Leading from the Middle: Having conversations that matter: 19 January 2027

16:00 U.K. time

Middle leaders navigate challenging situations every day, from managing conflict and addressing underperformance to supporting overwhelmed colleagues and navigating difficult team dynamics. 

Knowing how to respond isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, even well-intentioned responses can create more tension than they resolve. 

This interactive 60-minute workshop explores why some leadership conversations build trust while others create frustration, and how small shifts in approach can make a significant difference. 

Through realistic school-based scenarios, reflection, and practical activities, participants will explore different ways of responding to challenging situations and develop greater confidence in their leadership conversations.

Takeaways for Participants 

Middle Leadership Response Guide: A practical reference for navigating ten common leadership challenges. 

CARE Leadership Reflection Tool: A framework for understanding situations before deciding how to respond. 

Next Conversation Action Planner: A simple tool for preparing for a real leadership conversation with greater clarity and confidence. 

About the speaker

Dr. Desiree Brown-Quilty is an international educator, leadership consultant, and coach with more than 20 years of experience teaching and leading in international schools across eight countries, including the UK, Vietnam, Japan, South Africa, Senegal, Nigeria, China, and Angola.

Having worked as a teacher, Head of Department, and curriculum leader, she understands firsthand the challenges of leading from the middle. From navigating difficult conversations and managing team dynamics to balancing teaching and leadership responsibilities, she’s experienced the realities middle leaders face every day.

Today, Dr. Brown-Quilty helps middle leaders in international schools lead with confidence, navigate difficult conversations, and build strong teams without burning out. Her approach combines research-informed practices with practical strategies that leaders can use immediately. She believes effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating the conditions where people can thrive.

Her mission is simple: help middle leaders in international schools lead with confidence, navigate difficult conversations, and build strong teams without burning out.

Contact:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-bq

Email: info@desireebrownquilty.com