Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders: Shrewsbury UK Governors Share Keys to Great Leadership at Shrewsbury Bangkok City Campus

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In an inspiring session earlier this November 2023, our student leaders – Heads of School, House Captains, and Student Councils – had the privilege of engaging in ‘The Leadership Talk’ with our Shrewsbury UK Board of Governors: Sarah Canning-Jones, John Clark, and Carla Howarth, who visited us from the UK every term. This exclusive Q&A opportunity provided a platform for our student body to gain insights and wisdom from the rich leadership experiences of our UK Governors.

The session delved into various aspects of leadership, with our students having exclusive opportunities to ask them personal questions, ranging from the positions of leadership they had as children to more serious philosophical questions about what makes great leaders…

“Leadership is not just a position, you have to earn it,” replied Sarah Canning-Jones when asked about the challenges she faced in becoming a leader. Drawing on her experience working at a law firm in Thailand years ago, where language was a barrier, she explained how she worked hard to gather all the facts, armed herself with knowledge, listened intently to her clients, and found the confidence to perform her job effectively. Offering advice to our students on leadership, she emphasised, “You cannot control people, but you can gain their respect and people will have confidence in you. This is not just a one-time thing; you have to keep doing so.”

“Be a good listener, be brave to stand up for what’s right, be resilient even when your decisions aren’t popular, and be your honest self,” advised John Clark. He, who supports two charities in the UK and works with volunteers, emphasised the importance of understanding people’s strengths and supporting them in their roles. Also, talking about the time when he was the Head Teacher in Africa, he stressed the importance of connecting with people. “I listened, and listened, and spent time with people to learn about them. It makes a difference when you care about the people you lead. Remember, good leaders want to do things for everyone, bad leaders only want to do things for themselves.” 

“The most important thing a leader should have is to listen and not be afraid to lead,” said Carla Howarth. Reflecting on her experiences working in different countries and cultures, she also stressed the importance of listening and not shying away from taking the lead. She brought about the importance of adaptability and cultural awareness in leadership as well, “When working with different people from different backgrounds, the ability to adapt and be flexible is crucial. Be culturally aware.”

The impact of this Q&A session our students had with our UK Governors extended beyond the exchange of ideas; it fueled our enthusiasm for leadership, especially for many of our children who hold leadership positions at a young age. The wisdom passed on from our UK Governors has not only broadened our children’s perspectives but has also set the stage for their continued growth as leaders of tomorrow.

The timeless principles of leadership – “Listen hard, learn about people, and have the courage to lead.”