DIRECTION | BEHIND THE DESK Education has the power to help everyone succeed Each issue, Direction catches up with a prominent Scottish leader to find out a little more about life in their sector, and what makes them tick. This issue, Marie Hendry, Chief Executive of the College Development Network What is the greatest recurring challenge you come across in your role, and what’s your strategy for dealing with it? The education sector, like the wider public sector in general, is facing a time of significant change and financial challenge. We need to ensure that the organisation is fit for the future and focused upon our core purpose – supporting the development of people and practice in colleges, and of its leaders, staff and board members in the sector and beyond. We are also focused on helping to improve colleges through the sharing of best practice and continuous improvement. Our newly launched three-year strategy is designed to support those ambitions. Who, or what, drives you or inspires you? I’m continually inspired by the people I work with: the staff and the board at CDN – and those working in colleges and sector organisations - all of whom have a real passion and commitment to providing high quality and life-changing education and skills. Personally, I’m driven by a desire to see everyone given an opportunity to succeed in life – and the transformative power of education to do that. What is your long-term vision for the organisation that you lead? CDN is an organisation valued and respected for its work in supporting colleges to develop their practice, their people, their governance and their learning and teaching methods. We want to build upon that and provide the further education and the wider post-16 education sectors with the high quality, accessible and expert training, consultancy, advice and networking opportunities that will enable them to develop, improve and thrive in challenging times. What keeps you awake at night? Usually my cats Buddy and Dave looking for attention! What makes a good leader great? A great leader is one who has a vision and direction. Crucially though, they need to take people with them towards that end goal. The great leaders are those who listen, welcome challenge and provide opportunities for opinions to be shared but who aren’t afraid to make the final decision and stand by it. Authenticity in leadership is critical – knowing when to say “thanks”, “well done”, “help” and, when appropriate, “sorry”. Have you had a mentor, and what did he/she add to your development? I’ve had mentors at various stages in my career and I’ve been a mentor to others myself. I’ve found the advice, support and guidance provided by my mentors invaluable, particularly during times of change. The opportunity to receive trusted advice on a proposed direction of travel is one that is worth its weight in gold. Even leaders aren’t the finished article. What’s next in your leadership development journey? I’m a huge believer in lifelong learning, whether that be through formal courses and qualifications, by learning from others or learning through action. In times of rapid change, it’s critical to do them all. So, with that in mind, I’m going to undertake some of CDN’s own Executive Leadership courses. I’m also going to get out and about to meet leaders in and around the sector, so I can soak up as much learning as I can from them. I also want to lead my organisation in a way that fosters innovation and impact. I have the privilege of sitting on a number of Boards, and the opportunities to develop, learn from other organisations and support their strategic direction is one which I really value – I’d like to do more here. What is the ‘next big thing’ that will transform your sector? The emergence of AI will undoubtedly have a transformative impact on how we deliver learning, engage with students, undertake assessment and how we each undertake our day-to-day work. What piece of technology do you rely on most? Definitely my iPhone. The ability to stay connected while on the go is invaluable, particularly as I get out and about meeting people. Having an office in my pocket really helps get on with the day job while I’m on trains and in colleges. What is your favourite social media platform, and what does it bring to your business/organisation? I’m a big fan of LinkedIn as a business tool. The ability to keep in touch with people and find useful connections, insight and advice is really useful. As an organisation we utilise the platform as well as YouTube and X, to connect with our stakeholders and showcase the amazing work of our colleges, for example, our CDN College Award finalists showcases. What needs fixed? The idea that there is a one-size-fits-all education model that benefits everyone equally. We need to develop a system and funding that truly supports widening access to education and supports skills development, career changes and education whenever in life people need to access it and however it best meets their circumstances, background or life-chances. What leadership advice would you give your younger self? Take every opportunity to learn and develop, believe in yourself and do what makes you happy. 16 JANUARY <strong>2024</strong>
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