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Courageous Conversations

Time: 10.00am - 11.30am

This course is being delivered online, and a recording will be available for up to 30 days after the event has ended.

Fees
Member - £99
Non-Member - £149

Facilitator - Hannah Wilson

Summary

You know you need to eat that frog!

Which conversations are you actively avoiding which are subsequently holding you back? 

In courageous conversations, whether in the context of performance appraisal, mentoring, or coaching, individuals are encouraged to express their views openly and truthfully, rather than defensively or with the purpose of laying blame. Integral to courageous conversations is an openness to learn.

Typical examples include handling conflict, confronting a colleague, expressing an unpopular idea on a team, asking for a favour, saying no to a request for a favour, asking for a raise, or trying to have a conversation with someone who is avoiding you. Research shows that many women find such “courageous conversations” challenging.

Expect to be challenged in a safe and supportive way as we navigate how to set up and hold the conversations that we avoid. We will unpack the themes of authenticity, vulnerability and courage, considering what this means for our leadership style.

Audience

Teachers, support staff, school leaders.

What people are saying about this course!

“Brilliantly led.” – Pudsey South Royd Primary School, Leeds,
“Thank you!” - Maritime Academy Trust, Kent
“Brillant Session.” - St John and St James' C of E Primary School, London
"Very useful for a new leader.” - Ashgate Croft School, Derbyshire
“Informative!” - Beeston Primary School, Norfolk
“Very Good!” - Christopher Curry – Head Teacher, Northern Ireland
“Brilliant course. Incredibly helpful and interactive.” - Rolls Crescent Primary, Manchester
“Extremely informative and useful.” – Philip Rickner, Headteacher, Sheringham Primary School, London

Aims

  • Creating the container - how to create the conditions for a courageous conversation.
  • Building psychological safety - how to establish the ground rules and build trust.
  • Embracing vulnerability - how to balance emotional honesty and model emotional intelligence.
  • Balancing care and challenge - how to activate radical candor and fierce conversations balancing accountability with empathy.
  • Handling emotional wake - how to hold space for others.

Facilitator

Hannah Wilson

Hannah Wilson

Hannah Wilson is a Leadership Development consultant, coach and trainer. She is the Co-Founder of #WomenEd and #DiverseEd. She is the Co-Editor of Diverse Educators: A Manifesto.

She previously taught English, Drama and Media Studies over a 20 year career in schools. She has held multiple leadership roles including Head of Department, Head of Year, Assistant/ Deputy/ Executive Headteacher and trust-wide/ Teaching School wide roles as well.

She is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces, developing diverse talent and nurturing a sense of belonging for all.

Hannah joined the SGSAT Board as a trustee in December 2024 and became the Chair in March 2025. She is the trustee responsible for Safeguarding and brings a DEIB lens to her strategic leadership approach.