The Independent School Podcast with Juliet Corbett

The biggest challenges you face aren’t solved by working harder. They’re solved by seeing the situation more clearly. In this final episode of the series, Juliet Corbett reflects on the patterns that emerged across 13 conversations with school leaders around the world - and introduces a new framework: the Three Degree Shift™. At its core, the Three Degree Shift is about seeing what others miss - shifting perspective just enough to reveal what was previously hidden. Viewing a challenge from just three degrees to the left can surface assumptions, uncover hidden dynamics and open up a clearer path forward. In this episode, Juliet explores how leaders can apply this thinking to navigate complexity and take more decisive action under pressure. She explores: Why staying strategic day to day is often a matter of protecting time and attention How high-stakes decisions are shaped through learning, not certainty What it takes to lead high-performing teams without becoming the bottleneck The Three Degree Shift - a practical way to see what others miss in complex decisions How small shifts in perspective can unlock better decisions and more courageous action This episode is for you if you’re navigating a complex, high-stakes decision and want to elevate the quality of your thinking by seeing what others don’t. Episode links: Leading through complexity: Conversations to spark your best thinking (Ep. 177) Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Philip Britton MBE, Head of Foundation at Bolton School and Chair of HMC. In this reflective conversation, they explore the leadership lessons that only become obvious over time. In particular, they discuss the shift from relentless ‘doing’ to intentional ‘being’, and the judgement required when decisions are complex and sometimes represent the least bad option available. Together they explore: The shift from constant ‘doing’ to the discipline of ‘being’ The importance of creating space to think deeply before acting Why clarity of purpose matters more than easy consensus How leaders develop judgement under sustained pressure Accepting that not every decision will feel straightforward Running through the conversation is a strong thread of reassurance - about giving yourself permission to pause, to focus on the ‘why’, and to recognise that leadership is often about steady presence rather than constant action. This episode is for you if you’re a senior leader navigating difficult decisions, carrying significant responsibility, and want to reflect on how presence, clarity and judgement shape your leadership over time. Episode links Strategic school leadership with Philip Britton MBE, Head of Foundation, Bolton School (Ep. 83) Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Simon Herbert FRSA, Director of the IB Curriculum at GEMS Education, whose leadership career has spanned senior roles at Fettes College in Edinburgh, Dulwich College Beijing and GEMS International School in Dubai. He now oversees IB provision across the GEMS group of more than 50 schools. In this reflective and internationally focused conversation, they explore culture at multiple levels of leadership - from navigating national contexts, to shaping school communities and understanding the human dynamics that sit beneath both. Together they explore: What international leadership teaches us about timing, trust and reciprocity How leaders can adapt to local culture, while remaining true to themselves Why organisational culture cannot be commanded, only nudged How “them and us” dynamics emerge inside school communities, and what to do about it Why leaders must deliberately keep culture on the agenda This episode is for you if you’re a senior leader working across cultures or contexts, leading complex school communities, and want to think more deeply about how culture shapes strategy, behaviour and long-term success. Episode links Adapting leadership across culture and context with Helen Olds (Ep. 184) From Head to CEO in an international context with Louise Simpson (Ep. 181) Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Andy Johnson, Head of Truro School, to explore why leaders must stand for something - and what it takes to develop a clear and distinctive point of view. In this conversation, they examine what it means to lead with what they call a 'spiky purpose' - not a spiky personality - and why conviction, agency and authenticity matter in shaping both individual and institutional direction. Together they explore: Why leadership requires more than organisational vision - it requires personal conviction The difference between a 'spiky purpose' and a 'spiky person' How agency develops early in a career - and why it matters How leaders adapt their point of view to different contexts without losing authenticity The importance of aligning head and heart in decision making Why stewardship and humility matter when leading for the long term This episode is for you if you’re a senior leader who wants to clarify what you stand for, develop a distinctive point of view in your sector, and lead with conviction without becoming rigid or reactive. Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Guy Pascoe, Chief Executive of Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ), to explore what school leaders can learn from sector leadership - where authority is earned through influence. In this thoughtful and strategically focused conversation, they examine how leadership works when there is no hierarchy to rely on, and why trust, clarity and disciplined focus become essential. Together they explore: Why sector leadership depends on trust rather than control The discipline of strategy in a resource-constrained environment The importance of deep listening Why long-term relational capital matters more than short-term wins How influence strengthens when built slowly and consistently This episode is for you if you’re a senior leader who wants to build influence without relying on hierarchy, think more strategically about focus and constraint, and strengthen relationships that create long-term alignment. Episode links Credible friend, credible threat: Leadership in a politicised world with Graham Catt (Ep. 186) Positivity, complexity and leadership with Julie Robinson (Ep. 178) Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Graham Catt, Chief Executive Officer of Independent Schools Australia (ISA) - the national peak body representing over 1,200 independent schools across Australia. In this conversation, they explore what it means for school leaders to operate inside a national policy and advocacy environment, and how leaders can influence decisions when education becomes increasingly politicised. Together they explore: The difference between representation and advocacy The idea of being both a credible friend and a credible threat Why evidence alone is rarely enough to shift political decisions What it takes to lead effectively when you don’t have formal authority Why building relational capital - a “bucket of capital” - is essential before you try to spend it This episode is for you if you’re a senior leader navigating forces beyond your school gates, seeking to understand how influence works at sector level, and reflecting on how to lead when authority alone isn’t enough. Episode links Positivity, complexity and leadership with Julie Robinson (Ep. 178) Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Vanita Uppal OBE, Director of The British School New Delhi and an international educator with more than thirty years of leadership experience, whose work is recognised globally through the roles she holds and the organisations she serves. In this thoughtful and human-centred conversation, they move beyond titles and structures to explore the inner life of leadership, and why connection, intuition, belief and belonging matter as much as strategy and systems. Together they explore: How human connection shapes culture and leadership impact Why intuition is a form of real leadership intelligence The power of slowing down as a leadership discipline How leaders build belonging through compassion, listening and belief The importance of a stable mission combined with an agile strategy This episode is for you if you’re a senior leader who wants to lead with greater depth, humanity and presence, and who is reflecting on how connection, intuition and belonging shape the kind of leader you are becoming. Episode Links Listen to Juliet Corbett talking about related topics on the Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast: What if slowing down helps you speed up? (Ep. 20) The hidden reason your strategy isn’t working (Ep. 42) Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Helen Olds, Director of the British International School Jeddah, with more than 20 years of leadership experience across international schools in Asia and the Middle East. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore how leadership needs to adapt across cultures and contexts without losing authenticity, and why understanding people is just as important as understanding systems when leading in international settings. Together they explore: How leadership needs to shift across different cultures and contexts The balance between structure and freedom in complex school environments Why values and purpose matter as anchors for decision making How leaders create the conditions for learning, growth and creativity This episode is for you if you’re a senior leader working across cultures or systems, navigating complexity, or considering a move into the international school sector and reflecting on how your leadership style might need to adapt. Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast Juliet Corbett is joined by Alex Hems, Executive Head of The Aldenham Foundation since 2022. In this thoughtful and honest conversation, they reflect on what it takes to lead well when the pace is intense and the stakes are high, and why creating space to think - both individually and collectively - can be one of a leader’s most powerful tools. Together they explore: What ‘slow down to speed up’ really means in senior leadership How leaders make good decisions when there’s no clear right answer The role of intuition, judgement and self-awareness under pressure Why slowing the pace can strengthen teams and improve buy-in How leaders balance urgency with long-term stewardship This episode is for you if you’re a senior leader navigating complexity, feeling the pressure to move fast, and wondering how to create better decisions, stronger teams, and clearer direction without burning yourself out or rushing to the wrong answer. Episode Links 'Slow Productivity' by Cal Newport Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Jaideep Barot, Head of Bristol Grammar School since 2018 and a returning guest to the show. In this important conversation, they explore what it really takes to sustain bursary and partnership work under pressure, and how leaders can protect morally important work when time and capacity are stretched. Together they explore: What true partnership between independent and state schools really demands from leaders Why bursary and partnership work needs to be treated as a long-term strategy, not a series of projects The role of shared ownership, constructive challenge and collective responsibility How local solutions can contribute to wider system change without imposing uniform models Why complexity demands experimentation rather than certainty Why clarity and repeated communication matter This episode is for you if you’re a senior leader working in complexity, committed to bursary or partnership work that genuinely matters, and thinking hard about how to maintain purpose, focus and impact when the pressure is on across the board. Episode Links 'Strategy and social justice with Jaideep Barot, Headmaster, Bristol Grammar School (Ep. 51)' Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Louise Simpson, CEO of the British School in the Netherlands, where she leads the BSN across four campuses in and around The Hague. This is Louise's fourth headship and her second stint abroad, having previously been head of Exeter School in Devon, head of St Paul’s, the British School in Sao Paulo, and a GDST head in south London. As you’ll hear, she is delighted to be back in the world of British international education. Together they explore: What changes when a head steps into a CEO role leading at scale The complexity of international education today, from shifting enrolment patterns to increased competition How to build coherence across multiple schools while preserving autonomy The importance of culture, belonging and character in a diverse international community Why optimism, reflection and thinking time matter so much when navigating uncertainty This conversation offers thoughtful, practical insight into leading strategically in a global context, with clear reflections on decision making, culture and leadership at scale. Episode Links Strategy Development Case Study with Louise Simpson, Head, Exeter School (The Independent School Podcast, Ep 125) An international perspective with Louise Simpson, Head, Exeter School (The Independent School Podcast, Ep 40) The power of hope: A leadership skill for uncertain times (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep. 38) Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of the Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Joanna Povall, Principal at Wales International School in Abu Dhabi and Tes International School Principal of the Year 2024/25. With more than 30 years of leadership experience across the UK, France and the UAE, Joanna brings a distinctive cross-cultural perspective to what kindness really means in leadership. She also draws on her work as a Lead Improvement Partner for COBIS, supporting school improvement across the international schools sector, and on the thinking behind her forthcoming book, Kind Leadership. Together they explore: Why kindness is not the opposite of strength How kindness strengthens trust, clarity and psychological safety The CHASE framework for putting kindness into action The link between kindness, accountability and high performance Why managing ego and building self esteem sit at the heart of impactful leadership You’ll hear practical examples from Joanna’s leadership across different cultures, as well as insights from her work with COBIS schools around the world and the research underpinning her book. This episode is a reminder that kindness isn’t soft, naïve or vague. It’s a strategic advantage and a core ingredient in every high performing team. Episode links 'Kind Leadership' by Joanna Povall Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Charles Bailey, Headmaster of Worksop College and Ranby House, a thriving independent day and boarding school in Nottinghamshire. Charles joined the school in April 2025 after a decade at Harrow School, where he held senior leadership roles including Director of Studies and Head of Learning Skills. He brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to headship, grounded in authenticity, clarity and a deep belief in the power of community. Together they explore: What authentic leadership looks like in practice in a busy 3–18 school How vulnerability helps leaders build trust, belonging and psychological safety The realities of navigating complexity in a Head’s first year How to balance long-term strategy with the day-to-day demands of school life Why clarity, simplicity and shared language matter so much for school culture You’ll hear honest reflections from Charles’s first year of headship, including the lessons he’s drawing from Worksop’s heritage, community and ethos. This episode offers a grounded, energising look at leadership, culture and the courage it takes to be real in today’s complex school environment. Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast Juliet Corbett is joined by Julie Robinson, Chief Executive of the Independent Schools Council, where she represents and promotes the work of independent schools across the UK. Julie began her career as a teacher before becoming a head in Sussex prep schools, later moving into national roles and joining ISC in 2015. She is a governor for both an Academy and an all-through independent school in London and is a strong advocate for collaboration across different types of schools. Together they explore: Why positivity and purpose matter when leading through uncertainty How to navigate complexity in a fast-moving policy and social landscape The role of listening and conversation in building trust and understanding The value of coaching and reflective space for leaders in demanding roles Why self-management, energy and simple habits shape long-term resilience This conversation offers grounded, practical insight into leading with clarity and confidence in challenging times, with thoughtful reflections on purpose, complexity and the human side of leadership. Episode links Sector trends with Julie Robinson, CEO, Independent Schools Council (ISC) (Ep. 96) Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett returns to the microphone for a new series focused on real-world leadership in independent and international schools. Juliet shares how her thinking has evolved over recent years through her work as a trusted advisor to experienced leaders, and her episodes of the Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast. She also introduces the ideas she has been developing for a book she's writing about leading sustainably through complexity and uncertainty. Juliet explores three themes that will shape this new season: Staying strategic amidst the daily bustle of leadership: Creating space to think clearly when operational demands never stop Making high-stakes decisions in uncertainty and complexity: Understanding the difference between complicated and complex challenges Creating and empowering high-performing teams: Building cultures of trust, clarity and shared ownership so leaders are not carrying everything alone Juliet also offers a preview of the first interviews already recorded, including conversations with Louise Simpson (CEO, The British School in the Netherlands), Charles Bailey (Headmaster, Worksop College and Ranby House, UK) and Joanna Povall (Principal, Wales International School, Abu Dhabi). This episode sets the scene for a thoughtful, reflective series designed to help leaders slow down, sharpen their focus and navigate complexity with clarity and courage. Links Sign up for Juliet's emails: www.consultjuliet.co.uk/signup 1. Staying strategic amidst the daily bustle of leadership: Making time to think (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 1) What if slowing down helps you speed up? (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 20) 2. Making high-stakes decisions: problem-solving in uncertainty and complexity: Leading through complexity: Tools for thinking and acting clearly (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 43) The hidden reason your strategy isn’t working (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 42) 3. Creating and empowering high-performing teams: Are you delegating enough? (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 2) Leadership means changing hats – Is your team ready? (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 41) Explore the Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast: www.quietleadershiprevolution.com Explore all previous episodes of The Independent School Podcast: www.consultjuliet.co.uk/podcast Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

Leaders in independent schools are having to make some hard decisions at the moment, especially those in the UK facing the possible addition of VAT to school fees. Some of these decisions could be classified as ‘wicked’ - defined as a problem where multiple stakeholders want different, sometimes contradictory, outcomes. In the last episode Juliet explored how NASA approaches this type of problem, drawing out lessons for school leaders. In this episode Juliet explores further the three questions we finished with last time: What ‘wicked’ problems are you trying to solve, and what contradictory outcomes do the stakeholder want that makes them wicked? What system do you have in place to brainstorm new ways of doing things, anticipate knock-on consequences and rapidly revise the plans? Are you and your team ready to embrace change that might feel hard? Episode links Listen to the last episode: 173: Solving wicked problems the NASA way 'Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant' by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim Contact Juliet: hello@consultjuliet.co.uk Sign up at http://www.consultjuliet.co.uk/signup to receive an email each Thursday morning about the week’s new podcast episode. Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

It turns out that NASA rocket scientists think that solving ‘wicked’ problems, where multiple stakeholders want contradictory outcomes, is far harder than the science of sending missions into space. So when we’re trying to solve similarly ‘wicked’ problems in our schools it’s no surprise that leaders sometimes feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. In this week’s episode, Juliet shares how NASA solves these problems and draws out lessons that other leaders can use to make life easier, even if most of us aren’t planning space missions. Episode links 'Inside NASA’s bid to make spacecraft as small as possible' , MIT Technology Review Nov/Dec edition Contact Juliet: hello@consultjuliet.co.uk Sign up at http://www.consultjuliet.co.uk/signup to receive an email each Thursday morning about the week’s new podcast episode. Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

Coaching, innovation, empowerment, strategy... this episode with guest Claire Robinson, Head of Holme Grange School, dives into many of the topics which school leaders ask me questions about. As a highly experienced head, Claire shares with us her extensive insights into: 1. How to balance involving staff in strategy development, with the fact that sometimes strategic choices need to be confidential. 2. How senior leaders can empower their teams and utilise the benefits of networking outside their schools to build resilience in times of change. 3. Why strong professional development programmes, an openness to innovation and a coaching culture benefit everyone. 4. Why the development of people and the development of strategy go hand in hand. Episode links Holme Grange School Contact Juliet: hello@consultjuliet.co.uk Sign up at www.consultjuliet.co.uk/signup to receive an email each Thursday morning about the week’s new podcast episode. Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

Strategy is not a game played alone. So if you are seeking a strategic way forward for a project or challenge, it is important to balance individual contemplation and conversation with 'thinking partners'. In this episode I share my belief that everyone has the ability to think and act strategically, and that combining this with deeper self-knowledge can lead to remarkable results. I emphasise the significance of seeking out individuals who can help broaden our way of thinking, both in the professional realm and beyond. Key Lessons from the Episode: 1. Carving out the time for individual strategic and creative thinking is critical. Often this means taking yourself away from distractions, like taking a walk or sitting on your own in a coffee shop without your phone. But different things work for different people. 2. This solo thinking time can then be complimented by conversation with others; sharing perspectives and talking through ideas with other people can help us gain fresh insights and stimulate a growth mindset. You can think of these people as 'thinking partners'. 3. It's often valuable to have more than one thinking partner, to give you multiple perspectives. These people could be mentors, peers, friends, colleagues or an executive coach. 4. The role an executive coach plays is different from the advice that other thinking partners might give, especially if the coach has knowledge and experience of the independent school sector. The coach's role is to facilitate fresh insights for the leader which clarify a path forward, by helping the leader to see things from a perspective they might not have seen previously. “We need a diverse group of people with whom we can be truly honest and share confidential thoughts to develop an ever deeper knowledge of ourselves. In order to deliver remarkable results, we need to gift ourselves the space to breathe, the time to learn, and the courage to adapt.” Juliet Corbett Episode links Episode 162: Why Coaching Works: www.consultjuliet.co.uk/162 Contact Juliet: hello@consultjuliet.co.uk Sign up at www.consultjuliet.co.uk/signup to receive an email each Thursday morning about the week’s new podcast episode. Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

It’s one thing knowing about strategy frameworks and approaches - but knowing how to use these effectively to develop and implement a strategy in a school is a completely different skill. So this week on The Independent School Podcast I’m delighted to be joined by Paul Morgan, from St. Julian’s School in Lisbon, Portugal, a highly experienced head, who talks us through how he’s approached strategy in his two headships. Questions Paul and I address in the episode include: How can a new head lead a strategic development process when they are still fresh in post? How can they balance continuity and change? How can a head structure the leadership team in a way that enables effective delegation of strategic priorities? How can you identify which new initiatives might distract from the core purpose of the school, and which will help deliver a key strategic objective? How can a busy school leader find time for high quality strategic thinking? Throughout the episode we stay rooted in the real world, as Paul shares examples from his current headship at St Julian’s School in Lisbon, Portugal, and his previous role as Principal of The British School of Amsterdam. Episode links St Julian’s School, Lisbon Contact Juliet: hello@consultjuliet.co.uk Discover more about working with Juliet: www.consultjuliet.co.uk/services Sign up at www.consultjuliet.co.uk/signup to receive an email each Thursday morning about the week’s new podcast episode Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here . This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!