The Leisa Grace 'You Inspire Me Awards 2023'.

In the spirit of giving and celebrating the end of the year. I want to use the final issue of my newsletter for 2023 to acknowledge some of the people who have inspired me in different ways on and off Linkedin. The rules for these awards are simple. They are free and unsolicited. They are not exhaustive, and you can join me in this endeavour by adding names in the comment section of this post and saying how the person(s) mentioned inspired you this year.

Ok, here goes...

In no particular order:

Richard Simapili , because your support means the world to me!

Alex Gray , because your passion for all things AI in education is excellent, and I love your podcast.

Nathan Bowling is not on Linkedin but is a teacher at ACS Abu Dhabi because he writes a fantastic newsletter on Substack, which I love to read.

Mark Leppard MBE , because your posts on leadership and life make me think and smile.

Dan Fitzpatrick , because you are the AI educator par excellence.

Ken Okoroafor because you are one of the best financial educators I know, and your rundowns of what is happening in the UK economy keep me up to date from afar.

Paul Carrick Brunson because we both love oxtails and Red Stripe, but on a serious note, Paul is one of the best business mentors I know and an all-around great guy.

Delia B. because your passion for startups and HR will launch you into the stratus fare.

Tai Paschall , because you make all things tech sound cool.

Philippa Wraithmell because when I think of the digital ecosystem in schools, I think of you. I also enjoyed your book; you were a great host for MESLC Day 1 2023.

Asha Alexander , because your passion for sustainability and climate action is noteworthy and plus, you are a great school leader. Leading by example.

Dr. Loretta Sanders M.Ed, DCC , M.Ed, DCC, M.Ed, DCC, because you are one of the best speakers I know; you are an all-around amazing person and my friend.

Morgan Whitfield (she/her) , because you are passionate about equity for all in education, and alongside raising three young kids and having a full-time job, you still find time to write a book, which is coming out soon.

Olly Lewis , because you are always so willing to share good practice, and I am just glad you are back in the region.

Cat Chowdhary NPQSL, MA, MSC, BA(Hons), PGCE because Cat is a great educator who does not yet fully recognise how good she is. PS. Read her book.

Al Kingsley MBE because all Edtech CEOs should be this passionate about education; plus, Al Kingsley MBE writes an excellent newsletter here on Linkedin that you should all check out.

Are you still reading?

Thank you... Now, let's keep going. Remember, you can do the same in the comment section below.

Dr. Catherine O'Farrell , because you are the most passionate person I know in the field of inclusion, and you are also very supportive of others in the education community.

Zoubiya ?? Ahmed , Because you are a connector and are now stepping out of your comfort zone and creating content on this platform that adds value.

Nadine Le Ma?tre Powrie, MA, NPQH, ACC, Assoc CIPD , because your content always makes me think and question how I lead and live.

Evo Hannan because our conversations on innovation are just out of this world. One of the most creative people I know.

Meena Wood MBA Ed Leadership, FRSA FCCT , because we spoke for the first time on the Teach Middle East Podcast, and I could feel your passion for education. It was palpable, and we just clicked.

Hannah Wilson because your work on diversity is admirable, and I cannot wait for your workshop at The Middle East School Leadership Conference MESLC 2024( Feb 21-2024 in Dubai) schooleadersme.com for more details.

Diana Osagie?? because you did not volunteer for this, but I have officially claimed you as one of my mentors.

Suzanne Saraya , Because you are one of the most talented people I know, I love how you think.

Kevin Simpson (he/him) , because your work in elevating the voice of educators of colour is worth commending.

Are you still here?

Wow, you are definitely a rare breed. Everyone else has dropped off by now because they have had their attention stolen by TikTok, YouTube shorts and Instagram reels.

Congratulations for still being able to read long-form content.

Now, let's continue...

Steven Giles , well, because no other principal has sung Cold Play on the podcast. You are a legend. Thanks for being you.

Zaineb Mahdi , because I learned about Edtech from your posts here on Linkedin.

Kausor Amin-Ali FRSA FCCT because I love your passion for education and hope to meet you one day.

Kai Vacher , because you are a provocateur, and you ask really good questions, and of course, you have to be cool to have a podcast named after you. I have been enjoying Kaipod.

James Pastore , well, because your support matters.

Chassie Selouane , because you are one of the most passionate educators I know and believe me, I know many educators.

Kate Jones , because only you can have a baby and smash glass ceilings simultaneously.

Sajida AL Bashir , because you have to be one of the best educators I know.

Rachael Wilding , because you are on the cusp of changing the landscape.

Shaan Puri and Sam Parr , because I am possibly the only 40-something-year-old black woman based in Abu Dhabi who has never missed an episode of your podcast ( My First Million). No small boy stuff.

This list is not exhaustive, so please help me add more names in the comment section below.

Please have a Merry Christmas and a happy 2024 when it comes.

REGISTER NOW!