In this episode of the Leadership Passport podcast, Kevin Fullbrook interviews Donna Chiempka, an experienced education leader with over 25 years in international schools. They discuss Donna's journey into leadership, her defining moments, the challenges of leading across cultures, and the importance of mentorship. Donna shares insights on decision-making, the human element in leadership, and the evolving landscape of international education. She emphasizes the need for context in leadership and offers advice for aspiring leaders, highlighting the significance of personal growth and understanding the diverse backgrounds of students and staff.

Guest Bio

Donnah Ciempka is a dynamic educational leader with over 25 years of experience spanning international schools across the Asia Pacific region. Currently serving as Head of School in Bangkok, Donnah is President of the Board of Directors for the Australian Thailand Chamber of Commerce (AustCham). Her career includes various leadership positions in multiple schools, both internationally and in Australia, including state and independent schools. Donnah holds a Master of Leadership from Deakin University, an Advanced Certification in Educational Leadership, and a Bachelor of Education with Honours. As an experienced International Baccalaureate (IB) Educator, she is an Accreditation Leader, Workshop Leader, Curriculum Writer, and Online Facilitator. Her expertise has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Woman of Excellence – Thailand (2024), Prof Indira Parikh Educational Leadership Award (2023), and Outstanding Leadership Award (2022). Donnah's leadership philosophy centers on creating environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging, fostering open dialogue, and placing students at the heart of decision-making. With her diverse understanding of international education and expertise in curriculum development, Donnah continues to make significant contributions to educational leadership and student success across diverse multicultural settings.

Takeaways

• Leadership is about creating environments of belonging.
• Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Cultural understanding is essential in international education.
• The human element in leadership is paramount.
• Decision-making should be informed and collaborative.
• Trust is foundational in any organization.
• International education is evolving with diverse student backgrounds.
• Leaders must embrace their context and culture.
• Personal growth is key to effective leadership.
• You are enough and capable of handling challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Journeys

02:59 The Path to Educational Leadership

06:10 Defining Moments in Leadership

08:56 Cultural Insights in Leadership

12:07 Navigating Leadership Challenges

15:10 Decision Making in Leadership

17:57 The Human Element in Leadership

20:55 Future of International Education

23:48 Advice for Aspiring Leaders

27:00 Personal Growth and Leadership Practices

30:03 Inspirational Figures and Final Thoughts

Host 

Kevin Fullbrook is an international school leader with 25+ years of global education experience across Australia, China, and the Middle East. As host of The Leadership Passport Podcast, Kevin dives into the stories, strategies, and insights of education leaders from around the world. With a passion for inclusive leadership, student agency, and sustainable school cultures, he brings thoughtful conversations and practical takeaways for educators, aspiring leaders, and anyone interested in the future of learning.

Connect with him on Instagram (@kevin.fullbrook) and LinkedIn (Kevin Fullbrook)

Keywords

leadership, education, international schools, mentoring, cultural insights, decision making, personal growth, educational leadership, challenges, future of education