In this episode of the Leadership Passport podcast, Kevin Fullbrook interviews Gavin McCormack, a Montessori-trained educator and co-founder of Upschool. Gavin shares his journey in education, discussing the challenges and insights he has gained over two decades of international teaching experience. He reflects on personal fears, leadership styles, defining moments, and cultural insights from his work around the world. Gavin emphasizes the importance of resilience, the value of listening to one’s gut, and the significance of routine in leadership. He also shares fascinating idioms and their historical contexts, highlighting the depth of language in education.

Guest bio

Gavin is a Montessori-trained educator and co-founder of Upschool.co, dedicated to empowering children globally through purposeful education. With over two decades of international teaching experience, he has established schools, libraries, and teacher training centres in Nepal, alongside authoring best-selling children’s books. Recognised among the top global educators and as Montessori Australia’s Ambassador, Gavin passionately advocates for an education system that nurtures essential life skills, creativity, and resilience, inspiring children to learn with real-world impact.  He is currently based in Sydney, Australia.

Takeaways

• Gavin McCormack is a Montessori-trained educator and co-founder of Upschool.
• He emphasizes the importance of nurturing life skills, creativity, and resilience in education.
• Personal challenges, such as a fear of flying, can provide insights into children’s experiences.
• Leadership is about resilience and navigating ups and downs, similar to a musical journey.
• Gavin’s journey into leadership was inspired by observing both good and bad principals.
• Defining moments in leadership often come from real-life interactions with students and parents.
• Cultural insights from working in different countries can shape one’s perspective on education.
• It’s okay for leaders to admit they don’t have all the answers and to work collaboratively with others.
• Routine and consistency are crucial for maintaining personal well-being as a leader.
• Understanding the origins of idioms can enrich teaching and provide cultural context. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Education

01:48 Overcoming Personal Challenges in Leadership

05:32 Inspiration Behind Becoming an Education Leader

08:09 Defining Moments in Leadership

14:05 Cultural Insights and Aha Moments

19:37 Navigating Leadership Challenges

23:55 Embracing Uncertainty in Learning

26:40 The Importance of Independence in Education

29:24 Leadership Mistakes and Self-Care

31:44 Establishing a Productive Routine

35:00 Influential Leaders and Their Impact

39:43 Listening to Your Gut

41:21 The Fascinating World of Idioms

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, Montessori, global education, personal growth, cultural insights, resilience, teaching, school leadership, empowerment