How to assess your school’s ecosystem: In conversation with Lori Cohen ahead of the International Leaders Conference

In education, change is often driven by new initiatives, but what if the real work lies beneath the surface? At the upcoming International Leaders Conference 2026, Lori Cohen will invite leaders to look more deeply at the health of their school ecosystems, focusing not just on strategy, but on the human conditions that make change possible.

With a background as a school leader, consultant, and coach, Lori brings a powerful perspective on wellbeing, capacity, and sustainable improvement. In this Q&A, she shares why so many initiatives stall, and what leaders can do differently to create meaningful, lasting change.

Tell us about your background and what you’ll be speaking about at the conference.

I am an educational consultant, coach, author, longtime educator, and former school leader. My session will focus on assessing the health of a school’s ecosystem, using a simple diagnostic tool to identify which areas are thriving and which are under strain. From there, the goal is to identify one high-leverage area for change that can make a meaningful difference within a realistic timeframe.

What is the biggest challenge that school leaders face right now when trying to implement change?

There are three main challenges. First, schools are simply taking on too much. There’s a constant pull – from external pressures, internal expectations, and new trends – to do more, rather than prioritising what matters most.

Second is time, but often as a perception issue. When everything feels like a priority, there’s never enough time. The real challenge is protecting time for what’s essential.

And third is capacity. Leadership roles have expanded to the point where it’s difficult to create space for meaningful change. Without role clarity and manageable expectations, leaders struggle to focus on implementation as well as everything else they’re responsible for.

Why do so many promising initiatives fail in schools?

Often, it comes down to how we approach implementation. We start strong, with enthusiasm and energy, but we don’t sustain the work.

We don’t build in time to assess, adjust, and refine. And when things get difficult (as they always do) we tend to lose momentum. Real change is messy. It’s uncomfortable. It requires persistence through the challenging phases, not just the exciting beginnings. If we’re not prepared for that, initiatives tend to stall before they have a chance to succeed.

What does effective leadership look like in practice today, not just in theory?

For me, it comes down to presence. Leaders need to be visible, engaged, and connected to the daily reality of their school community, not just working behind the scenes.

That means being in classrooms, having conversations, and truly understanding the experiences of both staff and students.

Alongside that, emotional intelligence is critical. Leaders need the ability to hold complexity – to navigate different perspectives, emotions, and challenges – while remaining grounded and human. That combination of presence and emotional awareness is essential.

What’s one trend in education that leaders shouldn’t ignore right now?

There’s a growing focus on evidence-based practice, which is important, but sometimes it becomes polarised between “the science” and “the human side” of education.

The real question isn’t choosing one over the other. It’s asking: How do we know what’s working in our context?

Every school is different. What matters most is using evidence (both data and lived experience) to understand whether what we’re doing is actually making an impact.

Why is it important for school leaders to come together at events like this conference?
Leadership can be incredibly isolating. The more responsibility you carry, the more that sense of isolation can grow.

Conferences provide a chance to step outside that silo, to connect with others facing similar challenges, to gain new perspectives, and to feel part of a wider community.

They also offer something leaders don’t always get: the opportunity to pause, reflect, and draw from a different “well” of ideas and support.

What advice would you give to leaders who are feeling stretched too thin?
First, recognise that the feeling is normal; leadership in schools is both complex and deeply human.

One helpful approach is to focus on what you can control in the moment. Even small, manageable actions can help create clarity and calm when things feel overwhelming.

It’s also important to separate yourself from the role at times. Not every challenge or reaction is personal, it often comes with the position you hold.

What’s one idea you hope to challenge in leaders’ thinking?
The idea that “this is how we’ve always done it”. Education is changing rapidly, and we can’t rely on past models to navigate new challenges. Leaders need to move beyond maintaining the status quo and start thinking more creatively about what’s possible.

It might feel less certain, but it opens the door to more meaningful and relevant change.

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join Lori Cohen and a global community of educators at the International Leaders Conference 2026. Explore new ideas, connect with peers, and gain practical strategies to create meaningful, sustainable change in your school.