What’s this all about?
Education is full of extraordinary people—dedicated, tireless, and deeply focused on the work that matters most. But sometimes, that focus becomes so intense that it’s hard to step back and see the bigger picture, or imagine how things could be different.
This is why I write: to take a step back.
I believe the answers to some of our biggest challenges might not come from within our sector. Some will come from the outside—beyond the frame—from people asking the questions we’re too close to see.
And I believe school leaders, more than anyone, are the key to unlocking this change. You are the designers of culture, the shapers of experiences, the architects of belonging. But to lead differently, we need to think differently. That’s where, I hope, this blog comes in: to offer a fresh set of lenses to look anew at prevailing challenges.
But let’s be clear:
Most of the challenges school leaders face are deeply complex. The issues confronting them are often tricky to define, let alone solve. Nobody has all the answers. And the weight of the systems surrounding us—the policies, structures, inequities—can feel immovable.
But education systems are human systems. Every policy, every process, every moment of connection is powered by people making choices. And while systems may feel static, they are constantly being shaped by those choices. Change happens not because systems shift on their own, but because humans—leaders—choose to do things differently.
This blog won’t pretend that change is simple. But it will focus on the one thing we can change: ourselves. Small behavioural shifts—how we communicate, how we design experiences and our environments, how we lead—can ripple outward, reshaping the systems we work within.
Bringing the outside in
I believe education has lots to learn from other domains—fields that approach problems from an alternative angle and with a totally different set of tools. Domains like:
Communications: I want to explore how school leaders can tell better stories, craft compelling messages, and rally communities around a shared vision. I know this can feel abstract when your time is swallowed by operational fires and urgent demands. But communication is the foundation of connection—and small shifts can make a huge difference.
Design thinking: I want to explore what happens when we treat leadership challenges as design problems—starting with empathy, testing small changes, and iterating until we find what works. In schools, we’re so often rewarded for getting it right(ish) the first time that the idea of testing and “failing small” can feel counterintuitive. But design thinking isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
Behavioural economics: I want to explore if we can nudge ourselves and others toward better decisions, breaking free from the biases and habits that hold us back. When surrounded by legacy systems and stretched resources, it’s hard to believe small changes can make a difference. But behavioural insights show that the tiniest adjustments—like reframing a choice—can shift outcomes in powerful ways.
I really hope that, sometimes, the provocations will feel a bit ‘out there’ but these ideas aren’t founded on abstract theories, pseudosciences or forms of witchcraft. They’re powerful, practical frameworks that have transformed businesses in other sectors, public services, and communities. I believe they can do the same for schools—and that’s what I want to explore through this blog.
What to expect
In this series, I’ll share ideas, insights, and provocations inspired by these disciplines and others. Some posts will focus on tiny tactics and technical tweaks that hope to engender a bigger impact—designing spaces, stories, and systems that foster belonging and innovation. Others will zoom out to consider some larger issues.
This isn’t a space for easy answers or tired solutions. It’s a space for exploration, experimentation, and possibility. I’m going to get stuff wrong.
The invitation
If you’re a school leader who wants to lead differently, this series is for you. It’s not about doing more; it’s about seeing more. Seeing your work through the lens of other disciplines, other perspectives, and asking: What if we tried this?
Because the change we need won’t come from following the same well-worn paths alone. We’re going to need to take steps into the unknown, borrow from the best ideas outside our field, and dare to do things differently.
And I want to explore that here, together.
Thanks for reading,
Sam 👋
P.S. As a bit of an experiment, I’ve decided to disable comments on this blog because, well, this year, I really want to challenge myself to express ideas rather than host debates. In that spirit, I encourage you to engage with these ideas in your own spaces—be that in your heads or in your schools—rather than interacting with me and others on here. That said, if you do want to discuss anything you’ve read here—or, indeed, an idea it’s sparked or something you’re thinking about trying—I’d love to talk to you about it. You can see when I’m free to do so here. Alternatively, you can email me here.
