Greg Smith

Being a teacher is how I defined myself for many years. I would say that this is still a core part of who I am, but as I spend more time seeing how management can empower others there is a logical extension. Of being a teacher. Schools are complex organizations and the interconnection of internal roles and external audiences makes management and administration of them a challenge for even the best prepared leaders. Unfortunately, there are many places where preparation is under-done or lacking and where the pace of change can e overwhelming. I've been lucky in my career to have had terrific mentors and colleagues, and the support of professional associations. From early inspirations like Bob King, John Clarke and Faye Harris in Western Australia, to being elected to the Western Australian Primary Principals Association Board I have enjoyed the support of great colleagues. Leading schools in Western Australia in a time of massive change was great preparation for a move to international schools. Taking on leadership across divisional and school wide areas in Beijing was a pivotal period. Changing culture within multiple cultures was a fascinating challenge. Leading productive change through communicating vision and empowerment came through a cohesive leadership team and approach. Learning more about marketing and entrepreneurial leadership during my time leading a school in Laos was also deeply impactful. Understanding the market, reading the trends and seizing the initiative are not always traits associated with schools, but they are present in successful ones. Now, leading International Schools Services office in the Asia Pacific gives me space and resources to pay back to the sector that gave me so much. Sharing my hard-learned lessons to build the capacity of the next generation of leaders, and supporting the management of change in the schools of the region is a truly rewarding experience. I'm excited to work with school leaders of all backgrounds to ensure that schools deliver on their promises to their communities, and to help schools be efficient in the operations so they are using their resources to achieve great things. The education sector has seen significant change over the past decades, but now is really a pivotal moment in history for education. I'm grateful to have been part of the movement to continuously improve the experience for students and their families through making schools better places to be for everyone.