She Leads Because She Can
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'.
She Leads Because She Can
#12 The Art of Graceful Leadership Transition with Nicola Holloway and Lisa Thorpe
The Art of Graceful Leadership Transition
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