#EdInfluence podcast (series 4): In conversation with inspiring leaders

Episode 3: Sir Chris Husbands

Uncover the fascinating intersection of leadership and storytelling as we welcome Sir Chris Husbands, an esteemed former Vice-Chancellor and now a director of Higher Futures. He was knighted for services to education in 2018.

Chris shares how his journey from a curious history teacher to a university leader was shaped by a student's question about medieval monasteries. Get ready to explore how storytelling can transform leadership, offering insights and context through narratives like those from ‘The West Wing.’

Throughout, Chris draws on his wealth of experience, from chairing the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and its pivotal role in reshaping UK universities' approach to teaching quality, (much like Ofsted inspections in schools) and from leading award-winning universities.

Chris was Vice-Chancellor for Sheffield Hallam University, one of the UK’s largest, most diverse universities, and before that, the Institute of Education, University of London, a world-leading specialist research intensive institution rated first in the world in three successive years.

Episode 2: Lauren Thorpe

Ever wonder how childhood curiosity can shape a career in educational leadership? In this episode, Lauren Thorpe, the Chief Transformation Officer at United Learning, shares her unique path from tinkering with toys under the guidance of her engineer father to spearheading transformative initiatives in schools. She currently leads England’s largest trust’s work on digital strategy, data and insights, curriculum and assessment.  

Her story is a testament to how a relentless curiosity and love for problem-solving can lead to a career focused on balancing efficiency with emotional intelligence, ultimately creating a more connected educational environment.

Lauren draws on her experience as the Director of Standards & Performance and Director of Strategy at Ark Schools as well as her time as a research director for a thinktank in Westminster. She’s also shared her expertise sitting on the DfE Ed Tech Advisory Board and Workload Review Panel and is a serving Ofsted Inspector. During the academic year 2024-25, Lauren is Chair of the CST Data and Insights Professional Community.

Episode 1: Cathie Paine

In this episode, we hear from Cathie Paine, Chief Executive Officer of REAch2 Academy Trust.

Cathie joined REAch2 in 2012 when there were just four schools in the Trust. It's now the largest primary-only Trust in the country, supporting 62 primary academies across England.

Prior to joining REAch2 at its conception in 2012, Cathie's headship career spanned 15 years across schools in a variety of challenging circumstances. 

Ever since Catherine's first headship taking a socially deprived school from 'special measures' to 'Good' in just four terms, Cathie's passion is clear. She is committed to enabling children to flourish in an environment of outstanding practice. 

Cathie believes that school leadership is about changing lives. Listen now to find out how and gain further insight and inspiration.