Reflecting on Step 2: Fostering a shared purpose with Dr Kulvarn Atwal

n this reflective episode of The No Silver Bullets Podcast: The Nine Steps to Executive Headship, Paul Ainsworth revisits his powerful conversation with Kulvarn Atwal, Executive Headteacher of Uphall Primary School and Highlands Primary School, and explores what leaders can learn from Step 2: Fostering a shared purposed.The conversation reflects on fostering a shared purpose in school leadership, emphasizing the importance of values, consistency, and emotional landscape. It also explores the challenges and strategies for building shared purpose in a federation of schools.TakeawaysShared purpose is felt, not writtenConsistency is a consequence of shared purpose, not a substitute for itHow these ideas connect to the forthcoming book The Nine Steps to Executive Headship (publishing end of 2026)Paul also previews next week’s episode with Donna Winters, focusing on Step 3: Unleashing the capacity of your team — the perfect follow‑on from today’s themes.Finally, Paul invites listeners to take part in recorded discussions about the episodes. If you’d like to receive an advance podcast and share your reflections on air, get in touch.