Paul Estes joins us to trace a line from a high school election loss to leading teams at Dell, Amazon and Microsoft. His lesson: “innovation isn't about the idea - it's about the how”.

We explore what makes organisations perform: a clear mission, an operating rhythm that works, and success signals sharp enough to guide decisions. Paul argues for practical AI experiments - prompt labs, cross-functional hackathons and shared libraries - that build literacy and judgement. We discuss why most AI agents stall at the last mile and why borrowing expertise beats reinventing it. 

Paul believes that what keeps leadership human is ritual and care. Real leadership shows up in small acts: recognition, pizza at 9pm, a personal card for a well-earned dinner. Listen to this episode to learn more.

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How much impact can a simple note have on a child's life? In this conversation, Andrew Warren shares the story of a young boy who kept a tattered "Make me proud" note from his headteacher for years, revealing the extraordinary power of authentic connection in education.

Andrew shared experience from his 40-year career, from primary school headteacher to Department for Education regional director, whilst chairing the Teaching Schools Council and being a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching along the way. 

Having shaped national education policy and worked extensively as a coach and professional mentor with headteachers and senior leaders across the country, Andrew offers valuable insights into leadership that resonate far beyond the education sector. 

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What makes truly exceptional educational leaders? In this final episode of Series 4 of #EdInfluence, host Nick MacKenzie is joined by colleagues and fellow executive coaches Emma Hughes and Ian Blatherwick. Together they reflect on the leadership insights, learnings and their favourite highlights from the conversations with inspiring leaders published this year. 

The trio explore the transformative power of being influenced rather than always influencing others, captured beautifully in the phrase "cherish the people who change your mind." They discuss how this openness to having thier perspective shifted stands in stark contrast to traditional leadership models that emphasise unwavering certainty. 

Through stories shared by guests like Caroline, Hugh, and Sarah, they examine how diversity of thought becomes the bedrock of effective leadership. 

Whether you're an aspiring or experienced leader, this reflective conversation offers rich insights that challenge conventional thinking and inspire a more human, connected approach to leadership. 

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Olympic and world champion rower Jonny Searle opens our conversation with a powerful story from his coaching experience that fundamentally shifted his understanding of leadership responsibility. 

Throughout the discussion, Jonny shares a philosophy centred around seeing people as genuinely unique rather than variations of ourselves. "We see the world not as it is, but as we are," he explains, highlighting how this perspective has transformed his leadership effectiveness. 

Drawing from his experience as a COO in a scale-up tech business and over 13 years as general counsel and company secretary for an international business, Jonny shares some deceptively simple advice for learning leaders: understand your people and help them do what they enjoy and excel at.

Whether you're leading a sports team, business unit, or classroom, Johnny's insights remind us that effective leadership begins with seeing people as they truly are.

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David Beaty never planned on becoming a banker. What began as "practice" for a job interview - while still planning to attend university and become an accountant - transformed into a remarkable 39-year career at Midland Bank and HSBC. 

David has since established Bali Consulting, using his experience to provide leadership coaching and consultancy. He was a school governor and trustee of a fast-growing Staffordshire multi-academy trust for over ten years.

What makes a leader effective over four decades spanning economic cycles, technological revolutions, and unprecedented challenges like the COVID pandemic? 

He distils leadership success into just seven words: "make brilliant appointments, set clear direction, empower." This deceptively simple framework guided him from managing 50 people to overseeing nearly 900 staff as head of HSBC UK Business Banking.

Listen now to discover how accidental beginnings can lead to extraordinary impact when guided by clear values and consistent leadership.

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In this episode, we hear from Sara Burks, the Founder and Managing Director of Adaptis Limited. Sara excels in getting the best from people during transformational change through great leadership. 

Leadership often begins long before we have any formal understanding of what it means. Sara, discovered this when her school report stated: "Sara is a born leader. The problem is she leads people in the wrong direction." This early assessment followed her organising a sit-down strike during a netball tournament – a moment that sparked her lifelong exploration of leadership principles.

Through her conversation with Nick MacKenzie, Sara reveals how these formative experiences shaped her journey from rebellious student to corporate board member at just 29. 

Sara believes purpose to be integral to resilience and the cornerstone of effective leadership – creating a sense of purpose that helps teams persevere through difficulties. Effective leadership isn't just about strategies or outcomes, but about connection, purpose, and the fulfilment that comes from helping others thrive.

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In this episode, Caroline Whalley and Hugh Greenway, founder and CEO of the Elliot Foundation Academy Trust respectively, share their most transformative experiences and leadership insights. 

Caroline recalls a lesson learned from a shopkeeper that forever changed her perspective on self-awareness and consequences, while Hugh recounts a poignant moment in Washington D.C., teaching him the deeper meaning of empathy. Their stories set the stage for a fascinating exploration of how such personal encounters have shaped their approaches to leadership and their collaboration at the Elliott Foundation.

From the moment they first met, a foundation of trust was established, paving the way for an inclusive and financially viable institution dedicated to enhancing education for disadvantaged children. They share their dissatisfaction with fragmented educational systems and the need for genuine reform, driven by a commitment to clarity, high expectations, and a keen understanding of essential business metrics.

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This episode is comprised of two parts. In the first, we hear from Leora Cruddas CBE, CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), who seeks to unravel the complexities of educational leadership and community engagement. In the second part, we hear from a range of trust leaders from the floor of the Annual CST Conference.

Part 1: Leora Cruddas, CEO of CST
(00:00 - 33:17)
Leora Cruddas shares her eye-opening journey from South Africa to the UK, highlighting disparities in educational access and a fresh perspective on schooling, stressing the importance of community-rooted educational systems.

She advocates for the subtle power of quiet leadership. Leadership in the public sector isn't about loudness; rather, it's authenticity and silent diplomacy, particularly crucial for women in male-dominated spheres. Finally, we tackle the formidable challenges confronting educational trusts, from child poverty to strategic management in hybrid learning environments.

Part 2: CST Conference Special
(33:18 - 58:07)
From the floor of the Annual CST Conference at the ICC in Birmingham we hear views on a range of topics such as the challenges facing the sector from influential leaders including:

• Ollie Lane - Managing Director at communications agency PLMR.
• Stephen Morales - CEO of the Institute of School Business Management (ISBL).
• Gail Brown - Chief Executive at Ebor Academy Trust.
• Steve Howell - Commercial Director at Red Kite Learning Trust. 
• Ernest Jenavs - Founder and CEO of Edurio. 

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Uncover the fascinating intersection of leadership and storytelling as we welcome Sir Chris Husbands, an esteemed former Vice-Chancellor and a key player with Higher Futures. 

In conversation with Nick, Chris shares how his journey from a curious history teacher to a university leader was shaped by a student's question about medieval monasteries. Get ready to explore how storytelling can transform leadership, offering insights and context through narratives like those from "The West Wing."

We also shed light on the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and its pivotal role in reshaping UK universities' approach to teaching quality, much like Ofsted inspections in schools. Chris offers a unique perspective on the collaborative evaluation of teaching standards, emphasising the need to move beyond stereotypes and recognise true excellence in education. This discussion not only highlights the importance of assessing teaching quality but also the broader impact of these efforts on educational settings and student engagement.

Our exploration of leadership traits uncovers the vital importance of curiosity and flexibility. Drawing from Chris's experiences with Ofsted and the TEF, we reflect on maintaining core values while adapting to ever-changing educational landscapes. 

Through personal anecdotes and examples of influential leaders, we also discuss strategies for effective communication and engagement within large teams, underscoring the relentless effort required to maintain genuine connections and support educational opportunities for all. Join us for these valuable insights for leaders and educational enthusiasts alike.

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Lauren is the Chief Transformation Officer at United Learning, the largest trust in England. She leads the trust’s work on digital strategy, data and insights, curriculum and assessment, as well as the programme of transformation projects across the organisation. 

Prior to this, Lauren was the Director of Standards & Performance and Director of Strategy at Ark Schools and was a research director for a thinktank in Westminster. She sat on the DfE Ed Tech Advisory Board and Workload Review Panel and is a serving Ofsted Inspector. During the academic year 2024-25, Lauren is Chair of the CST Data and Insights Professional Community.

Ever wonder how childhood curiosity can shape a career in educational leadership? In this episode, Lauren shares her unique path from tinkering with toys under the guidance of her engineer father to spearheading transformative initiatives in schools. Her story is a testament to how a relentless curiosity and love for problem-solving can lead to a career focused on balancing efficiency with emotional intelligence, ultimately creating a more connected educational environment.

Lauren and Nick engage in a thought-provoking discussion on navigating the complex landscape of educational technology with integrity. We delve into the challenges of balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives and managing the expectations of diverse stakeholders. In a world increasingly dominated by technological solutions, we question the necessity of tech-driven approaches, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. Lauren provides insight into how educators can thoughtfully choose between tech integration or tech-free environments, ensuring alignment with their vision and purpose.

The conversation takes a reflective turn as we explore the evolution of leadership philosophies in education, focusing on empowerment and collaboration. Lauren describes moving from prescriptive management styles to creating spaces where team members can innovate and own their projects. We highlight the importance of teamwork, diverse perspectives, and a shared vision in developing sustainable educational solutions. By adapting problem-solving methods to different organisational dynamics, Lauren exemplifies a mission-driven leadership style that aims to improve processes and enhance opportunities within the sector.

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Cathie Paine is the Chief Executive Officer of REAch2 Academy Trust. 

As CEO of REAch2, Cathie’s vision is the belief that school leadership at its heart is about transforming lives. Cathie joined REAch2 at the end of 2012 when there were only four schools in the Trust, but her headship career spanned 15 years across schools in a variety of challenging circumstances.

Ever since Catherine's first headship taking a socially deprived school from 'special measures' to  'Good' in just four terms, Cathie's passion is clear. She's committed to enabling children to flourish in an environment of outstanding practice.

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In this special retrospective episode, Nick is joined by fellow executive coaches Emma Hughes and Iain Blatherwick to reflect on the highlights, themes and ideas shared by guests throughout Series 3 of #EdInfluence.

Emma is a partner at Browne Jacobson and Head of HR Services, as well as being a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD​ and an executive coach. She has over 15 years’ experience in generalist HR in both the private sector and the public sector. Emma has worked as HR director and regional HR business partner for two large, national school trusts. 

Iain was the Managing Partner at Browne Jacobson for 11 years and specialises in advising on governance and leadership issues, making use of the skills, insights and experience he's gained as a leader. Iain completed the Academy of Executive Coaching (AOEC) Practitioner Diploma course and is now a qualified coach accredited at Practitioner level by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). 

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Hear from John Camp OBE, President of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and CEO of the Compass Partnership of Schools, a charitable trust of twelve schools in Greenwich and Essex. 

In this episode, we also hear from other sector leaders from the floor of this year’s ASCL Conference:

• Dr. Peter Kent, Trustee and Past President of ASCL and the International Confederation of Principals (ICP).
• Julie McCulloch, Director of Policy at ASCL.
• Anna Crawte - School Improvement Director from HEART Academies Trust.
• Mark Blois, Partner and former Head of Education at Browne Jacobson.
• Emma Balchin, Co-Chief Exec of the National Governance Association (NGA). 

They give their perspectives on what makes an effective leader, the qualities they see in children that they wish they had and share strategies for sustaining their energy levels as a leader. 

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In this episode we hear from Janice Kay CBE, Director of Higher Futures, former Provost and now Special Advisor to the Vice Chancellor at the University of Exeter. 

Janice is also Special Advisor to Kortext and Chairs the Board of Trustees for University Maths Schools (U-Maths), the University Maths Schools Network formed of 11 schools across the country. 

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Dan Kayne is the founder of O Shaped, committed to making the legal profession better by putting people first. His approach to leadership development creates a much more human and personable way of engaging with business colleagues. 

Dan trained at Dechert LLP before moving in-house to Network Rail in 2007. From 2016 to 2022 Dan was General Counsel at Network Rail, leading a team of 20 lawyers. In that time, Dan embedded his ‘people first’ approach to leadership, contributing to his team having the highest engagement scores across the company. 

In 2019, Dan founded the O Shaped Lawyer, driven by a desire to improve the legal profession for those who use it, are entering it and buy services from it.

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn.

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn.

Dawn Haywood is Chief Executive Officer of Windsor Academy Trust and sits on the DfE Priority Education Investment Area Local Partnership Boards for both Sandwell and Walsall. She is also a member of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) Inquiry focused on how School Trusts drive school improvement. 

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In this episode of EdInfluence we hear from Rebecca Boomer-Clark is the Chief Executive Officer of Academies Enterprise Trust, one of the country’s largest multi-academy trusts. 

An experienced school leader, she was Director of Secondary at Ark Schools from 2017 to 2021. Prior to that, she worked for the Department for Education (DfE) as Regional Schools Commissioner for South-West England and was National Education Director for Oasis Community Learning.

Let us know what you think of this episode - drop us a message and connect via LinkedIn.

John Murphy has recently resigned from his position as Chief Executive of Oasis Community Learning, one of the UK’s largest multi-academy trusts with 52 primary and secondary Academies clustered in five regions across the country. 

 With over three decades of experience in school leadership, he has dedicated his career to raising aspirations for all young people and closing the attainment gap for the most disadvantaged. 

John is a committed Trustee of the Place2Be national mental health charity for young people and E-ACT Multi Academy Trust 

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Catherine Baker is the Chair of O Shaped and an ex-Linklaters lawyer who has for the second half of her career focused on leadership and mindset. Catherine specialises in blending business and sports insight to drive performance, coaching CEOs and other senior leaders to improve and develop their leadership skillset. 

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Sir Julian Hartley joined NHS Providers as chief executive in February 2023, having been chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals since 2013. He previously worked as managing director of NHS Improving Quality - a national organisation set up to drive change and improvement across the NHS. 

Drawing from this wealth of experience, Julian delivers some straight-talking insight into leading cultural change in the face of adversity, believing that: 

“You've got to tell the truth as a leader - not putting a gloss or spin on it, but actually engaging positively and seriously with the reality".

Julian was awarded Knight Bachelor for services to healthcare in the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours.

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In this second episode of EdInfluence Season 3, we hear from Dame Ann Limb DBE DL FRSA FCGI, who describes herself as ‘a philanthropist, mover and Quaker, trying to navigate her way through life by doing least harm to people and planet’. 

Ann is currently Pro Chancellor of the University of Surrey, Chair of the City & Guilds of London Institute, and Board member of LTE Group in which capacity she is Chair of Governors of The Manchester College. 

In March 2023, Ann was named inaugural Chair of the Lifelong Education Institute, established by ResPublica, to take forward a vision for whole-system reform. Ann co-chairs the FED Ambassadors.

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This special edition of #EdInfluence was recorded at the ASCL annual conference 2023, where Nick was able to hear from a range of sector leaders, who shared their varying approaches and perspectives on leadership.

Interviewees include:

• Pepe Di'lasio - ASCL Past President & Head of Wales High School
• Liz Anderson, CEO of Djanogly Learning Trust
• Steve Rollett - Deputy Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST)
• Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST)
• Carl Ward - ASCL Past President & CEO of City Learning Trust

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In the first episode of EdInfluence Season 3, we hear about the importance of communication and gain a global perspective from Fiona Forbes, Professor of Practice in the School of Education at La Trobe University Victoria, Australia.

In conversation with our sector leading education lawyer Nick MacKenzie, Fiona shared her leadership insights from a 30 year+ international career in education, drawing on her experience as:

• Executive of the International Confederation of Principals (ICP)
• Chair of the Australian Special Education Principals’ Association (ASEPA)
• Board Member of the Foundation for Education Development UK (FED)
• Foundation member and participant of Atlantic Rim Collaboratory (ARC)

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