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

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