Description

In this episode of the Leadership Passport podcast, Dr. Stephen Harris shares his journey as an educational leader and innovator. He discusses his experiences with non-traditional education, the importance of cultural insights in international education, and the challenges faced in leadership roles. Dr. Harris emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to student engagement and the significance of collaboration in leadership. He reflects on defining moments in his career, lessons learned from crisis management, and offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders in the education sector.

Guest Bio

Stephen is the Co-Founder and CLO of Learnlife, a growing global network of innovative lifelong learning hubs. Learnlife Barcelona is a registered international school, pioneering a new approach to education within this expanding network. His focus on educational transformation stems from his PhD and extensive experience as Principal of Northern Beaches Christian School (NBCS) and founder of the Sydney Centre for Innovation in Learning (SCIL), a research and innovation centre that existed concurrently. Notably, the LL Rwanda program supports adult learners in developing entrepreneurial skills. A recognised leader, he continues to drive innovation in creating future-oriented learning environments worldwide.

Stephen is also the co-founder and inaugural partner of Learnlife Rwanda which is establishing an entrepreneurship program for adults in Kigali. 

He splits his time between Sydney, Barcelona and Kigali.

⁠https://www.learnlife.com/⁠

Instagram: @wearelearnlife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/harris-stephen

http://stephenharris.me/

Takeaways

• Dr. Harris emphasizes the importance of non-traditional education experiences.
• He believes that leadership should be enjoyable and not taken too seriously.
• Cultural context plays a significant role in educational practices.
• Defining moments in leadership often come from observing what not to do.
• Collaboration is key to effective leadership and innovation.
• The traditional examination system limits educational transformation.
• Creating a positive learning culture is essential for student success.
• Difficult conversations should be approached with empathy and openness.
• Crisis management requires tough decisions but can lead to growth.
• Leaders should focus on collective vision and community engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Stephen Harris and Learn Life

03:02 The Impact of Non-Traditional Education

05:53 Leadership Philosophy and Personal Journey

08:55 Defining Moments in Leadership

12:02 Cultural Insights from International Work

14:47 Innovative Approaches to Education

18:05 Navigating Leadership Challenges

20:54 Creating Pathways for Students

23:55 Conclusion and Reflections on Leadership

24:26 Navigating Difficult Leadership Decisions

30:23 Lessons from Leadership Mistakes

35:51 Transforming Education: The Role of Exams

41:06 Building a Positive Learning Culture

47:43 The Power of Collaboration in Leadership

Host

Kevin Fullbrook is an international school leader with 25+ years of global education experience across Australia, China, and the Middle East. As host of The Leadership Passport Podcast, Kevin dives into the stories, strategies, and insights of education leaders from around the world. With a passion for inclusive leadership, student agency, and sustainable school cultures, he brings thoughtful conversations and practical takeaways for educators, aspiring leaders, and anyone interested in the future of learning.

Connect with him on Instagram (@kevin.fullbrook) and LinkedIn (Kevin Fullbrook)

Keywords

education, leadership, innovation, lifelong learning, cultural insights, student engagement, educational transformation, international education, crisis management, collaborative leadership