2026 ECIS Leadership Conference – Love-Based Leadership, Lisbon, 23-25 April 2026
2026 ECIS Leadership Conference – Love-Based Leadership, Lisbon, 23-25 April 2026
#ECISLeadership 2026
Love-Based Leadership
Corinthia Lisbon, 23-25 April 2026
Sponsored by TES & Toddle
Love, connection, and belonging are fundamental to our human experience. Transformation unfolds when we travel together, inviting others to reflect what we cannot see alone, offering both strength in belonging and the gift of external perspective. Small gestures of kindness, deep conversations, or acts of self-care can foster connection, bringing warmth and renewal.
Join us in Lisbon for Love-Based Leadership 2026, where we come together to embrace the healing power of love in leadership. This transformative gathering invites international school leaders to explore how compassion, empathy, and intentional connection can shape thriving school communities. Through meaningful dialogue, shared experiences, and intentional reflection, we’ll deepen our commitment to leading with heart and purpose.
Let’s take this opportunity to strengthen our community bonds, inspire one another, and become part of a movement that champions humanity at the heart of leadership.
Conference Schedule
Click “Read more” on any session for details. Schedule is subject to change.
All timings in WET / BST
Pre-Conference
Wednesday, 22 April
17:00–18:30
Early Registration
Corinthia Hotel
Day 1
Thursday, 23 April
09:00–10:15Opening Keynote
Featured
Conference Opening & Keynote
Djeliba BabaFloriana I & II
11:00–16:30Full-Day Workshops
A Pedagogy of Hope for Regenerative Leadership
Homa TavangarFlorina III
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What does it look like to lead with hope when the world (and our jobs) feel complex, uncertain, or exhausting? In this interactive session, we will explore leadership habits that foster resilience, human flourishing, and regenerative change—not only for your community but for yourself.
Growing Inclusive Schools: From Roots to Branches
Amy Leino, Chad WoodOpala I, II & III
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Join the ECIS Special Interest Group for Inclusion for an impact-driven workshop. Using the Roots to Branches metaphor, participants will engage in four key stages: Roots (Beliefs & Mindsets), Trunk (Structures & Systems), Branches (Practices & Collaboration), and Leaves (Commitments).
Heart Listening: The Power of Story to Build Empathic Communities
Djeliba BabaFloriana I & II
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Attendees will participate in immersive, analog, traditional-indigenous experiences involving sound, frequency, tone and narrative as instruments of pedagogy. Building on the conference’s concept of ‘Love-Based Leadership,’ this intensive will support empathic, meaningful, purpose-driven leadership.
Leading with Heart: Transformative Connections through ACE Learning
Brandie Smith, Sharyn SkrticJade II
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This full-day workshop invites international school leaders to engage deeply with the ACE Learning Principles through the lens of love, connection, and belonging. Leaders will leave with renewed purpose, concrete strategies, and strengthened networks.
Rising Higher, Caring Deeper: How One School Grew Achievement Without Losing Its Soul
Shauna Hobbs-Beckley, Rosalind WisemanJade I
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Guyana International Academy will share how they are achieving significant gains in student growth while maintaining high student well-being. Rosalind Wiseman will join for a 60-minute session on how belonging and well-being connect to student voice programs.
Shaping Your School Community with Heart and Purpose
Ian Forster, Barry FreckmannAmetista
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Three parts: (1) School Continuity and Long Term Planning; (2) Using AI Thoughtfully in School Business Operations; (3) Leading School Business Operations and Managing the Finance Committee.
The Art of Good Governance: Leading Together with Trust, Clarity, and Connection
David Hawley, Kristi WilliamsAguamarinha
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Designed for board members and Heads of School who want to strengthen their board’s effectiveness. Explore proven frameworks of good governance, clarify roles, and identify practices that enhance accountability and collaboration.
The Tender Future: Love as Innovation, Design and Strategy
Kathleen Naglee, Rachael ThrashEsmeralda I & II
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What if the most radical innovation in education today isn’t a new technology—but love? This session positions love as a bold, practical design principle for schools, drawing on post-humanist thinking and liberatory traditions.
12:30–13:30Lunch
Lunch — Olivae Restaurant, Corinthia Hotel
Women in Education Lunch: Permission to Lead Differently
Pauline O’BrienOlivae Restaurant
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What if we gave ourselves permission to lead differently? This session creates space to question patterns that hold us back and explore leadership shaped by our own values, strengths and identity. Open to all colleagues regardless of gender identity.
16:30–17:30Panel
Featured
Panel — What Has Love Got to Do with It?
Mary-Lyn Campbell, Johanna ZuletaFloriana I & II
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Leaders from business, education, and global policy share perspectives on love-based leadership in action. Johanna Zuleta highlights initiatives from Davos, the G20, and COP summits. Joshua Abramson reflects on the ‘I Love You’ movement at Hitachi.
Day 2
Friday, 24 April
08:30–10:00Keynote
Featured
Love in the Rupture: Leading from the Heart When Everything Shifts
Rachel Caldwell, Nooraine FazalFloriana I & II
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Rachel Caldwell shares a personal story of leading through rupture and relocation as School Director in Kyiv during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Nooraine Fazal explores Love-Based Leadership as both a moral compass and practical framework.
10:30–12:30Workshop Round 1
AI-Powered Leadership & Wellbeing
Laura Guillen, Emerin BoomerEsmeralda I & II
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Laura Guillén from Toddle shares how schools are using Toddle AI to reclaim teacher time while strengthening teaching and learning quality, across planning, feedback, assessment, reporting, communication and analytics.
Creating a Culture of Care: Reimagining Assessment in the Age of AI
Stephanie Holt, Katrina Daniels-Samasa, Jucinta WilliamsAguamarinha
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Discover how compassionate leadership can transform assessment in the age of AI. Explore how to reduce teacher overload, foster student belonging, and design inclusive tasks rooted in human experience.
Culturally Responsive Leadership
Wayne Johnson, Tala IssaJade II
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How do school leaders adapt to different cultures while staying true to core values? This workshop explores the balance between context and universal principles such as compassion, inclusion, and authenticity.
Facilitating Success: Leading with Heart, Head, and Hands
Nancy Lhoest-SquicciariniFlorina III
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‘Meetings are the mirror of leadership.’ Explore the mindset of an effective facilitator through Heart, Head, and Hands: emotional awareness, intellectual clarity, and practical strategies that turn dialogue into action.
Governing Sensitive Topics: Aligning CSE and Child Protection
Robert Jackson, Aimee SkidmoreJade I
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This session provides a standards-based framework for boards and school leaders to build consensus on sensitive topics, linking CSE to Child Protection and Safeguarding.
Insights from the IB ‘Systems Transformation’ Pilot
Jenny Gillett, Camelia ConstantinescuAmetista
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An exciting development within the IB’s review of its 16+ programmes. Pilot students complete an innovative 300-hour project-based experience focused on ecological and social justice.
The Evolution of Leadership
Brandie Smith, Timothy KelleyFloriana I & II
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This workshop explores how educational leadership can evolve from authority-driven models to emotionally intelligent, inclusive, and collaborative approaches that inspire rather than impose.
A Solution-based Approach to Practical Middle Leadership
Carol LaiOpala I, II & III
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Solution-focused middle leaders bridge school vision and daily classrooms through transparent communication and practical next steps, conserving teachers’ emotional energy for high quality learning.
12:30–13:30Lunch
Lunch — Olivae Restaurant, Corinthia Hotel
13:30–15:30Workshop Round 2
A Playbook for Expanding Student Support Services
Lauren Jones, Tara WaudbyFloriana I & II
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Explore the new playbook: Getting Down to Business. Discover research, financial models, tools, and real-world stories to build inclusive, sustainable student support systems.
Beyond Stereotypes: Cultivating Belonging and Connection
Daisy WuJade II
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Inspired by Daisy Wu’s TEDx keynote ‘Stop Fighting, Start Being YOU,’ this workshop empowers educators to build connected school communities using the 3A Framework (Awareness, Attitude, Action).
From Listening to Leading: Building Connected Learning Communities
Olivia Roth, Ji HanAmetista
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Discover how to draw in every community voice as you lead strategic innovation. Leave with practical strategies for ongoing, community-driven growth.
Language, Culture & Belonging: Love-Based Leadership in Multilingual Schools
Patrice ThompsonFlorina III
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Explore how love-based leadership shows up in multilingual inclusion—shifting from compliance to connection, centring language, culture, and belonging.
Leading Through Tension: Dialogue and Courage in Polarized Times
Sheena NabholzOpala I, II & III
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Drawing on research, case studies, and the polarity-management framework, examine how leaders can lower the temperature around controversial issues and foster dialogue that strengthens community.
Leading with Love: Using High Performance Learning
Gareth CollierEsmeralda I & II
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Understand how High Performance Learning builds the foundations of love-based leadership. Connect HPL competencies to daily leadership actions and practice empathy-centred communication tools.
Leading Without the Armour: Vulnerability and Sustainable Leadership
Karin Holley, Marie FavretJade I
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Discover how high-achieving leaders can reconnect with their values, avoid burnout, and lead with authenticity—redefining strength through courage, compassion, and connection.
UDL is How We Design; MTSS is How We Respond
Beth StarkAguamarinha
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This interactive workshop cuts through confusion about how UDL, MTSS, and Student Support Services work together. Leave with shared language and practical questions to move from reactive intervention to intentional design.
16:00–18:00Workshop Round 3
Building a Vibrant, Values-Based Culture and Community
Zeba ClarkeOpala I, II & III
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Practical techniques to change, review and embed school values with a focus on student and staff voice. Explore active listening and non-violent communication practices.
Co-Constructing Our Future: Students and Educators Shape Shared Vision
James PenstoneFloriana I & II
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Discover how the British School of Brussels co-created a shared vision and strategic priorities through joint impact statements, leadership growth frameworks, and collective learning.
Creating a Culture of Care, Connection, and Collaboration
Fran ProlmanFlorina III
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Through small-group dialogue, personal reflection, and collaborative problem-solving, leave energised with tools to strengthen culture including emotionally intelligent communication and rituals that reinforce psychological safety.
Cultural Canvas: Building Communities Through Art and Empathy
Francis Bigirimana Bizoza, Daniel AvilaJade II
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An ongoing collaborative project between Western Academy of Beijing and Nyarutembe Community School in Uganda, using art as a shared language for skills exchange and global responsibility.
Emergent Challenges, Enduring Values: A Wisdom-Based Approach
Tanya Day Clark, Shireen Ali-KhanAmetista
Read more
A wisdom-based leadership framework to boost decision-making, engagement, and retention. Practical tools to lead with purpose, compassion, and presence in changing times.
Ferocious Warmth: Leading with Love, Courage and Clarity
Tracey EzardEsmeralda I & II
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Frame ‘love in leadership’ as an active, disciplined and courageous practice. Understand the core principles of Ferocious Warmth and identify personal leadership defaults under pressure.
The Heart of the Matter: Financial Confidence in Love-Based Leadership
Bridget McNamer, Diana RosbergAguamarinha
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Promote honest, emotionally intelligent engagement with financial wellbeing in schools. From understanding money mindset to negotiating fair pay to transparent compensation conversations.
"What Has Love Got to Do with It?" The Case for a Paradigm Shift
Mary-Lyn Campbell, Johanna ZuletaJade I
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With real case studies from Davos, the G20, COP summits, and Hitachi. Develop your own toolkit of strategies to create caring cultures. For Board members and all school leaders.
19:00–22:00Evening
Social Event — Sponsored by High Performance Learning
SUD Lisboa
Day 3
Saturday, 25 April
09:00–10:30Round Tables
Northwai + ProtaFlow Roundtable
Chrissie SorensonFloriana I & II
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Go deeper into Northwai’s FAROUT Journey and the ProtaFlow framework. Use CBT-informed practices to create a concrete 48-hour experiment that turns reflection into action.
Child Protection Round Table
Rachel Hovington, Debbie Downes, LaTyia RolleEsmeralda I & II
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Explore how we can strengthen children’s safeguarding development across ages and diverse cultural contexts. Examine emerging challenges and share practical strategies.
The MedHeads Consortium Round Table
Nate ChapmanAguamarinha
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Strengthening collaboration among leading American and International schools around Southern Europe—Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain.
Balancing the System: Inclusion, Capacity, and Sustainability
Tara Waudby, Lauren JonesFlorina III
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A focused conversation about how student support services are designed, resourced, and led. Surface where systems thrive, where they’re under strain, and identify the most powerful lever for change.
Intentionally Small Schools SIG Round Table
Berta Faber, Alison StarkOpala I, II & III
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Leaders from small schools share experiences, real dilemmas, and practical approaches to admissions, staff retention, and wellbeing in a welcoming, facilitated space.
Liberating School Spaces SIG Roundtable
Vicki OdiliAmetista
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Explore how schools can move beyond conventional educational architecture toward spaces that support creativity, collaboration, wellbeing, and transformation.
ECIS Leadership Bespoke Round Table
Nancy Lhoest-SquicciariniJade II
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Your vision. Our expertise. Built on trust. Discover how ECIS partners with schools to design bespoke training, coaching and consultancy.
11:00–13:00Workshop Round 4
A Solution-Focused Listening Compass for Leaders
Kristin LoweFloriana I & II
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Strengthen your leadership impact by learning to listen for hopes, progress, and resources in every conversation. Reframe challenges, inspire growth, and catalyse purposeful action.
Together: Leading Teams with Compassion & Collaboration
Mike Kopp, Ashley EganEsmeralda I & II
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Put compassion and collaboration at the forefront of decision-making. Learn authentic approaches to guide meetings so that togetherness is prioritised.
Living the Mission: Practical Tools for School Leaders
Kristi WilliamsAguamarinha
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Turn your school’s mission from words into action. Learn practical ways to measure alignment, guide decision-making, and use your mission as a compass.
Opening Doors: Building Trust, Purpose, and Innovation
Angela Assed, Tricia QuinnFlorina III
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How does ‘Opening Doors’ create the conditions for empowerment and innovation? Explore how trust built with purpose can transform schools.
Inside the AI Classroom: Practical Ways to Use AI for Deeper Learning
Khadija Daher Pilot, Lily JohnsonOpala I, II & III
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Experience learning from a student’s perspective. Explore how adaptive AI creates the right challenge for every learner. Trial Maths Prep GenAI and Writing GenAI. Bring your laptops!
Grow Your Own — Developing International Teaching Talent
Hannah Senel-WalpAmetista
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A hands-on workshop exploring Tes Institute’s ‘Grow Your Own’ report. Built around four pillars: vision and culture, structure and pathways, evaluation and impact, collaboration and scale.
Love to Lead, Learn to Thrive: Purposeful Leadership
Francesco Banchini, Michael HibbelnJade I
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How leading with love, care, and purpose can bring out the best in your team. Build trust, boost engagement, and create a culture where everyone feels valued.
From Insight to Action: Applying Heart-Based Leadership
Timothy Kelley, Abigail DeLessioJade II
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Apply lessons from the panel on empathetic, courageous leadership to real challenges using scenarios, peer coaching, and action planning.
13:00Conference Close
Conference Close & Final Remarks · 13:00–13:30
Lunch · 13:30–14:30 · Olivae Restaurant, Corinthia Hotel
Schedule subject to change · www.ecis.org · events@ecis.org