We were joined by Liz Robinson, CEO, Big Education, James Pope, Founder, HeadsUp4HTs, Alex Beard, Senior Director, Teach For All, and Andrew Speight, Founder, EMOCO, for a panel with Essie North, CEO, Big Change. They explored personal experiences, insights from our new global research, and practical ways to support collective leadership that helps all young people thrive. Here are some of the reflections I came away with. 

At Big Change, we believe that leadership isn’t scarce and it doesn’t run out. It doesn’t belong to a select few. For leadership to expand to different people and places, we need to be intentional and address the barriers that suppress and hold people back. Instead of asking, ‘Who is the leader?’ we should be asking, ‘How do we create systems that cultivate and sustain leadership, rather than concentrate it?’ 

“The best leaders aren’t those that hoard power, but those who create it with others, because leadership is actually an infinite resource.” - Essie

Power expands when it is shared. Instead of hoarding power, great leaders create more of it. They make things happen, but not through dominance or control. Leadership is mobilising over waiting, connection over control, and courage over comfort. James touched upon how it might look in practice highlighting the importance of humility and deep listening.

“Leaders don’t need to have all the answers all of the time. And I think what it does is create a psychologically safe space for everybody to contribute. And I think that's what really good leaders do, is create a psychological sense of a collective contribution, to create curiosity, to not have all the answers.” - James.

Andrew’s powerful reflection spoke to a “penny drop” moment that underscored the human element at the heart of any system. He struggled in school, became confrontational, but soon came to a realisation: systems are made up of people, people with feelings, challenges, and aspirations. Instead of resenting them, he began building relationships.

“I realised that I'm a human being and I have feelings, but so are the people I'm talking about. And I've learned that systems are made up of people. And when I'm criticising a system, actually I'm criticising the people in that system.” - Andrew

Recognising that change moves at the speed of trust, Andrew founded EMOCO, bringing together intergenerational teams of young people, parents and carers, teachers, staff, and senior leaders. The goal: to build relationships, learn about each other, and make change together. Alex echoed Andrew’s sentiments, “Education systems are made of people. In every country they're made up of millions of people. Students, teachers, school leaders, parents. And just like you said, people are not machines that you direct by pulling a lever somewhere. They're people that you convince and buy in and build trust with and build power with,” he added. 

The session ended with Liz powerful and personal reflection, her “lesson from the trees.” She spoke honestly about the pressure she once felt to always be right, to be seen as the one with the answers. But in a quiet moment among the trees, she noticed something: no tree is trying to be the tallest or the straightest. Each one grows in its own way, shaped by its environment, strong in its uniqueness.

“How we can be soft and open, and just be a bit careful about where we put our feet, and make sure that we are mindful and careful about where we put our energies, who we surround ourselves with, how we galvanise ourselves, and how we support ourselves.” - Liz 

This simple but profound insight reminded her, and us, that leadership isn’t about constant comparison or striving to be the best. It’s about embracing who we are, recognising our own path, and growing with purpose. Real leadership comes from authenticity, not perfection. And when we lead from that place, we create space for others to do the same.

This conversation at the Festival of Education wasn’t just a reflection on leadership, it was an invitation to join us in continuing to explore these themes - you can do so too here - Explore more from Big Change’s Leadership Insights report.