Learning and Leading Through Controversy, Failure, and Leadership Wounds

Learning and Leading Through Controversy, Failure, and Leadership WoundsControversy and mistakes as a leader are inevitable. We can’t wish for them to not happen; they will. How can a leader or aspiring leader prepare for crisis and failure? How do we build a school culture that is able to thoughtfully consider difficult, potential polarizing topics in a spirit of learning, curiosity, and courage? Navigating controversy, failure, and leadership wounds is an essential skill for international school leaders who operate in diverse and dynamic communities. This course provides a safe space to explore the complexities of leading through challenging times, including managing polarizing conflicts, addressing personal and professional setbacks, and fostering trust amidst controversy.

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Designed to equip international school leaders with the tools and strategies to navigate controversy, overcome setbacks, and lead with resilience and integrity.

Facilitators Homa Tavanger, Sheena Nabholz, and Tim Carr will engage you and a cohort group in reflective discussions, practical frameworks, and real-world scenarios. Participants will develop tools to navigate difficult situations with clarity and confidence.

Resources are curated and relevant and you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your experience in a forum of colleagues.

By the end of the course, leaders will feel empowered to turn challenges into opportunities for growth, resilience, and a stronger connection to their school’s mission and community.

Course Facilitators

Having served as Head of a few of the iconic international schools in the world for 20+ years, Tim Carr has been on a quest to discover and share some of the keys to transformational learning. With an eye towards the future of schools in preparing cadres of students and educators for the unknown, Tim focuses on building and nurturing learning communities with vivid and motivating visions.

In March 2024, Tim launched a consultancy, supporting international school leaders and boards. He presents workshops, speaks, and writes, primarily about leadership and governance for the future of education. 

Sheena's journey in international education began in 1999, and over the next 21 years, Sheena held various teaching and leadership positions across Egypt, Costa Rica, Syria, and Jordan, eventually serving as a school head in Cameroon and Ghana.

Returning to North America, Sheena joined Search Associates as the Director of School Relations, a role that provided her with a unique global perspective, offering deep insights into diverse educational contexts worldwide.  Sheena recently transitioned to the Academy for International School Heads (AISH), where she now serves as Deputy CEO. 

For over three decades, Homa Sabet Tavangar’s work has addressed themes of culture, innovation, leadership, global citizenship and global competence, and deep diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion. She connects timely topics of the moment with the timeless desire to work with purpose and make a difference – whatever one’s circumstances.

Homa’s clients range from Fortune 50 corporations to public, international and independent K-12 schools around the world; from an Ivy League university to Disney Channel and numerous not-for-profit public and multilateral organizations and professional associations. Co-founding the Big Questions Institute represents a natural extension of her work, especially during a time of unprecedented global challenges.