challenges of displacement into opportunities for personal growth and global awareness. Her story highlights resilience, ambition, and the power of staying true to one's dreams while remaining open to new experiences. Key Themes 1. Making the Most of Opportunities Sasha discusses how relocating to the Netherlands became a catalyst for redefining her life's direction. She seized educational opportunities that became available to her and committed to becoming fluent in both Dutch and English, viewing language acquisition as a gateway to integration and success. 2. Being Open to New Experiences The conversation explores Sasha's experience as a refugee and how her move has expanded her worldview. Living in the Netherlands has made her more globally aware and receptive to diverse opinions, views, and cultural experiences. Her perspective has broadened significantly through this journey. 3. Holding On to Dreams and Aspirations Despite the upheaval in her life, Sasha never abandoned her aspiration to complete a university degree and establish a professional career. She dreams of learning Japanese and living in Japan—both as part of her degree programme and in her future career. Her story demonstrates that circumstances don't have to dictate the limits of your ambitions. 4. Reaching Out for Help and Advice Sasha emphasises the importance of seeking help rather than simply following expected paths or sticking with what's familiar. She encourages young people to research their options, pursue their passions, and continuously seek advice from a diverse range of people and perspectives. 5. Providing Support for Others Passionate about empowerment, Sasha discusses her commitment to helping young women achieve their full potential. She aims to offer support, advice, and encouragement by sharing her own story as inspiration for others facing challenges or pursuing their dreams. Target Audience This episode will resonate with: Young adults navigating life transitionsRefugees and immigrants seeking inspirationStudents pursuing international educationAnyone interested in personal development and resilienceWomen seeking empowerment and career guidanceIndividuals exploring cross-cultural experiencesKey Takeaways Adversity can be transformed into opportunity with the right mindset and determinationLanguage skills are powerful tools for integration and professional successDreams are worth preserving even when life circumstances change dramaticallySeeking help is a strength, not a weakness—don't be afraid to ask for guidanceCultural openness enriches personal growth and broadens perspectivesSharing your story can inspire and empower others facing similar challenges

    23 min

  7. SEP 18

    #14 Servant Leadership: a deeper dive into what this means in a school context

    Send us a text In this episode, we explore the concept of servant leadership and its application in educational settings, particularly for headteachers. Key Discussion Points: What is Servant Leadership? The hosts share their personal understanding and interpretation of servant leadership principlesDiscussion of how this leadership style differs from traditional hierarchical approachesServant Leadership in Education Focus on how headteachers can effectively serve their school communitiesExploration of the balance between leadership authority and service-oriented approachesBuilding Strong School Culture How servant leadership principles can create an environment where all stakeholders feel valuedStrategies for meeting the diverse needs and aspirations of students, staff, parents, and the broader communityCommunity Impact The role of educational leaders in serving not just their immediate school but the wider communityHow servant leadership can foster trust, collaboration, and shared vision among all stakeholdersThis episode provides practical insights for educational leaders looking to adopt a more service-oriented approach to their leadership role while maintaining effective school governance and culture development.

    27 min

  8. SEP 5

    #13 Servant Leadership with Sahreen Siddiqui

    Send us a text Guest: Sahreen Siddiqui Position: Educator, Headteacher, Executive Leader and Consultant Location: London, UK Key Themes Discussed: Service-Centred Leadership Sahreen explores how service forms the foundation of her leadership philosophy, driving her commitment to student achievement, staff empowerment, and effective school leadership. This value system shapes every aspect of her professional approach and personal mission. Servant Leadership in Education The conversation delves into Sahreen's deep understanding of servant leadership principles and their practical application in educational settings. She discusses how this leadership style influences her role as a school leader while balancing her responsibilities as a mother and community member. Career Transitions and Global Education Sahreen provides valuable guidance for international education professionals considering a return to their home countries, with specific focus on navigating opportunities within the UK's state sector schools. Her insights are particularly relevant for educators making cross-border career transitions. Challenging Professional Myths The episode addresses common misconceptions within the global education profession. Sahreen encourages listeners to question established assumptions and work toward bridging professional divisions to create more inclusive career pathways across international educational landscapes. Target Audience This episode will resonate with: Educational leaders and administratorsInternational education professionalsWomen in leadership positionsEducators considering career transitionsThose interested in servant leadership principlesKey Takeaways Service as a foundational leadership value can drive meaningful change in educational settingsServant leadership offers a powerful framework for school leadersInternational experience can be successfully leveraged in domestic education systemsProfessional myths and divisions can be challenged to create broader opportunitiesLeadership extends beyond professional roles into family and community contexts

    39 min
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We believe that there is a need to provide support for female school leaders, who want to thrive and grow within international school settings.  In this series of fortnightly podcasts, we share our own lived experiences and the hard-hitting realities which have shaped us as successful leaders within the sector.  Each podcast forms a topical conversation which is experienced-based; sharing truths, sound council and suggested solutions. We aim to be a source of courage, confidence and practical solutions to keep others ' leading because they can'.

Information

  • Creator
    Sue Aspinall and Caz Jude
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 She Leads Because She Can
  • Show Website
    She Leads Because She Can

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