In this episode of the Leadership Passport, Tom Hawkins shares his extensive journey in international education, discussing his motivations for becoming a leader, pivotal moments in his career, and the importance of cultural understanding in leadership. He reflects on the challenges faced during his leadership roles, including decision-making fatigue and the value of mentorship. Tom emphasizes the need for leaders to adapt to the evolving landscape of international education and the significance of self-care in effective leadership.
Guest Bio
Tom is currently the Vice President for School Start-ups, Management, and Operations for International Schools Services. He is currently based in Minnesota, but is on the road about a week a month.
Tom grew up in Minnesota and went to teach in Norway after starting his high school English/Speech teaching career in a suburban public school system outside Minneapolis/St. Paul...back in 1989! He married Marcia Carlson in 1993, and they embarked on a nearly 30-year international school expat life taking them to Turkey, Norway (again), Beijing, Brussels, Doha, and Riga between the years of 1994 and 2022. Three of his kids were born abroad, and all grew up and graduated from international schools, and now have completed university in the U.S. They fall into the 50/50 TCK demographic about desire to go abroad. He finished his doctorate in International Schools Leadership from the University of Minnesota shortly before his 4th was born. They moved back to their home on the lake in 2022 as his role with ISS is a global role which can be done remotely. He is an avid runner, cyclist, reader, and car enthusiast.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tom Hawkins and His Journey
01:53 The Path to International School Leadership
04:44 Defining Moments in Leadership
07:31 Cultural Competence in Leadership
09:56 Navigating Leadership Challenges
12:36 Learning from Mistakes
14:59 Decision Making and Leadership Fatigue
17:50 The Role of Mentorship
20:22 Leadership Practices That Transform
22:45 The Future of International School Leadership
25:24 Final Thoughts and Advice
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
leadership, international education, cultural understanding, decision making, mentorship, school leadership, educational challenges, leadership journey, personal growth, leadership practices
