Strategic school leadership insights for education leaders who want to drive meaningful change and build thriving school communities.
What if the most powerful leadership strategies were hiding in plain sight? Education Leaders uncovers the evidence-based approaches that separate truly effective school leaders from the rest. Through compelling interviews and strategic deep-dives, organisational coach Shane Leaning reveals the real challenges facing today's education leaders, and the practical solutions that actually work.
Every other Tuesday, discover how renowned educators and thought leaders tackle school improvement, staff development, and cultural transformation. You'll learn actionable strategies you can implement immediately to build confidence in your leadership and create lasting impact in your school community.
On alternate weeks, Shane delivers focused episodes that address the leadership challenges you face daily: managing diverse teams, driving innovation, building organisational identity, and implementing sustainable change. Each episode offers clear, research-backed frameworks for developing your leadership capacity.
Whether you're a department head questioning your next move, an assistant principal navigating complexities of a big team, or a superintendent driving district-wide change, Education Leaders provides the strategic insights you need to lead with confidence.
Consistently ranked #1 schools podcast in Education category across multiple regions.
The Danger of Getting Comfortable | A Conversation with Richard Wheadon
Episode 155
Monday, April 6, 2026 • Duration 31:36
There's a particular kind of leadership trap that nobody warns you about: the one where everything is going so well that you stop noticing why. Richard Wheadon spent the first decade of his career in a high-performing London school where great culture, strong professional development, and collaborative leadership were simply the norm. It wasn't until he moved to a new school in the Northwest that he realised none of it had been accidental, and that his confidence had quietly tipped into assumption. This episode, built around Richard's honest account of that transition and the humbling moments that followed, including a candid conversation with Ross McGill that stopped him in his tracks, is essential listening for any leader who has ever walked into a new context expecting their old success to travel with them.
You'll hear why Richard believes the single most important thing a leader can do when they arrive somewhere new is listen before they lead, and why skipping that step cost him time he couldn't get back. Richard also makes a compelling case for blogging as a leadership development tool, not for the audience, but for the depth of thinking it forces you to do. Whether you're navigating a school move, trying to build a culture from scratch, or simply looking for your next challenge, this conversation will give you a lot to reflect on.
Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.
The Science of Leading | A Conversation with Meg Lee
Episode 154
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • Duration 33:32
What if the principles that help students learn could also transform how you lead? This episode explores the powerful concept of the "science of leading" with Meg Lee, co-founder of Learning Science Partners and an internationally recognised advocate for evidence-informed teaching and professional learning. Meg explains why our leadership moves often fail when we act on "brittle knowledge," just enough understanding to be dangerous, instead of fostering the deep, flexible understanding needed to navigate complex organisations. This is a critical conversation for any leader feeling the tension between urgent action and sustainable implementation.
You'll learn how core principles from cognitive science, such as cognitive load, prior knowledge, and effortful thinking, directly apply to leading schools and systems. Meg, a 30-year public education leader, author of Mindsets for Parents, and US ambassador for researchED, shares practical strategies, including how to simplify your school's focus, make small incremental moves in the same direction, and build a shared language for change that honours your team's experience. If you want to move beyond initiative fatigue and lead change that lasts, this episode provides the evidence-informed framework you need.
You hired the wrong person, killed a working programme, or ignored a massive risk whilst feeling completely rational the whole time. This episode unpacks five cognitive biases that sabotage school leadership decisions constantly: anchoring, availability bias, endowment effect, groupthink, and optimism bias. Shane shares real examples from his own leadership mistakes, including a disastrous hiring decision driven by a compelling opening story, and explains why these mental shortcuts that usually help us actually wreck leadership decisions.
You'll learn practical systems to catch yourself before these biases derail your next major decision. Shane walks through how to counter anchoring with "consider the opposite" thinking, why you need a decision journal to spot availability bias patterns, how to set up kill committees for initiatives you've personally championed, and why assigning a devil's advocate role fights groupthink. If you've ever wondered why smart leaders sometimes make terrible collective decisions, or why your optimistic timelines never match reality, this episode gives you the frameworks to make better choices and build trust with your team.
Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling '.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.
LIVE: Suicide Education: An Urgent Issue
Episode 64
Friday, July 12, 2024 • Duration 49:59
The conversation focuses on suicide education and the proposed changes in the UK curriculum to include suicide prevention training for students. The guests, Debi Roberts and Professor Zaffer Iqbal, discuss the need for early intervention and prevention strategies rather than focusing solely on identifying signs of suicidal thoughts. They emphasize the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary skills and resources to support students' mental health. There is concern about the burden this places on teachers and the lack of robust training in suicide prevention. The conversation highlights the need for a long-term approach to address the complex issue of suicide. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing the underlying causes of suicide rather than just focusing on treatment. It emphasizes the need to enhance emotional skills and resilience in young people to prevent suicide. The lack of evidence-based suicide prevention treatments is also discussed. The conversation raises questions about the effectiveness of teaching suicide education in schools and suggests that critical thinking skills and multi-sectoral collaboration are also important. The importance of sharing stories of resilience and providing hope is emphasized.
Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.
In this special episode, host Shane Leaning shares a recording from a session he co-presented with Efraim Lerner at the Festival of Education in the UK. They discuss their new model for driving organisational change in schools from within rather than relying on outside consultants and experts.
Shane and Efraim believe that many schools have become overly dependent on external guidance, leading to a loss of confidence and agency among educators. Their model aims to empower schools to regain control and make decisions at the local level by tapping into the collective wisdom and expertise that already exists within the school community. By engaging diverse stakeholders in a structured process of discovery, alignment, exploration, and delivery, schools can drive sustainable change that genuinely meets their unique needs and challenges. This episode will work best if you listen along while looking at the model. You can find the model here.
This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here.
Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.
10 Million Views Later | A Conversation with Tom Sherrington
Episode 63
Monday, July 1, 2024 • Duration 38:41
Tom Sherrington discusses his journey in education, from realising his audience through blogging to the challenges of personal branding and public discourse. He shares insights on crafting a personal brand, engaging with an audience, and navigating the online space.
Our conversation explores the dynamics of public speaking, blogging, and the impact of social media on personal and professional identity. We also cover topics related to humility, vulnerability, and authenticity in professional development and online presence.
Tom shares insights on the challenges of running a school in a tough environment, the importance of honesty and authenticity in blogging, and the significance of professional development in education. He also discusses the need for balance in online presence and the value of experience and authenticity in sharing one's journey.
Takeaways
Realising an audience through blogging and social media engagement
Crafting a personal brand and navigating public discourse
The impact of social media on personal and professional identity
Engaging with an audience and the challenges of public speaking
Humility and vulnerability are essential qualities in professional development and online presence.
Authenticity and honesty in blogging and online sharing resonate well with the audience.
Building Leadership Masterminds | A Conversation with Danny Bauer
Episode 62
Monday, June 24, 2024 • Duration 29:37
This conversation explores the concept of being a ruckus maker in education and the role of a Mastermind community in supporting school leaders. Chief Ruckus-Maker, Danny Bauer and I explore challenges faced by leaders, the structure and benefits of a mastermind, and the impact it has on participants. The conversation also emphasises the importance of continuous growth, collaboration, and creating sustainable leadership in education.
Takeaways
Being a ruckus maker in education means challenging the status quo and designing a better future for schools.
The Ruckus Maker Mastermind provides a supportive community for school leaders to learn, grow, and solve challenges together.
The mastermind focuses on authenticity, belonging, and challenge to create a sustainable leadership development model.
Joining a mastermind or getting coaching can help school leaders continue their growth and create meaningful change in education.
This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here.
Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.
About the host
Infographics: A Beautiful Distraction?
Episode 61
Monday, June 17, 2024 • Duration 11:25
I take a critical look at the growing popularity of infographics and one-pagers in education. While I acknowledge their aesthetic appeal and potential as conversation starters, as exemplified by the brilliant work of Jamie Clark and the WalkThrus guides, I argue that an overreliance on these simplified visual guides may be holding educators back from deeper understanding and effective implementation.
I believe we need to think critically about how we use these tools to ensure they don't become a substitute for nuanced discussions and context-specific adaptations.
Key takeaways
The Nuance Problem: Infographics, by nature, can't capture the full complexity and nuance of educational ideas and practices, potentially leading to oversimplification and misunderstanding.
Context Matters: Educators must adapt and contextualize infographics to their unique school settings, considering cultural, social, and institutional factors that can't be represented in a one-size-fits-all visual.
The Implementation Gap: Infographics alone can't bridge the gap between theory and practice. Effective professional development requires a range of mechanisms beyond just attractive visuals.
Thinking Critically: To avoid "lethal mutations" of educational ideas, educators must approach infographics with a critical eye, using them as departure points for deeper discussion and understanding rather than as comprehensive solutions.
Throughout the episode, I provide practical tips for using infographics effectively in professional development, such as fostering critical discussions, adapting to school context, planning for implementation challenges, and integrating reflective practice.
Whether you're a fan of infographics or sceptical of their value, this episode will challenge you to rethink the role of simplified visual guides in education and offer strategies for going beyond the surface level to achieve meaningful change in your school.
Teacher Retention Strategies
Episode 60
Monday, June 10, 2024 • Duration 34:41
If you're an international school leader grappling with teacher retention or looking to empower your staff, this episode is a must-listen. I dive deep into the complexities of transitioning experienced educators into new roles and schools, alongside Sarah Kupke—a leader in professional learning and development at ECIS. We dive into strategies for mentoring, professional growth, and nurturing a positive school culture that values every teacher’s strengths at any career stage.
This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here.
Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.
About the host
As an Organisational Coach for international schools, Shane Leaning help leaders drive meaningful change from the inside out. Through tailored coaching and strategic models, he helps schools transform not just leadership skills but their entire organisation. Whether it's through The International School Leadership Academy, the Global Ed Leaders Podcast, or one-on-one coaching, Shane provide the tools and community you need to make a sustainable impact in your school.
Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at
Should School Leaders Teach?
Episode 59
Monday, June 3, 2024 • Duration 10:11
Are you struggling to decide whether school leaders should also spend time teaching? This episode is for you! I dive deep into the age-old argument of whether school leaders should step into the classroom.
I explore both sides of the argument, sharing reasons why leaders might benefit from teaching and equally compelling reasons why they might not. With anecdotes,insights, and a bit of advice advice, this episode is set to offer international school leaders a nuanced perspective on this controversial debate.
Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.
This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here.
About the host
As an Organisational Coach for international schools, Shane Leaning help leaders drive meaningful change from the inside out. Through tailored coaching and professional learning, he helps schools transform not just leadership skills but their entire organisation. Whether it's through The International School Leadership Academy, the Global Ed Leaders Podcast, or one-on-one coaching, Shane provides the tools you need to create sustainable impact in your school.
Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling '.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.
Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.
Shane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach.
Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. He is a CollectiveEd Fellow, an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust in the UK, and a TEDx speaker. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.
Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.
This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here.
Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.
Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.
Shane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders.
Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.
Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.
This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here.
Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.
About the host
As an Organisational Coach for international schools, Shane Leaning help leaders drive meaningful change from the inside out. Through tailored coaching and strategic models, he helps schools transform not just leadership skills but their entire organisation. Whether it's through The International School Leadership Academy, the Global Ed Leaders Podcast, or one-on-one coaching, Shane provide the tools and community you need to make a sustainable impact in your school.
Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.
Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.
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