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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 principles
• Discussion of how this leadership style differs from traditional hierarchical approaches

Servant Leadership in Education

• Focus on how headteachers can effectively serve their school communities
• Exploration of the balance between leadership authority and service-oriented approaches

Building Strong School Culture

• How servant leadership principles can create an environment where all stakeholders feel valued
• Strategies for meeting the diverse needs and aspirations of students, staff, parents, and the broader community

Community Impact

• The role of educational leaders in serving not just their immediate school but the wider community
• How servant leadership can foster trust, collaboration, and shared vision among all stakeholders

This 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.

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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 administrators
• International education professionals
• Women in leadership positions
• Educators considering career transitions
• Those interested in servant leadership principles

Key Takeaways

• Service as a foundational leadership value can drive meaningful change in educational settings
• Servant leadership offers a powerful framework for school leaders
• International experience can be successfully leveraged in domestic education systems
• Professional myths and divisions can be challenged to create broader opportunities
• Leadership extends beyond professional roles into family and community contexts

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Episode Description:

In this compelling guest episode, we witness leadership transition at its finest as Nicola Holloway and Lisa Thorpe share their story of the Primary Headship handover at Ascot International School, Bangkok.

This is a masterclass in what happens when two exceptional leaders prioritise community wellbeing over personal agenda. Nicola, the outgoing headteacher, and Lisa, her successor, demonstrate the rare art of guardianship, showing how authentic leadership extends far beyond individual tenure.

In this candid conversation, you'll discover:

• Preparation strategies that honour both legacy and future vision
• The delicate choreography of managing transition visits with openness and grace
• What truly attracts transformational leaders to new opportunities
• Practical approaches for creating seamless leadership handovers
• The mindset shift from ownership to stewardship in educational leadership

Both leaders share with refreshing honesty how they navigated the emotional and practical complexities of transition, creating natural flow rather than organisational disruption. Their collaborative approach reveals how great leader thinks beyond their own success to serve the greater good of their communities.

This episode is essential listening for current and aspiring educational leaders, board members involved in succession planning, and anyone who believes that leadership transitions can be opportunities for growth rather than periods of uncertainty.

Perfect for:

• School leaders planning transitions
• Boards managing succession
• Educational professionals studying collaborative leadership
• Anyone interested in authentic, community-focused leadership

Join us for this inspiring conversation that redefines what leadership transition can look like when integrity, openness, and guardianship guide the way