Shows
The Education VanguardBeyond the Office: Leading Schools with Purpose and Heart with Dr. Helen WrightIn this episode of the Education Vanguard Podcast, host Justin and co-host Howard Stribbell welcome Dr. Helen Wright, a globally respected education leader, executive coach, and board advisor with over three decades of experience in international education.Dr. Wright shares her journey from teacher to headship, offering honest reflections on leadership transitions, imposter syndrome, and the realities of carrying responsibility at the top. The conversation also explores women in leadership, recruitment and governance relationships, and why global competence is essential for today’s learners.A thoughtful and grounded discussion for educators, school leaders, and boards se...
2026-02-0243 min
The Education VanguardClarity, Compassion, and Recovery: Diana McDowell on Student Addiction and Mental HealthIn this episode of the Education Vanguard, Dr. Howard Stribbell sits down with Diana Hume McDowell from East West Prevention, a substance misuse prevention organization working with international schools. Diana shares her deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery, and how it shaped her mission to help young people make safer, healthier choices.Together, they explore the unique risk factors for third culture kids, the pressures of high achieving international school environments, and why stigma and silence around addiction still hold so much power. Diana and Howard discuss how schools can move beyond “just say no” by teac...
2025-12-0131 min
The Education VanguardLeading with Clarity, Conscience, and Community: Rethinking School Leadership🎙️Leading with Clarity, Conscience, and Community: Rethinking School Leadership with Thomas Midbo & Howard StribbellIn this Education Vanguard episode, Justin speaks with Howard Stribbell and Thomas Midbo about the real work of school leadership today, inspired by their white paper “Leading with Clarity, Conscience and Community.”They discuss distributed leadership, self care, clear feedback, intercultural dynamics, and the everyday habits that reveal whether a school is truly healthy.A practical conversation for leaders at any stage of their journey.
2025-11-2445 min
The Education VanguardPlayful Minds, Serious Results: The Lego Serious Play Panel with Joel Birch, Yosef Karasik, Aura Evans & Dr. Arnett Edwards🎙️ Playful Minds, Serious Results: The Lego Serious Play Panel with Joel Birch, Yosef Karasik, Aura Evans & Dr. Arnett EdwardsIn this episode of the Education Vanguard Show, Justin explores the power of Lego Serious Play® (LSP)—a facilitation method transforming the way schools approach collaboration, leadership, and learning. Joined by facilitator Joel Birch and educators Yosef Karasik, Aura Evans, and Dr. Arnett Edwards, the conversation dives into how play can unlock creativity, inclusion, and deeper dialogue in classrooms and leadership teams.From student reflections built in bricks to strategic planning sessions guided by metaphor, this episode...
2025-10-2037 min
The Education VanguardRethinking Recruitment in International Schools with Stacy Stephens🎙️ Rethinking Recruitment in International SchoolsIn this episode of the Education Vanguard Show, Justin speaks with Stacy Stephens, Director of The International Educator (TIE). With 25 years of experience in global education, Stacy explores how recruitment is evolving, from the decline of job fairs to the rise of evidence-based portfolios. She shares why investing time upfront in hiring the right people saves schools far greater costs down the line.A must-listen for school leaders, HR directors, and educators navigating today’s changing job market.
2025-10-1327 min
The Education VanguardAI, Creativity, and Policy in Education with Alex McMillanIn this episode of the Education Vanguard Show, Justin speaks with Alex McMillan, the Instructional Technology Coach at Shanghai American School and chair of the upcoming AIFE Conference. Alex explains how AI can enhance, rather than replace, creativity, sharing a simple three-step process that educators can use with students. He also explores the importance of values-driven AI policy and how schools can craft practical frameworks that align with their culture and priorities.A thoughtful conversation for educators and leaders navigating AI’s role in learning and school systems.Also mentioned in this episode:AI...
2025-09-0222 min
The Education VanguardIntegrating Policy, Curriculum, and Culture for Student Wellbeing 🎙️ Health, Wellbeing, and Policy in International SchoolsIn this episode of the Education Vanguard Show, Justin brings together experts Amy Lauren Smith (Hong Kong International School), Sarah Benes (Southern Connecticut State University), and Holly Alperin (University of New Hampshire). Together, they unpack what it really takes to build a holistic, skills-based approach to student health and wellbeing, from curriculum design and cultural context to policy, practice, and the rising role of AI.A must-listen for educators, leaders, and anyone committed to putting student wellbeing at the heart of schooling. Also mentioned in this episode:✅...
2025-08-2646 min