Actionable Tools for Slowing Down As A Leader with Educator Stephen Hurworth
Things worth taking away
- True leadership means moving beyond "curing" problems to deep curiosity
- The power of the pause, from staff meetings to student leadership
- Tiny habits like open-ended questions build psychological safety and agency
- Sports coaching shaped a philosophy of positive professional relationships
About this episode
On this episode of The Connection Experiment, host Nathalie Blais sits down with Stephen Hurworth, Deputy Head Teacher of Secondary at Bangkok Prep and international educator — to explore how coaching is transforming school systems from the inside out.
Stephen recounts his journey as an aspiring cricket player in Australia to becoming a leader in international education, explaining how his background in sports coaching shaped his philosophy of positive professional relationships. He discusses how his time in Beijing and Bangkok led to a realization that true leadership requires moving beyond “curing” problems to a state of deep curiosity.
Stephen highlights the power of the “pause” and introduces how his school has integrated a coach-like approach into everything from staff meetings to student leadership programs. He advocates for the use of “tiny habits” — like asking open-ended questions and listening to understand — as a way to build psychological safety and agency within the school community.
Whether you are an educator, a leader, or someone interested in the power of human connection, this episode offers actionable tools for slowing down to think more deeply and creating a culture where everyone feels they belong.
Connect with Stephen Hurworth: LinkedIn
We believe coaching is a connection skill — practiced on purpose, it changes everything.