Overview

In a world where educational leadership is often reduced to metrics and mandates, Kind Leadership by Joanna Povall offers something radically different: kindness as a powerful, strategic force for transformation.Drawing on over 30 years' experience in schools around the world, Joanna demonstrates how genuine strength emerges through leading with empathy, kind communication and accountability. Far from being weak or sentimental, kindness in leadership builds trust, strengthens teams, and creates inclusive school cultures where everyone, students, staff, and communities - can thrive.At the heart of the book is Joanna's award-winning 'CHASE' model of kind leadership, a mindset of: Communication Honesty Accountability growing Self-Esteem and managing Ego Rooted in psychology, neuroscience, and Joanna's lived experiences in education, the 'CHASE' model demonstrates how compassionate actions enhance performance and resilience. Each chapter unpacks one aspect of the model with examples, reflective questions and practical tools that leaders can immediately implement into their work.Kind Leadership ultimately challenges and empowers leaders to lead with a genuine heart. It is not just a leadership guide; it's a movement toward a more human, hopeful, and resilient future for schools.Suitable for all leaders or aspiring leaders in schools.

Full Product Details

9781785837807

Table of Contents

Reviews

When it comes to improving schools, many leaders take a firm approach and by doing so create a climate of fear. Not so Joanna. She leads through kindness and the result is a school where students and teachers know they matter and are valued. Joanna is leading the way in pioneering compassionate leadership - and with this culture of respect everyone gives of their best and the results improve accordingly. This has to be a better way to educate our children.Deborah Eyre In Kind Leadership, Joanna Povall offers a compelling and grounded case for why kindness is not a soft option in school leadership, but a strategic and moral necessity. Through honest storytelling, reflective questions, and the clear CHASE Kindness framework, she shows how leaders can hold high standards while remaining deeply human.What makes this book particularly powerful is its authenticity. It neither romanticises leadership nor shies away from the difficult conversations and decisions that define the role. Instead, it provides reassurance, challenge, and practical guidance in equal measure. This is a thoughtful, credible, and much-needed contribution to the leadership conversation, and one that many school leaders will recognise themselves in.Patrick Cozier At a time when we as school leaders navigate ever-changing landscapes and strive for lasting impact, Joanna Povall's work makes for essential reading. This timely and thought-provoking book explores what it means to lead with kindness, and why this key strength is central to building resilient school communities and realising meaningful success. A must-read for all reflective, values-led leaders, reminding us that the transformative impact of these qualities creates authentic, thriving school cultures.Jamel Badaoui Joanna has a unique ability to make you think deeply about leading with real warmth. The mentor you have been looking for in book form, Joanna is extremely well respected and has deep expertise, yet her writing is full of humility. Joanna shows us that there is no weakness in kindness. On the contrary, there are high standards, clear boundaries, and proper support.Paul Dix Joanna Povall's book is set to make a profound impact on schools by championing kind leadership through the CHASE Kindness framework, challenging us to reflect on whether we are truly chasing kindness in our daily practice and fully aware of the lasting weight our words carry on confidence and self-belief. By asking how kindness shapes each learner's journey, this book encourages educators to create environments where thoughtful words and compassionate leadership unlock deeper growth and transform school culture.Kai Vacher This book beautifully captures what we strive for in education - leadership rooted in kindness, integrity, and optimism. It reminds us that true influence lies not in authority but in the compassion and respect we show every day. It is an inspiring call to lead with purpose and to build communities in which both staff and students flourish.Elodie Vallantine

Author Information

Joanna Povall is the Principal of Wales International School in AbuDhabi. With over 30years in education across the UK, France, and the UAE, she serves as a Lead Improvement Partner for COBIS, accrediting over 20 schools worldwide. Joanna was awarded TES International Principal of the Yearin 2024, and her 'CHASE' framework of leadership was shortlisted for the TES International School Staff Wellbeing Initiative of the Year in 2025. She champions inclusive, compassionate leadership.

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