EPISODE #23 (PART I): RICHARD GERVER, ACCLAIMED SPEAKER, AUTHOR AND INSTRUCTOR - ALL ABOUT CHANGE AND SIMPLE THINKING

In Part I of Leading Forward's Season One Finale, Christie spoke with Richard Gerver. Richard Gerver has been described as one of the most inspirational leaders of his generation. He is an award-winning speaker, bestselling author, and world-renowned thinker. Richard began his career in education, most notably as headmaster of the failing Grange Primary School. In just two years, he famously transformed the school into one of the most acclaimed learning environments in the world. He was celebrated by UNESCO and the UK Government for its incredible turnaround. 

Richard has since transitioned to the global stage where he uses his trademark humor and natural style to deliver passionate, provocative and authentic speeches. He draws upon the first-hand experiences and unique insights garnered from frontline education to explore the links between great leadership, human potential, change and innovation. His ability to connect experiences across many seemingly different environments helps people to expand their thinking and perception of potential. It is this authenticity and uniqueness which has helped Richard win him global acclaim and invitations to speak on the most recognized stages, including TED, the RSA and BBC radio.

The three core principles underpinning Richard's philosophy are communication, empowerment, and impact. He argues that great leadership is first and foremost about serving the needs of the people who work for you. His mantra: systems and structures change nothing; people do.

Notable Publications:

- Education: A Manifesto for Change

- Change

- Creating Tomorrow's Schools Today

- Simple Thinking

Connect with Richard Gerver on his website.

LEADING FORWARD with Christie Berger

Highlights: "All about Change and Simple Thinking (Part I)"

• As a parent, it can be difficult to sit back and support your child when they make decisions you may not agree with.
• “Some of our most highly qualified, highly gifted, highly talented professionals are the ones that find change most challenging.”
• People that have never failed, made mistakes or experienced real adversity tend to walk away.
• Adversity and mistakes present an opportunity for the individual to persevere. 
• “The more time you invest in people at the human level, they will give it back to you in Spades.”
• Building your people up develops the most loyal, connected and capable people in your organization. 
• There is no shortcut to having the best team, it starts with the leader investing in their team members. 
• Psychological safety is at the core of the most successful corporations. 
• “Lack of control” is a key component in a person feeling uneasy about change.
• Leaders must ensure that their team is curious enough about the upcoming change and fostering conversation/an environment where questions can be asked. 
• Acknowledging that “every single person’s lived experience has been different,” should urge a leader to listen, first.
• Decisions evolve as you listen and have collective or relative experiences in the organization.