Leadership is one of the most powerful verbs in any global dictionary. It brings with it hope for a better world, the opportunity to be included as part of that world and a desire by those who receive it to experience success. It is a privilege that should never be taken for granted.

More than a decade ago, before I founded LYIS, I was a humble teacher looking for a challenge. After reflection it began to dawn on me, the difficulties in navigating leadership people faced and how the opportunity to experience it did not always present itself to those with the greatest desire to explore it. At the risk of stagnating and realising that I needed a challenge, I made a life-changing decision in 2015 by packing my bags and moving to Malaysia to teach in my first international school – where my leadership journey began.

Whilst abroad I soon began to witness a plethora of leadership and HR practices – some excellent in nature, but many falling short of expectations – especially those few who used leadership for individual gain, to pursue personal ambition at the expense of others. International school leadership appeared to lack diversity and in the role of leader, some lost sight of their most valuable asset – the leaders around them.
Bathing myself in leadership literature, I began to absorb as much as I could, reflect and critique my experiences against an evidence base. I connected with like-minded individuals who desired to make an ongoing legacy of their work. I interviewed hundreds of leaders and visited as many schools. Whilst collating my research I continued to observe that living and working internationally had its uniqueness and how leadership and HR practices varied widely by country and context. Good schools it seemed, didn’t function in the absence of good leadership, and in particular, great schools seemed to have a symbiotic relationship between the Principal and the Head of HR. I put pen to paper and 100,000 words later. ‘Leading Your International School’ was born with the support of Warren Cook. A book that would serve as a foundation for international school Principals and help leaders join the dotted lines.

It was when I met the school Principal Chris Nash in 2021 that things began to develop. The startup specialist Gráinne O’Reilly joined our team the following year, adding tremendous depth of experience. The company was formally established in August 2023 after we all felt fervently, we could make a difference. LYIS has continued to tie its journey to its roots – valuing a commitment to ethical leadership, opportunity and sustainability. Today, an Educational Consultancy company, the company believes passionately in the importance of developing leaders; that anyone who has the desire to make a difference, willingness to develop their skills and professional experiences can lead.

No matter what stage of a school’s lifecycle – a core role of the leader is planning for succession. Time does not stand still and nor should we. As the great John Maxwell says “Leaders are always taking people on a journey”.

What makes LYIS different is how we value people. By believing in them and supporting them throughout their voyage of limitless potential. Join us on this journey as we live out our core mission to level up international school leadership.

Best Wishes

André Double
Founder and CEO – Leading Your International School.