This article is part of No-Nonsense Advice from Leaders Around the World - a special series featuring written interviews with education leaders, capturing honest reflections and practical insights from diverse global perspectives.

In this interview, we feature insights from Ms. Fiona McAuliffe, the Principal of Good News Lutheran College, Australia. She is an experienced educational leader with a background in mathematics teaching and senior academic leadership roles. Read more about Fiona here

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In your experience, what piece of leadership advice is overrated or ineffective? Why do you believe it does not work?

The piece of advice that does not fit your character or beliefs. Each time I have acted on advice from a respected leader that does not share my style, I have failed dismally. Just because it works for them does not mean it will work for me - a tough lesson learned the hard way!

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As a school leader, what is one thing that keeps you awake at night?

Feeling like I have failed someone that I had the ability and capacity to help.

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What was the most impactful book, documentary, or podcast you engaged with in the past year? How did it shape your leadership perspective?

Margaret Heffernan's Super Chicken Ted Talk

This helped me to realize why the leadership team I got lucky with selecting works together so well. They are not super chickens but they all have super powers in enabling others to believe in themselves and to become a Super Chicken Coop rather than look for individual glory.

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Which three tools or software do you use regularly to enhance your leadership effectiveness, and why?

Online meetings- saves time and connects me more widely and regularly with a variety of inputs;

AI- for ideas and polishing my work;

AI minute taking- again time and improved accuracy for sensitive topics.

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As you reflect on your leadership journey, what is one thing you plan to start, one you intend to stop, and one you will continue doing this year? Please elaborate on your choices.

Start: looking for honest and meaningful feedback

Stop: thinking I need to always provide the answers and solutions, take the time to help others find the answers

Continue: caring about individuals

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What is one professional or personal experience that every school leader should attempt this year? What makes it so valuable?

Find a coach or inspiration that is honest with you, believes in you and wants to help you (not necessarily get paid by you!)

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What opportunities do you see with artificial intelligence (AI) in education this year? How do you envision AI transforming the future of schooling and education?

I have heard it said and I believe: "While AI won't replace the workforce, those who use AI will replace those who don't."

We have known since the internet became so accessible in schools that it was no longer about information, but the judgements we make regarding that information. The advantage is that AI can free up space and time to do more analysis and apply better judgements. Asking the "good" questions is a part of good teaching and our teachers improve on this skill through the IB Programmes. Good teachers ask good questions, great teachers help the students to ask good questions. AI will transform the way we ask questions, analyze data and make judgements.

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What is the most underappreciated professional development avenue for upskilling or reskilling in the field of education? Why should more leaders consider it?

Personal coaching. I think this is underappreciated as it is challenging to find the right coach for the right moment. But persevering is important. I have enjoyed undertaking the Aleda Program this year and the most valuable component of this is the matching process they go through to find your coach.

Darryl Franklin, Chief of Staff for Green Bay Packers provide some of the most informative techniques and hacks that I have heard recently on communication. It included unpacking; setting the message, why this message, what is the background, delivering as a learning not an instruction, reinforcing the message, be a truth teller, seek out other truth tellers, what do you want to hear back, resetting the message, check what has been heard.

Some of it sounds obvious but it is helpful if, like me, you need to work at clarity in communication. I can tell a good story - but that is lost if I can't explain the point.

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If you were to choose a dish or a drink that symbolizes Global Citizenship Education (GCED), what would it be and why?

Tapas Platter (Spain) - A variety of small dishes meant for sharing, symbolizing collaboration, dialogue, and community. Encourages curiosity through sampling and open-mindedness to new flavours.

Masala Chai (India)- A warming, spiced tea that awakens the senses and stimulates reflection and conversation. Represents hospitality and curiosity through its complex blend.

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Which thinker has profoundly influenced your approach to educational leadership? What key insights have you drawn from them?

Mother Theresa. Her service leadership has been inspirational. She cared for others and made such an impact on the lives of others without being glamorous or openly articulate. Through her example I gave myself permission to be myself and not who I thought others wanted me to be. More importantly to be who others need me to be while staying true to myself.

Please share a quote/message that reflects your philosophy on education and educational leadership

"Be curious, not judgmental" -Ted Lasso

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Recommend an inspiring educational leader committed to education for global citizenship and sustainable development.

If you know an inspiring education leader whose no-nonsense insights should be part of this series, we would love to hear at publications@globalcitizenshipfoundation.org

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