When a crisis hits a school community, the emotional recovery is often the most challenging part. In this episode, we speak with Azra Pathan, the Director of Learning at The International School of Kuala Lumpur, about the vital work of healing after a crisis. Azra discusses why a leader's calm demeanor is their most important tool, how to help a community process grief and loss, and the power of building psychological safety to prepare for the unexpected.

💬 Quotes from the Episode:

🗣️ "We want to make sure that... we are united in that. And, you know, the first lesson I ever learned was from a PR person, and they said, 'In the absence of information, people will make up their own story.'"

🧠 "Learning doesn't happen without that [safety]. And so jumping quickly into business as usual without the rebuilding really hinders people's abilities to move forward from whatever it is that you're recovering from."

💡 "I don't think we've gotten better at it. I think we've just learned to compartmentalize it and kind of move forward with it. The unfortunate thing about that is that it shows up in different places, in different settings, and in different contexts, and then we're surprised by it."

💖 "The one strategy that I speak about in the workshop is around dialectical thinking, like being able to frame your thinking and knowing that it's okay to hold multiple emotions at the same time."

📌 Key Insights:

⏸️ Embrace the Pause: The most critical step after a crisis is to create a deliberate "pause" to allow the community to process and grieve, rather than immediately rushing back to normal.

🛡️ Rebuild Safety First: Focus on rebuilding emotional and psychological safety within the school community before attempting to rebuild trust. A feeling of safety is a prerequisite for healing.

📣 Unify Your Message: Establish a single, reliable source for all official communications to prevent false narratives and misinformation from spreading.

✔️ Establish Proactive Protocols: Develop communication talking points, response systems, and resources for different age groups well before a crisis occurs to ensure a calm and unified reaction.

🧘 Model Self-Management: Leaders must demonstrate emotional self-awareness and practice dialectical thinking to manage their own emotions while supporting their team.

🛑 Conclusion: The human element of crisis response is not just a soft skill—it's a fundamental part of effective leadership. This episode is a powerful reminder that preparing for a crisis is only half the battle; the real work lies in guiding a community through the difficult path to recovery. Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Visit iss.edu/events to access our full library of professional learning opportunities and get the tools you need to lead with grace and confidence. Don't wait until you're in the moment—get prepared today! ✨

Leadership is most tested in times of change and crisis. In this powerful conversation, Mike P. and his co-hosts are joined by the exceptional Kathleen Naglee, an award-winning leader and author with a wealth of experience guiding schools through their most challenging moments. This episode is a roadmap for school leaders, focusing on the emotional intelligence and practical skills needed to lead with confidence, communicate with clarity, and build unshakeable trust during turbulent times.

💬 Quotes from the Episode:

• "Leadership is a relationship, it's not a role." — Kathleen Naglee 🤝

• "You have to be the source of calm." — Kathleen Naglee 🧘‍♀️

• "Rebuilding trust is a time-consuming process." — Kathleen Naglee ⏳

• "It's about 'Are your actions meeting your words?'" — Kathleen Naglee ✅

📌 Key Insights:

• Build Trust from Day One: Don't wait for a crisis to build relationships. New leaders must be intentional about showing their commitment to the community through proactive, transparent actions. 🤝

• Acknowledge and Heal Together: After a crisis, people process grief and trauma differently. Leaders must provide long-term support and recognize that the healing process can take months or even years. 🫂

• Create a Proactive Communications Plan: Go "beyond the binder" by preparing specific communication templates for different scenarios. Use multi-channel approaches like SMS, social media, and school apps to ensure your message reaches everyone. 📱

• Lead with Empathy and Purpose: Your community looks to you for a sense of calm and a clear direction. Leading with emotional intelligence means understanding the "why" behind people's disengagement and making them feel seen and heard. ❤️‍🩹

🛑 Conclusion:

Leadership is tough, but you don't have to face the inevitable alone. This episode provides the clarity and confidence you need to prepare for any crisis. Ready to take the next step? Enroll in Kathleen's course, "Preparing for the Inevitable Crisis," and get a comprehensive roadmap for effective action. Don't wait until it's too late!

➡️ Visit iss.edu/events to get prepared!

➡️ Find more resources and career opportunities!

➡️ Don't forget to like and subscribe for more episodes! ✨

In this compelling two-part podcast series, host Mike Pierre sits down with visionary school leaders across Asia to unpack the evolving landscape of international education. From post-pandemic transformations to the rise of student wellness and innovation, these episodes offer a masterclass in leadership, inclusion, and resilience.

🎙️ Part 1: Trends and Triumphs in International Education

Mike speaks with Azra Pathan and Brian Lalor, two dynamic educators redefining what it means to lead in a post-COVID world. They explore how international schools are adapting to shifting demographics, financial pressures, and the need for deeper community engagement.

Key Themes:

• Inclusive Admissions & Finances: Schools are moving away from expat-only models, embracing host-country nationals and building more sustainable financial frameworks.
• Authentic Community Engagement: Initiatives like refugee teacher training and partnerships with local schools reflect a shift from outreach to mutual learning.
• Belonging & Identity: Schools are prioritizing emotional safety and cultural inclusion for students and staff alike.
• Innovative Programs: Creative efforts like the “Dormitory Challenge” foster collaboration between local and international students.

Quotes:

“One of the biggest joys of living in Asia is the diversity of experiences and cultures that come together... It's just right outside your doorstep.” – Azra Pathan 🌏✨
“International-mindedness is not a skin color, or a gender, or whatever. A child is a child.” – Brian Lalor ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
“It has really elevated the sense of community where there is more access to resources for an increase in students who speak languages other than English.” – Azra Pathan 🗣️📚

💡 Part 2: Student Wellness, Innovation, and Talent

In the second episode, Mike is joined by Richard Swann, Nathan Meisner, Chelsea Armstrong, and Yasoda Deva to explore the daily realities of students and educators in Asia. The conversation dives into neurodiversity, technology, and the evolving definition of success.

Key Themes:

• Student-Centered Support: Schools are tailoring learning to meet students where they are, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all model.
• Wellness as Culture: Mental health breaks, open-campus events, and staff access to wellness facilities are becoming standard practice.
• Balanced Tech Integration: Tools like ChatGPT are introduced with intention, emphasizing thoughtful use over novelty.
• Redefining Diversity: The panel challenges traditional notions of diversity, embracing a rich mix of nationalities, abilities, and cultural heritages.
• Timeless Teaching: Classic pedagogical methods like cooperative learning are proving more effective than flashy tech in high-pressure environments.

Quotes:

“We introduced, on the first day of school, ChatGPT to our students... and we basically taught them about it from the lens that this is a tool.” – Yasoda Deva 🤖
“Technology is a tool... and like every other tool, you kind of have to learn how to use it.” – Yasoda Deva 🧠
“I’ve got grandmothers who’ve learned how to use an iPhone... if you know how to ask deep questions, if you know how to dialogue, you can do that in social media.” – Nathan Meisner 💡🗣️
“It’s just such a joyful job to have. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Getting to spend time with really amazing educators and middle schoolers every day is the best thing ever.” – Chelsea Armstrong 😊

🛑 Final Takeaway

Together, these episodes paint a vivid picture of how international schools in Asia are not just surviving change—they’re leading it. From financial innovation to wellness culture, these educators are shaping a bold, inclusive future for global education. Whether you're an aspiring school leader, a curious parent, or a passionate educator, this series offers insights that resonate far beyond the classroom.

▶️ Listen, reflect, and share this transformative conversation with your community.