Disruptors & Connectors: Two Sides of the Leadership Coin in Education
The Parallel Sides of Educational Leadership

Disruptors & Connectors: Two Sides of the Leadership Coin in Education


The 2025 AAIE Think Tank

This past week, I had the privilege of facilitating a two-day Think Tank at the annual Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) conference in Washington, DC. What a luxury it was to spend two full days listening to and thinking with educational leaders from 21 countries across five continents, exploring innovation in moments of opportunity and moments of friction.

One of my biggest takeaways? Every leader in the room embodied two powerful traits: Disruptor and Connector.

?? As disruptors, they consistently challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and reimagine what’s possible in education. ?? As connectors, they build bridges, unite people, and create networks that amplify impact.

It became clear that these two roles are not opposites but two sides of the same coin—both essential in shaping a brighter future for education and learners of all ages worldwide.

To each inspiring leader who participated—thank you for your courage, insights, commitment, and investment in spurring meaningful change. The work ahead isn’t easy, but together, as disruptors and connectors, we are shaping the future.

#EducationAccelerated #InnovationInEducation #Leadership #Disruptors #Connectors #GlobalEducation


Participating Schools

Michael Adams,? Lesley Tait, Leticia Daza, Wayne Rutherford, Ildiko Murray, Jacques Weber, Kathleen Bowin, Michael Martell, Eric Niles, Christa Keppler, Laurie Mclellan, Leslie Selberg, Aashita Mehra, Priscilla Ruiz, Hans Ott, Andy Pontius, Antoine Delaitre, Heather Naro, Daniela Silva, Andreas Swoboda, María Teresa De Chacón, Tracy Berry-Lazo, Don Francis, Alan Wrafter, Michael Schooler, Emily Sargent Beasley, Andrew Crouse, Grace Mccallum, Jonathan Herzenberg, Patricia Marshall, Richard Boerner , Randall Macon , Shannon Hobbs-Beckley, ACC , Laura Light UnconstrainED

David, this reflection on leadership in education is both inspiring and deeply relevant. True innovation happens at the intersection of disruption and connection—pushing boundaries while also building bridges. It is incredible to see global leaders embracing both roles to create meaningful, lasting change in education. Thank you for sharing.

Dushyanth Mahendran

?? Quantum Alignment Method #919 - Life Coaching & Consulting ?? Premium content offering for connections only ?? Co-creating with the quantum field - an experiment with destiny ?? Free consultation & discovery call

3 周

Every leader in the room embodied two powerful traits: Disruptor and Connector. As disruptors, they consistently challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and reimagine what’s possible in education. As connectors, they build bridges, unite people, and create networks that amplify impact. It became clear that these two roles are not opposites but two sides of the same coin—both essential in shaping a brighter future for education and learners of all ages worldwide. ?? Kai Vacher

Tracy Berry-Lazo

Deputy Director at American School of Guatemala

1 个月

Thank you for facilitating this outstanding learning opportunity!

Richard Boerner

Championing innovation and change across the education landscape.

1 个月

It was an honor to co-facilitate the Think Tank with you David.

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