BSME Talks
Welcome to BSME Talks — the podcast where international educators come together to share insights, experiences, and ideas shaping education in the Middle East and beyond.
Each episode explores the unique challenges and innovations of teaching overseas, the impact schools are making regionally, and the lessons that connect international education to classrooms everywhere.
Whether you’re an educator considering an overseas move, teaching internationally, or simply curious about what’s happening in global education, BSME Talks is your space for real conversations that matter.
Episodes
14 episodes
BSME Talks | The Season One Finale
As the academic year draws to a close, BSME CEO Debra Forsyth and COO Nalini Cook come together for the Season One finale of BSME Talks to reflect on a year unlike any other.From celebrating the highlights of the year to navigating the c...
BSME Talks | Making the Move to Teach in the Middle East
In this episode of BSME Talks, host Debra Forsyth is joined by three teachers currently in the UK who are preparing for an exciting new chapter in the Middle East: Poppy Russo, who is joining British International School Jeddah after previously...
BSME Talks | Founding a New School with Simon O'Connor
In this episode of BSME Talks, Nalini Cook sits down with Simon O'Connor, Executive Head Master of Harrow International Schools UAE and Founding Head Master of Harrow Dubai, to explore the realities of bringing a globally recognised school bran...
BSME Talks | Teacher Recruitment During Times of Uncertainty
On this episode of BSME Talks, Nalini Cook, COO of BSME, is joined by Lisa Passante, Principal at Star International School, Al Twar, and Ryan Jones, Co-Founder of Teacher Recruit, to explore the current state of recruitment across the Middle E...
BSME Talks | Scenario Planning with Woody Wade
On this episode of BSME Talks, Kirsty Crosby is joined by Woody Wade for an exclusive preview of his upcoming workshop at the Business of Schools Webinar Series.As Director of Wade & Co., Woody has spent years helping organisations p...
BSME Talks | Tuning into the Reach British School Radio
On this episode of BSME Talks, we revisit a standout moment from the BSME Annual School Leaders’ Conference 2026: the exciting launch of Reach British School Radio.Nalini is joined by Kirsty Robertson, Head of Sixth Form, and Za...
BSME Talks | Teacher Retention During Times of Uncertainty
On this episode of BSME Talks, Debra Forsyth, CEO of BSME, is joined by two outstanding members of our community: Rachel Higgins, Principal and CEO of GEMS Jumeirah Primary School, and Sean Sibley, Principal at Doha English Speaking Sc...
BSME Talks | Student Wellbeing in Times of Crisis
On this episode of BSME Talks, host Alexandra White, Digital Marketing and Design Lead at BSME, is joined by Laura Earnshaw, Founder and CEO of myHappymind, and Ruby Fiddes, Assistant Head Teacher at GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar, for an insig...
BSME Talks | Staff Wellbeing in Times of Crisis
In this episode of BSME Talks, we explore Staff Wellbeing During Times of Crisis. Host Kirsty Crosby, Professional Learning Lead at BSME, is joined by Sofiah Shakeel, Early Years Student Wellbeing Coordinator at Repton Dubai and
BSME Talks | Giles Pruett, Executive Principal, Arcadia British School
In this episode of BSME Talks, Nalini sits down with Giles Pruett, Executive Principal of Arcadia British School and BSME Executive Committee member, for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at leading a school through one of the most flui...
BSME Talks | Tom Duckling, Headmaster, Dubai College
On this episode of BSME Talks, Nalini is joined by Tom Duckling, Headmaster of Dubai College, revisiting his fantastic workshop at this year's BSME Annual School Leaders' Conference - but through the lens of today's regional uncertainty.
BSME Response to Ongoing Middle East Regional Tensions
In light of the ongoing regional instability, we hope first and foremost that you, your families, and your school communities remain safe.The strength of BSME lies in our collective resilience. It has been inspiring to see school leader...
BSME Talks | Emily Konstantas, Founder & CEO, The Safeguarding Alliance
On this episode of BSME Talks, Debra is joined by Emily Konstantas, Founder & CEO of The Safeguarding Alliance.Safeguarding is integral to operations here at BSME and so it's wonderful to sit with Emily and hear about the ever-growin...