How kind leadership creates high performing teams with Joanna Povall, Principal, Wales International School (Ep. 180)

In this episode of the Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Joanna Povall, Principal at Wales International School in Abu Dhabi and Tes International School Principal of the Year 2024/25.With more than 30 years of leadership experience across the UK, France and the UAE, Joanna brings a distinctive cross-cultural perspective to what kindness really means in leadership. She also draws on her work as a Lead Improvement Partner for COBIS, supporting school improvement across the international schools sector, and on the thinking behind her forthcoming book, Kind Leadership.Together they explore:Why kindness is not the opposite of strengthHow kindness strengthens trust, clarity and psychological safetyThe CHASE framework for putting kindness into actionThe link between kindness, accountability and high performanceWhy managing ego and building self esteem sit at the heart of impactful leadershipYou’ll hear practical examples from Joanna’s leadership across different cultures, as well as insights from her work with COBIS schools around the world and the research underpinning her book.This episode is a reminder that kindness isn’t soft, naïve or vague. It’s a strategic advantage and a core ingredient in every high performing team.Episode links'Kind Leadership' by Joanna PovallThank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here. This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!